Aroostook.com: Where the County Clicks

Allagash

A remote wilderness community surrounded by untouched nature and outdoor adventure.

237Population (2020)
131.42Square miles
1966Incorporated
St. John ValleyRegion

Weather in Allagash

Loading the forecast…

Allagash is a town situated in Aroostook County, Maine, that spans 128.6 square miles of land area. It was incorporated as a town in 1966 and has a population of 237 people.

Illustration of The Allagash is a logging community and is known for it's hunting and fishing opportunities. I would like images that depict these activities and at least one needs to depict a logging camp with loggers milling about.

Allagash is an incorporated town situated in northwestern Aroostook County, Maine, covering a land area of 128.6 square miles at an elevation of 853 feet (260 meters) above sea level. Located at the confluence of the Allagash River and the Saint John River, the community had a population of 237 according to the 2020 U.S. Decennial Census, with 142 total households and an estimated median age of 63.5 years. For those planning a trip, exploring Allagash Maine offers a direct look at the northern woods and river country.

Outdoor Recreation

Allagash serves as the northern terminus of the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway, which was established by the Maine Legislature in 1966, designated as a state-administered National Wild and Scenic River in 1970, and is managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. A multi-day canoe journey through the waterway concludes at a take-out point in the village of Allagash. Because ice-out occurs in early to mid-May, canoe trips along the waterway are not recommended before May 15.

The town also serves as a base for canoeing on the St. John and Allagash rivers, winter tent camping, and trail riding on regional ATV and snowmobile networks. The local Moosetown Riders snowmobile club is based in Allagash and maintains 87 miles of snowmobile trails.

Economy and Local Services

Because the town marks the end of the waterway, outdoor guiding, outfitting, hunting, and canoeing services form a central pillar of the local economy. Year-round sporting camp and outfitting businesses, including Allagash Guide Service and Allagash Adventures Guide Service, provide lodging, sporting, and river guide services. Within the Allagash ZIP code area (04762), the Census Bureau recorded 8 employer establishments, a median household income of $58,333, and an employment rate of 42.6% for the working-age population. The United States Postal Service also assigns the town ZIP code 04774.

Municipal governance, administrative employment, and several public services are clustered together:

  • Allagash Town Office: Located at 1063 Allagash Road.
  • Faye O'Leary Hafford Library: Situated at 1063 Allagash Road, offering public library services. Author Faye O'Leary Hafford wrote more than 20 books chronicling Allagash community life, logging history, and local lore.
  • Allagash Volunteer Fire Department: Headquartered at 1063 Allagash Road. Wildfire protection and forest ranger services are overseen by the Northern Region office of the Maine Forest Service.
Illustration of The Allagash is a logging community and is known for it's hunting and fishing opportunities. I would like images that depict these activities and at least one needs to depict a logging camp with loggers milling about.

Education

Allagash is served by Maine School Administrative District 27 (MSAD 27), headquartered in neighboring Fort Kent. Public education facilities include:

  • Fort Kent Elementary School, serving pre-kindergarten through sixth grade.
  • Valley Rivers Middle School, serving seventh and eighth grade.
  • Community High School (Fort Kent Community High School), serving grades 9 through 12.
  • St. John Valley Technology Center in Frenchville, offering technical and vocational training.
  • University of Maine at Fort Kent, located about 30 miles east, serving as the nearest public university.

Local Attractions and Events

The Allagash Historical Society Museum is located at 456 Dickey Road. Maintained as a heritage site under the Maine Acadian Heritage Council and affiliated with the National Park Service's Maine Acadian Culture network, it preserves farming and logging artifacts, military photographs, letters, historic schoolbooks, church records, and exhibits highlighting Irish and Scottish settlers and St. John River log drives.

Community events held throughout the year include:

  • Tylor Kelly Allagash Dash: An annual 15-mile spring downriver canoe race running from the confluence of the Allagash and St. John rivers in Allagash to Hart's Landing in St. Francis.
  • Annual Independence Day Celebration: A Fourth of July event featuring community activities, pig roasts, cornhole tournaments, and fireworks at The McBreairty Flat on the north shore of the St. John River Bridge.
  • Bash in the Gash: An annual autumn gathering and fundraiser hosted by the Moosetown Riders Snowmobile Club, featuring live music, barbecues, and raffles.

Transportation and Access

Maine State Route 161 is the town's principal paved artery, terminating at its northern end near Dickey Road by the confluence of the Allagash and Saint John rivers. This roadway forms the western end of the St. John Valley Cultural Byway, which extends across northern Aroostook County to Hamlin. Route 161 also connects the town to Caribou, located approximately 70 miles away.

Access to surrounding forest territory is regulated through the North Maine Woods network, including the Allagash Checkpoint off Route 161 via Inn Road. The closest commercial airport is Presque Isle International Airport (PQI), roughly two hours away by car.

Illustration of The Allagash is a logging community and is known for it's hunting and fishing opportunities. I would like images that depict these activities and at least one needs to depict a logging camp with loggers milling about.

History of Allagash

Archaeological records indicate that Native Americans began moving away from the Allagash region in the early 1800s, shortly before lumbering operations and new settlers arrived along the St. John and Allagash rivers. Early non-Native settlers traveled up the St. John River from the Maritime Provinces, including the Gardner family in the second decade of the 19th century, along with families such as the Moores, Kelleys, McBreairtys, Walkers, and Haffords. One of those settlers, John Hafford, appeared in regional census listings between 1820 and 1860, as well as an 1827 New Brunswick provincial list of American citizens possessing lands in Madawaska. Later in the century, the community was organized as Allagash Plantation on June 24, 1886.

On January 31, 1966, Allagash was officially incorporated as a town from Allagash Plantation. That same year, the Maine Legislature established the Allagash Wilderness Waterway to protect 92 miles of interconnected lakes, rivers, and streams running south to north toward Allagash. A few years later, in July 1970, the Allagash was designated as a state-administered unit of the National Wild and Scenic River System.

See the history facts and their sources in Quick facts below.

Quick facts

·

Population

2020 Decennial Census population
According to the 2020 U.S. Decennial Census, the total population of Allagash town was 237.[1]
2020 Decennial Population
The total population for Allagash town was 237 as of the 2020 Decennial Census.[1]
Historical population change (1990 to 2010)
Allagash experienced long-term population decline from 359 residents in 1990 to 277 in 2000 and 238 in 2010.[2]
Median age
The median age of residents in Allagash town was estimated at 63.5 years.[3]
Population change between 2010 and 2020
Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Allagash remained essentially stable, shifting from 238 residents in 2010 to 237 in the 2020 Census.[2]
Total households
Allagash town had 142 total households according to American Community Survey estimates reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.[1]
Total population
The total population of Allagash is 237.[1]
History (9)
Creation of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
In 1966, the Maine Legislature established the Allagash Wilderness Waterway to protect 92 miles of interconnected lakes, rivers, and streams, running south to north toward Allagash.[4]
Early Resident Documentation
Settler John Hafford appeared in regional census listings between 1820 and 1860, as well as an 1827 New Brunswick provincial list of American citizens possessing lands in Madawaska.[5]
Early Settlers
Early non-Native settlers came up the St. John River from the Maritime Provinces, including the Gardner family in the second decade of the 19th century, along with families such as the Moores, Kelleys, McBreairtys, Walkers, and Haffords.[5]
Incorporation
Allagash was incorporated as a town in 1966.[6]
Incorporation Year
Allagash was incorporated as a town from Allagash Plantation on January 31, 1966.[7]
Indigenous Depopulation and Early Migration
Archaeological records indicate that Native Americans began moving away from the Allagash region in the early 1800s, shortly before lumbering operations and new settlers moved in along the St. John and Allagash rivers.[8]
Plantation Organization Date
Allagash was organized as Allagash Plantation on June 24, 1886.[5]
Town Incorporation Date
Allagash was officially incorporated as a town from Allagash Plantation on January 31, 1966.[9]
Wild and Scenic River Designation
In July 1970, the Allagash was designated as a state-administered unit of the National Wild and Scenic River System.[4]
Government (1)
ZIP Code
Allagash is assigned ZIP code 04774 by the United States Postal Service.[10]
Schools (6)
Career and technical training center
Students in the district can access technical and vocational coursework through the St. John Valley Technology Center, located in Frenchville, Maine.[11]
District public elementary school
Fort Kent Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students in MSAD 27.[12]
District public high school
Community High School (Fort Kent Community High School) serves students in grades 9 through 12 across the district.[12]
District public middle school
Valley Rivers Middle School provides education for seventh and eighth grade students in MSAD 27.[12]
Regional higher education institution
The nearest public university serving the area is the University of Maine at Fort Kent, located approximately 30 miles east of Allagash.[13]
School administrative district
Allagash is served by Maine School Administrative District 27 (MSAD 27), which is headquartered in neighboring Fort Kent.[14]
Economy (7)
Employer Establishments Count
The Census Bureau's County Business Patterns recorded 8 total employer establishments within the Allagash ZIP code area (04762).[15]
Employment Rate
The employment rate for the working-age population in the Allagash ZIP code area (04762) is 42.6%.[15]
Local Outfitting Employers
Local sporting camp and outfitting businesses, including Allagash Guide Service and Allagash Adventures Guide Service, operate year-round providing lodging, sporting, and river guide services.[16]
Median Household Income
According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for ZIP Code Tabulation Area 04762 (Allagash), the median household income is $58,333.[15]
Municipal Administration
Municipal governance and administrative employment in the town are centered at the Allagash Town Office located at 1063 Allagash Road.[17]
Outdoor Recreation and Guiding Economy
Because Allagash serves as the northern terminus of the 92-mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway, outdoor guiding, outfitting, hunting, and canoeing services form a central pillar of the local service economy.[18]
Total Land Area
Allagash covers a total land area of 128.6 square miles in Aroostook County, Maine.[1]
Landmarks (4)
Allagash Historical Society Museum collections
The Allagash Historical Society Museum displays artifacts documenting the area's Irish and Scottish settlers, logging operations, farming history, churches, schools, and military service.[19]
Allagash Historical Society Museum location
The Allagash Historical Society Museum is located at 456 Dickey Road in Allagash, Maine.[19]
Maine Acadian Heritage Council partnership
The Allagash Historical Society/Museum is maintained as a heritage site highlighting logging, farming, and St. John River log drives under the Maine Acadian Heritage Council.[20]
National Park Service affiliation
Artifacts from the Allagash Historical Society Museum and historic resources in the Allagash area are featured as cultural sites within the National Park Service's Maine Acadian Culture network.[21]
Recreation (6)
Allagash River and Waterway Administration
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.[22]
Allagash Wilderness Waterway Designation
Established by the Maine Legislature in 1966 and designated as a state-administered National Wild and Scenic River in 1970, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway spans 92 miles of protected lakes, rivers, and streams that culminate in the town of Allagash.[23]
ATV and Winter Camping Access
Allagash is connected to regional ATV and snowmobile networks and serves as a base for trail riding, canoeing on the St. John and Allagash Rivers, and winter tent camping.[24]
Canoe Route Take-Out in Allagash
The classic multi-day canoe journey through the Allagash Wilderness Waterway concludes with a take-out point located in the village of Allagash.[25]
Moosetown Riders Snowmobile Club
The Moosetown Riders snowmobile club is based in Allagash and maintains 87 miles of snowmobile trails.[26]
Paddling Season Conditions
Due to annual ice-out occurring in early to mid-May, canoe trips along the Allagash Waterway are not recommended before May 15.[22]
Events (3)
Annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
Allagash holds an annual Fourth of July celebration featuring community activities, pig roasts, cornhole tournaments, and a major fireworks display at The McBreairty Flat on the north shore of the St. John River Bridge.[27]
Bash in the Gash
Bash in the Gash is an annual autumn community gathering and fundraiser hosted in Allagash by the Moosetown Riders Snowmobile Club, featuring live music, barbecues, and raffles.[28]
Tylor Kelly Allagash Dash Canoe Race
The Tylor Kelly Allagash Dash is an annual 15-mile spring downriver canoe race running from the confluence of the Allagash and St. John rivers in Allagash to Hart's Landing in St. Francis.[29]
Culture (5)
Allagash Historical Society Location and Holdings
Located at 456 Dickey Road in Allagash, the Allagash Historical Society preserves farming and logging artifacts, military photographs, letters, historic schoolbooks, and church records.[30]
Indigenous History of the Allagash Region
Archaeological records document thousands of years of Native American occupation in the Allagash area through the Archaic and Ceramic periods, before populations moved away in the early 1800s.[31]
Local Literary Heritage
Local author and educator Faye O'Leary Hafford wrote more than 20 books chronicling Allagash community life, logging history, and local lore.[32]
Public Library
Public library services in the town are provided by the Faye O'Leary Hafford Library, situated at 1063 Allagash Road.[33]
Settler Heritage and Allagash Historical Society Museum
The Allagash Historical Society Museum highlights the Irish and Scottish heritage of the settlers of Allagash, featuring exhibits on farming, lumbering, and St. John River log drives.[34]
Transportation (5)
Distance to Caribou
Allagash and the city of Caribou are separated by approximately 70 miles along Route 161.[35]
Forest road access
Beyond its public paved corridor, access to surrounding logging and recreation territory is regulated through the North Maine Woods network, including the Allagash Checkpoint located off Route 161 via Inn Road.[36]
Primary highway access
Maine State Route 161 runs through Allagash, serving as the town's principal paved artery and terminating at its northern end near Dickey Road by the confluence of the Allagash and Saint John rivers.[37]
Regional commercial airport
The closest commercial service airport serving the broader region is Presque Isle International Airport (PQI), located in Presque Isle roughly two hours away by car.[38]
Scenic byway designation
Maine State Route 161 in Allagash forms the western end of the St. John Valley Cultural Byway, which extends across northern Aroostook County to Hamlin.[39]
Services (3)
Allagash Volunteer Fire Department
Fire protection services in the town are provided by the Allagash Volunteer Fire Department, headquartered at 1063 Allagash Road.[40]
Faye O'Leary Hafford Library
The town is served by the Faye O'Leary Hafford Library, located at 1063 Allagash Road in Allagash.[41]
Forest fire protection
Wildfire protection and forest ranger services for Allagash fall under the Northern Region office of the Maine Forest Service.[42]
Geography (10)
confluence of major rivers
Allagash is situated at the confluence of the Allagash River and the Saint John River.[43]
county location
Allagash is an incorporated town situated in northwestern Aroostook County, Maine.[7]
elevation
Allagash has an elevation of 853 feet (260 meters) above sea level.[7]
Land area
Allagash has a land area of 128.6 square miles.[1]
land area
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Allagash town covers a land area of 128.6 square miles.[1]
Little Black River tributary
The Little Black River enters and converges with the Saint John River within the town of Allagash.[44]
Location
Allagash is located in Aroostook County, Maine.[1]
neighboring town
Allagash lies immediately upriver and west of the town of Saint Francis along Maine State Route 161.[45]
total and water area
The town encompasses a total area of 131.42 square miles, consisting of 128.61 square miles of land and 2.81 square miles of water.[7]
Total Area
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town covers a total area of 131.42 square miles, consisting of 128.61 square miles of land and 2.81 square miles of water.[7]

Businesses in Allagash

See all 19 listings in Allagash ›

Map of Allagash

Open in Google Maps · Get directions

Nearby communities

St Francis Town · about 10 mi away St John Town · about 16 mi away Wallagrass Town · about 22 mi away Eagle Lake Town · about 22 mi away Winterville Plantation Plantation · about 25 mi away Fort Kent Town · about 26 mi away
All communities in The County

St. John Valley

Central Aroostook

Southern Aroostook

North Woods

See the full communities page

Sources (45)
  1. Allagash town, Aroostook County, Maine - Census Bureau Profile — data.census.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  2. Town County Total percent change, 2010-2030 - Maine.gov — maine.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  3. DP05ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates - Explore Census Data — data.census.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  4. Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation: Preserving a very special wild river and its legacy | Maine Boats Homes & Harbors — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  5. Allagash Plantation, Aroostook Co., Maine - Upper St.John River Valley — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  6. Allagash - Undiscovered Maine — umaine.edu , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  7. Allagash, Maine - Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  8. Allagash History: Parks and Public Lands: Maine DACF — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  9. Allagash, Aroostook County, Maine Genealogy - FamilySearch — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  10. Town - Maine.gov — maine.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  11. Career and Technical Education Schools | Department of Education - Maine.gov — maine.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  12. Maine School Administrative District #27 — sad27.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  13. General Information - UMFK - UMS - University of Maine System — umfk.edu , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  14. Maine School Administrative District 27 - Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  15. ZCTA5 04762 - Census Data — data.census.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  16. Allagash Guide Service: Northern Maine Bear Hunting & Canoe Trips — allagashguideservice.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  17. Town of Allagash - Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce — fortkentchamber.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  18. Allagash Wilderness Waterway - Maine.gov — maine.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  19. Allagash Historical Society | SOS - Maine.gov — maine.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  20. Sites - Maine Acadian Heritage Council — acadianheritagecouncil.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  21. Allagash - Maine Acadian Culture (U.S. National Park Service) — nps.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  22. Allagash Wilderness Waterway - Maine.gov — maine.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  23. Allagash Wilderness Waterway - Maine Trail Finder — mainetrailfinder.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  24. Discover Adventures - Allagash Destinations — allagashdestinations.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  25. Allagash Wilderness Waterway; where adventure awaits - Visit Aroostook — visitaroostook.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  26. Moosetown Riders - Allagash Maine - Snowmobile Club — moosetownriders.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  27. Where to watch fireworks and celebrate America's 250th in northern Maine - The County — thecounty.me , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  28. 2ND ANNUAL BASH IN THE GASH (Allagash) - University of Maine at Fort Kent — umfk.edu , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  29. 7 Canoe races to paddle this year - Visit Aroostook — visitaroostook.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  30. Allagash Historical Society | SOS - Maine.gov — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  31. Allagash History: Parks and Public Lands: Maine DACF — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  32. Allagash's Faye O'Leary Hafford leaves legacy of town library and so much more — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  33. Faye O'Leary Hafford Library - Maine.gov — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  34. Basic Information - Maine Acadian Culture (U.S. National Park Service) — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  35. How Susan Collins' and Troy Jackson's Aroostook roots are shaping their US Senate race — thecounty.me , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  36. Allagash - Checkpoints - North Maine Woods — northmainewoods.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  37. Maine State Route 161 - Wikipedia — en.wikipedia.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  38. Canoe the Allagash River Wilderness Waterway, Maine | Sierra Club Outings — content.sierraclub.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  39. Transportation | NMDC - Northern Maine Development Commission — nmdc.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  40. Allagash Volunteer Fire Department - Station Boss — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  41. Faye O'Leary Hafford Library - Maine.gov — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  42. How to contact your local Forest Ranger: Forest Protection: Division of Forestry - Maine.gov — vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  43. A River in Space and Time—Ecology, Plant Communities, and Conservation in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway - BioOne Complete — bioone.org , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  44. Federal Register/Vol. 67, No. 213/Monday, November 4, 2002/Rules and Regulations - GovInfo.gov — govinfo.gov , viewed Oct 9, 2026
  45. The Other Maine - ONE New England — onenewengland.com , viewed Oct 9, 2026