Why 4 Maine rivers flow north instead of toward the ocean

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 6, 2026

Most Maine rivers eventually carry water toward the Atlantic Ocean. But four major rivers in northern Maine flow north: the Upper St. John, Allagash, Fish and Aroostook. All four are part of the St. John River basin, which drains into New Brunswick and eventually the Bay of Fundy. So why do they flow north? Because rivers flow downhill.