EVENTS: Great Carrying Place Portage

Portage Trail Hike Offered by The Arnold Expedition Historical Society

This year commemorates the 250th anniversary of Benedict Arnold’s march through the Maine wilderness in an attempt to capture Québec. To honor this daring journey, the Arnold Expedition Historical Society (AEHS) is offering three guided hikes along a section of the Arnold Trail to Québec, known as the “Great Carrying Place Portage Trail,” retracing the steps of Arnold’s 1,000-man army, on Saturday, August 16; Saturday, September 27; and Saturday, October 18, 2025. Arnold and Native Americans before him used the portage trail to travel between the Kennebec River and the Dead River, avoiding 18 miles of dangerous white water and several days of travel.

Each hike is limited to 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration ends August 13, 2025.

The hikes will cover about five miles of the Great Carrying Place Portage Trail – from the Kennebec River to Middle Carry Pond. Along the way, AEHS members will describe the Herculean effort by soldiers to move a hundred tons of supplies to the Dead River. Once at Middle Carry Pond, an AEHS member will lead a discussion on the challenges ahead for the expeditionary force. A replica of a bateau used by the expedition will also be displayed. A shuttle will be available to take participants back to their vehicles.

For more details and the reservation form, please visit the Arnold Expedition Historical Society Facebook page AEHS1775.

Questions about the hike can be directed to Norm Kalloch at pondstream@yahoo.com.