Just How Long Is the Longest River in Maine?

If you’ve ever heard that 'size doesn’t matter,' try telling that to this Maine river.

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Thalassophobia is the persistent and intense fear of deep bodies of water, such as the sea, oceans, lakes, or rivers. While this phobia generally deals with 'deepness,' it still seems fair to group length into this one. If you think that you have this phobia, you might want to consider skipping this trip to the river.

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There are several bodies of water in Maine. According to 'Maine An Encyclopedia,' Maine has 73 rivers longer than 20 miles, and in some cases, canals and locks, devices that are used to raise or lower the water level, extend the use of Maine rivers as transportation avenues.

That number of 73 is slightly less than the over 6000 lakes and ponds that are in Maine, according to the University of Maine, which offers a plethora of options for water lovers.

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All of this being said, Maine has a lot of water, duh. But, what river in Maine is the longest? And how long is it?

Well, those questions may have a few different answers, depending on what factors you consider.

The Saint John River is a mighty 418 miles long and runs through our Pine Tree State, although the majority of its length is in Canada. So, if you want to count this as a river 'in' Maine, that’s your answer!

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However, according to World Atlas, the Kennebec River is the longest river which is entirely within the state, at 170 miles.

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Although, we're just trusting the folks out there who have measured themselves. Is anyone up for a trip around Maine with a really long tape measure?

Look at Maine's 10 Longest Rivers

Maine is an outdoor wonderland, mainly due to its incredible terrain. One of those treasures is Maine's vast river system. In fact, its one of the more impressive ones in the country.

According to WorldAtlas.com, Maine has one of the largest systems in the United States, with the top 10 rivers all being over 75 miles.

Here is that list, which includes many nationally-known rivers.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

10 of the Deepest Lakes and Ponds in Maine

With 6,000 lakes and ponds, Maine has A LOT of freshwater shoreline. Some are densely populated in the summer months, while others are as remote as the wilderness that surrounds them. They're home to Maine's thriving gamefish populations, which calls-in anglers from all over the country. Ever wondered which of these lakes are the deepest in the state? We checked-over depth charts and topographic maps to find the 10 deepest lakes in Maine, as according to their maximum depth.

Gallery Credit: Paul Wolfe

23 Different Names Mainers Have for Their ‘Rain Boots’

Mainers are passionate about their footwear, and with the majority of our year characterized by snow, rain, or a frightening combination of the two, boots are essential. But what do we call them?

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge