Northern Forest Canoe Trail: Section 8

The 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail traverses some of the most scenic paddling country in the northeast. Section 8 of the trail travels from Umbagog Lake to Rangeley Lake, and is characterized by a connected series of large lakes and undeveloped, conserved land and sensitive wildlife habitat.
Trail Activity
Paddling
Length
37.00 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Strenuous
Towns
Adamstown Twp, Magalloway Plt, Rangeley, Richardsontown Twp, Township C, Upton
Surface
Water - Lake/Pond, Water - River/Stream
Pets
Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

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.

Other Information

To learn more about this region and plan your trip, visit the Northern Forest Canoe Trail website. There you can:

  • Buy waterproof maps and a guidebook, which describe local regulations and attractions
  • Use the Trip Planner Map Tool to locate outfitters, guides, and other amenities 
  • Learn about the trail and its unique history
  • Become a Northern Forest Canoe Trail member or volunteer
  • And much more!

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.

Trail Manager

Visit Northern Forest Canoe Trail online for more information or contact:

Northern Forest Canoe Trail

Northern Forest Canoe Trail
PO Box 565
Waitsfield, VT 05673
Phone: 802-496-2285
Fax: 802-329-2239
info@northernforestcanoetrail.org
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared for emergencies. Pack extra clothing, food, and water and also a flashlight, first aid and repair kit, matches/fire starters, whistle, signaling mirror, and pocket knife.
Legend
Hide All
Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
These awesome businesses support our goal of connecting people to outdoor adventures in Maine!
Hang Tight!
Nearby services are loading
No Results
No Services Found

Trail Alerts

Safety
Be a Safe and Respectful Paddler
Paddling conditions will vary according to the weather and season, so always exercise caution and always wear a lifejacket. With good judgment and proper equipment, the risk associated with paddling can be minimized. Respect the natural world and the rights of landowners, and be considerate of other outdoor enthusiasts. Paddlers should seek to avoid causing erosion, trampling vegetation, disturbing wildlife, and harming water quality.
Trails
Rapid River Carry
The Rapid River Carry is not an official corridor of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, but it is currently managed by the landowner for public non-motorized recreational passage by those portaging paddle craft.
SHARE THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Maine trail finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…