MAINE - The Pine Tree State, is defined by its rugged coastline, vast forests, and an intricate network of rivers that have shaped its landscape and history. When considering which river holds the title of "longest," it's important to distinguish between waterways that flow through Maine and those entirely within its borders, as well as how "length" is measured (main stem vs. entire river system, including branches).
The St. John River: An International Giant Passing Through Maine
The St. John River is the most significant, considering the length of any river that touches Maine.
- Total Length: Stretching approximately 418 miles, the St. John River originates in Maine (Baker Branch in Somerset County) and Quebec, Canada.
- Course: It flows through northern Maine, forming a significant portion of the international border between Maine and Canada (Quebec and New Brunswick), before eventually emptying into the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick.
- Maine's Portion: While only a segment of its total length is within or borders Maine (around 100-214 miles depending on the measurement point to the border), its presence in the northern wilderness and the St. John Valley is culturally and historically significant, tied to Acadian heritage and early exploration by figures like Samuel de Champlain. It's also part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
The Penobscot River: Maine's Longest River System Entirely Within the State
The Penobscot River is the primary contender when considering the longest river system entirely within Maine or the longest main stem river wholly in Maine.
- Length: The main stem of the Penobscot River flows for approximately 109 miles from the confluence of its East and West Branches in Medway south to Penobscot Bay. However, suppose you include its longest branch (the West Branch, which is around 117 miles). In that case, the Penobscot River system is about 264 miles long, the longest river system primarily within Maine. Some sources cite Penobscot's total length (including branches) as 350 miles.
- Source: It rises from several lakes and branches in north-central Maine.
- Mouth: It empties into Penobscot Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Significance: Historically vital for logging and transportation (navigable to Bangor), the Penobscot River is also important ecologically and is home to the Penobscot Indian Nation.
Other Notable Long Rivers in Maine:
- Androscoggin River: Approximately 178 miles long, starting in New Hampshire and flowing through Maine to Merrymeeting Bay.
- Kennebec River: Roughly 170 miles long, originating from Moosehead Lake and flowing south to Merrymeeting Bay.
- Saco River: Around 136 miles long, beginning in New Hampshire and emptying into Saco Bay in Maine.
While the St. John River boasts the most significant overall length of any river touching Maine, the Penobscot River (when considering its entire system, including its branches) is generally recognized as the longest river primarily and entirely within the state of Maine. Both other significant rivers, like the Kennebec and Androscoggin, are vital to Maine's geography, history, ecology, and recreational opportunities.
Share This Article on Social Media
Sources:
- Maine Geological Survey
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
- Maine Office of Tourism
- Maine Encyclopedia
- Northern Forest Canoe Trail
- Local historical societies along the respective rivers
