
MAINE TRAILS
GUIDE SERVICE

WILDERNESS CANOE & BACKPACKING TRIPS IN NORTHERN MAINE - Since 1997
Discover the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway in northern Maine, one of America's preeminent canoe trips, and Baxter State Park, a wilderness haven encompassing some of the most rugged terrain in the Northeast, including Maine's "greatest mountain", Katahdin!
We offer both flat and white water canoe trips from 3-8 nights on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and in the Penobscot River Corridor as well as hiking/backpacking trips of 3-5 nights in Baxter State Park. ​
​
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE!
2025 CANOE & BACKPACKING TRIPS DESTINATIONS

WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
"The five days in the woods were as enjoyable as any I have had in my life. This trip will be relived over and over again through stories with family and friends, especially Brad, Jud & Roy. Thanks for everything!"
-Ted S. - Newington, CT
"Thanks for a great adventure - we appreciate all the equipment, work and planning it took to lead this trip. It's something that we will both remember - and laugh at all the memories!!"
Todd & Penny - Saco, ME
"Very knowledgeable of both the waterways and the history of the area. Rich, you were a fantastic host! Your nature, attitude and enthusiasm made this trip wonderful".
-Adam M. - San Antonio, TX
"I was extremely impressed with your navigation & professionalism - particulary in the pre-trip phase - quick responses to e-mails, sending out info promptly".
Kasey R. - Boston, MA

CONTACT:
Richard Aspinall
Master Maine Guide
52 Walton Mills Road
Mount Vernon, Maine 04352
207-650-0808 (mobile)
207-293-2600 (home/office)
*207-746-3285 (Grindstone Base Camp)
*Summer months only
Follow Us!

MAINE TRAILS
GUIDE SERVICE
YOUR GUIDES
​
Richard Aspinall - Registered Master Maine Guide
​
Rich is a Registered Master Maine Recreation Guide and has been trip leading and guiding in Maine for over 30 years. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, he grew up and has spent most of his life in the great state of Maine. He has earned degrees in both Management & Accounting from the University of Maine, and is now working to complete his Masters degree in Education. Rich is a proud member of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization, is fully certified in CPR & First Aid, and makes safety the number one priority on all of his trips.
From September to June, Rich is a Middle School Science, Social Studies & Outdoor Learning Teacher and has a great passion for working with kids. Before getting into education, he spent over 14 years at L.L. Bean and has had the opportunity to use and test many outdoor products over the years, as well as hike and paddle all of the trails and waterways that he guides on. On his canoe trips he is a stickler for details, and always ensures a safe, exciting and fun adventure.
​
Cheryl Quirrion - Registered Maine Guide
​
Cheryl is a Registered Maine Recreation Guide and has been trip leading and guiding in Maine for over 15 years. Born and raised in Maine, she has spent most of her life enjoying many outdoor activities in our state, paddling, hiking & backpacking, xc skiing, boating, fishing, etc...
She is an RN, has earned a degree in Nursing from the University of Maine, and works as a hospice nurse and clinical manager for a private healthcare agency. She is fully certified in CPR & First Aid, and with her caring attitude, coupled with her outdoor skills and experience, she is a huge asset on our canoe & backpacking trips! Often, repeat customers will ask, "is Cheryl going to be guiding this trip"!
Home & Business
Rich & Cheryl live in a small log home in the woods in Mount Vernon, Maine with their black lab "River", but their basecamp for operations is on the East Branch of the Penobscot River in Grindstone, Maine. With a family that includes two adult daughters who have spent a great deal of time in the Maine outdoors, they can usually be found hiking, backpacking or canoeing on a "Maine Trail".
​
Rich & Cheryl offer exciting outdoor experiences on several of Maine's historic waterways & hiking trails. Their canoe trips on the Allagash Waterway and West Branch of the Penobscot Rivers range from 3 - 8 nights, and their personal knowledge of the rivers and their history, make for a fun and interesting adventure. More importantly, Rich & Cheryl stand behind their commitment to their clients in offering their skills & knowledge to coordinate your adventure and to provide a safe, legal and quality trip for you and your group!
​


