Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Overview
 |
| Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (Huntstock/Stockbyte/Getty) |
Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge is part of a comprehensive cooperative protection and management effort to preserve wildlife, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and timber resources along the northern Maine/New Hampshire border.
Along with the Fish and Wildlife Service, the states of New Hampshire and Maine and many private industries are involved in protecting this area. The project includes the 8,700-acre Umbagog Lake, associated uplands and freshwater marshes.
The refuge protects unique habitat for many wetland-dependent migratory wildlife species of concern, including the bald eagle and the endangered peregrine falcon and waterfowl species such as the declining black duck. It also protects many species of federal and state management concern, including common loon, northern harrier, woodcock, and others. It is considered the best breeding habitat for the common loon and osprey in New Hampshire.
Accessibility
The National Wildlife Refuge System is working to ensure that facilities and programs are accessible to visitors. Contact the refuge office for information about accessibility at this unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Published: 31 Oct 2008
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.
Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Highlights
- The Big Island Area is an exposed and potentially wind-tossed route that follows the southwest shore north from the public boat launch on Route 26 in Cambridge, New Hampshire. Camp on Big Island and listen to the loons. On the return, you can hug the shore or detour east to Tidswell Point, where you might spot moose. Be aware that returning this way requires crossing open water.
- To see the biggest number and variety of wildlife in the reserve, put in at the public boat launch just upstream from the Errol Dam and explore the backwaters north and south of the Androscoggin River. Harper's Meadow and Sweat Meadows boast large numbers of nesting birds. Stay at least 4,000 feet away from the marsh vegetation.
- Take the Magalloway River south from Lake Umbagog NWR Headquarters in Wentworth Location to Leonard Pond, a complex of islands and channels at the confluence of Lake Umbagog and the Androscoggin and Magalloway Rivers. Look for moose, waterfowl, great blue herons, and nesting bald eagles.
- Put in near Errol Dam and paddle up the Androscoggin to the lake, then turn north to Leonard Pond. If time permits, continue on to Leonard Marsh, another haven for waterfowl and moose.
-
Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Travel Q&A
-
What's your favorite hike? Where's the best campsite? Join the conversation! Ask Your Question
Articles & Advice on Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
Where are you going?
What do you want to do?
advertisement
- Appalachian Trail - New Hampshire, US (23 mi.)
- Wild River Area Loop, NH (24 mi.)
- Moose Brook State Park, NH (26 mi.)
advertisement
