Magalloway River Trail Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Official WebsiteThe Magalloway River Trail is a scenic and easy hike that follows the Magalloway River for about 2.5 miles. The trail offers views of the river, wetlands, forests, and mountains, as well as opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, deer, beavers, otters, bald eagles, and ospreys. The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, with some boardwalks and bridges. The trail ends at the Magalloway River Boat Launch, where you can enjoy a picnic or launch a canoe or kayak to explore the river further.
This short trail network includes a 0.75-mile accessible trail and is a good place to view moose, boreal birds, and waterfowl.
See all hotspots at Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
Umbagog Lake has extensive wetland complexes that are excellent for waterfowl production. One example is Harper’s Meadow. In 1972, the Secretary of the Interior designated part of the wetlands at Harper’s Meadow as a Floating Island National Natural Landmark. This designation recognized the floating bog and wetlands as a significant natural area, one of a very special group of places illustrating the diversity of the country’s natural history.
Umbagog Lake is more than 7 miles in length and covers more than 7,000 acres, making it one of the largest lakes along the New Hampshire/Maine border. It has an average depth of only 15 feet.
The Umbagog area, unique in its habitats, provides a home to many different species. Situated in the southern range of the boreal forests and the northern range of the deciduous forests, the Umbagog area is a transition zone providing homes to species of both habitat types. A total of 229 bird species have been observed on the refuge, and 137 species are known to breed there. There are many species of songbirds, including 24 varieties of warblers. The abundance of fish in the lakes and rivers provides food for the local populations of osprey and bald eagles. Mink, otter, muskrat, and beaver can be seen in the lakes and rivers while black bears, bobcats, fishers, marten, white-tailed deer, and a dense population of moose inhabit the uplands. The extensive wetlands and marshes provide ideal habitats for waterfowl, such as common mergansers, American black ducks, common goldeneye, and common loons.
The TrailFinder website and the AllTrails website have descriptions and maps of hikes on the Magalloway River Trail.
Wheelchair accessible trail
Restrooms on site
Entrance fee
Content from Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Official Website and New Hampshire’s Wildlife Viewing and Birding Trails, p. 3
Last updated November 22, 2023