This section of the NFCT includes the 4,100 acre Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge on the New Hampshire/Maine border, a renowned birdwatching area with bald eagles, loons, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. The Rangeley area has a history of logging and sport guiding, and has been popular for fishing since the mid-1800s.
In order to safely experience the Northern Forest Canoe Trail in this region, please bring the NFCT Section 8 map with you on your trip. The Maine Trail Finder is not intended to be a comprehensive resource along this trail.
To learn more about this region and plan your trip, visit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website. There you can:
Reservations are required at all campsites in this section, except two Maine Bureau of Public Land sites on the southwest shore of Mooselookmeguntic Lake. For more information about making reservations, please refer to the official map. Pets are not allowed in overnight campsites in the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge during bird breeding season (April - July).
Camping and access sites along this section of trail are a result of NFCT collaboration with the following partners and landowners: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen Phillips Preserve, South Arm Campground, Saco Bound's Northern Waters, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, and private landowners.
Private Land Consideration: Many trails are comprised of both public and private land. Trail organizations work to secure landowner agreements and maintain public use through stewardship and maintenance efforts. Each campsite, trail, and access point may have a different code of conduct required by trail users. More information about specific user requirements and guidelines can be found in the resources -- website, map, or guidebook -- provided by the trail manager. As a trail user it is important to understand and uphold these codes of conduct to allow future use of these locations.
Visit Northern Forest Canoe Trail online for more information or contact:
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