Top 10 Rivers in Maine: Exploring the State’s Longest Waterways

There's no place I'd rather be than on the water.

I grew up sailing on Sebago Lake and went to summer camp along the shore of Spring Point in South Portland. If a friend had a pool, I was in it from sunup to sundown. I've spent nearly the last 15 years trying to convince my wife to live on a boat in the Caribbean (one of these days, it will work).

Given my love for all things water, it should be no surprise that I also have a deep affection for the state's incredible river system. I'm so fascinated by it that I wanted to take a closer look at these unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Maine is a Water Wonderland

The state is covered with rivers flowing every which way, originating in Maine, New Hampshire, and even Canada. According to Maine: An Encyclopedia, the state has 73 rivers that are longer than 20 miles. That's quite a number, considering the size of the state.

According to worldatlas.com, Maine also has one of the largest river systems in the United States. In fact, the 10 largest Maine rivers are all 75 miles or longer.

Maine is a Leading State for Activities on the Water

Of course, this means there are thousands of miles of river just waiting for fishing, canoeing, floating, swimming, rafting, and exploring, from Kittery to Madawaska and everywhere in between.

Maine's Longest Rivers

With these impressive stats, I thought it would be fun to look at the longest rivers in Maine, where they are located, and how popular they are. Many of these rivers are very well-known, while one or two may surprise you.

READ MORE: 28 Incredible Maine Mountain Hikes for Every Adventurer

Quick note: You will notice the Penobscot is split up between its branches. This was done because most references list them separately.