Without assistance, a 67-year old man became the first to travel the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in his kayak. This incredible journey stretches over 740 miles from New York to Maine. Gil Whitney took over 57 days to complete this remarkable feat. The trail starts in Old Forge, NY and concludes in Fort Kent, Maine.

Though there have been solo canoeists, Gil Whitney, a retired tractor trailer driver from Lakeville, Maine, was the first solo kayaker to complete the trail. During his adventure, he shed nearly 30 pounds, paddled through 9 days of rain, and even had an encounter with a swimming black bear.

Print this Story