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

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Trail Tips

Minimize Campfire Impacts
Follow the Maine Forest Service fire regulations and check the current fire danger level before you go camping.
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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.
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