Andrew Chalnick
The Allagash is, for me, a magical place. So close to urban areas yet so very far away. I’ve paddled the waterway many times now with family and friends and I treasure every experience. Traveling the Allagash nourishes my soul.
I live in South Burlington, Vermont with my wife and four children. I am incredibly fortunate that my entire family shares a love for adventure and that we have been able to explore so many beautiful places together. We have all traveled the Allagash, are all “Adirondack 46ers” and we have shared many hiking, camping and paddling adventures across the country. My photographs on this site come from our family trips on the Allagash, as well as adventures with my two brothers, nephew and close friends.
Sharing my love for our wild places with my children and other young people is so important to me. When someone falls in love with nature they understand why it needs to be protected.
When I’m not in a kayak or canoe, my life is centered around my community. I am presently the vice-chair of the South Burlington City Council where I focus on policies that will address the climate crisis, encourage sustainable development and protect the natural resources that make Vermont such a special place.
Before entering public service, I practiced taw law in New York City and later led tax planning at JP Morgan for close to 25 years. Earlier in my career I was a software engineer.
I built this site because, after many trips down the Allagash, I found myself collecting notes about the campsites, the routes, logistics, meals, equipment and things to look out for along the way. This site began as a way to share what I’ve learned. My hope is that it grows into a community resource, built with others who also find the Allagash magical.
Get in touch with me at achalnick@allagashwaterway.org, or check out my City Council or Facebook page. If you live nearby and want to know more, please let’s get together. And if you’re adventurous and have some backcountry skills, perhaps we’ll even plan a trip down the waterway together!’
The best part of this website isn’t what I’ve contributed—it’s what our community will build together. If you have knowledge, stories, photographs, or advice to share, I’d love for you to become part of it.
In 1990, Allagash Ranger David Milligan wrote the following reflection on the natural character of the Waterway. More than three decades later, his words continue to capture the spirit of the Allagash.
NATURAL CHARACTER OF THE WATERWAY
As you fall asleep to the cry of a loon or are awakened by the
splashing of a feeding moose, please take a moment to appreciate the experience of the Allagash.
The Allagash offers not only adventure but also peace of mind.
The waterway has given itself to us and we must return the gift, not
only to the river but to others who come to be comforted by it.
Our presence should be unfelt. Words should be spoken in soft tones
so as not to bother others. Campsites should be left with limited sign of our activity.
Remember the wildlife, trees, and other living things are at home
and should be respected and undisturbed.
The continuance of its natural character is a gift we can return to the Allagash.
The custom SansSheriff typeface used for the site title was generously provided by Third Field Design.