Sunkhaze Meadows NWR - Oak Point Trail

Following an abandoned logging road much of the way, this trail highlights the forested uplands and diverse habitats of the refuge while providing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Trail Activity
Snowshoeing Cross-country-skiing Hiking
Length
2.90 miles, Round Trip
Difficulty
Moderate, Advanced
Town
Milford
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

This trails follows an abandoned logging road which becomes a footpath and continues out to a stream and peatland area. It is about 1.5 miles each way. The trail passes through forested uplands highlighting a diversity of habitats to end overlooking the peatland on Sunkhaze Meadows.

In the winter months, with proper snow conditions, much of the refuge, including the peatland, is accessible by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Other Information

Sunkhaze National Wildlife Refuge is located in Milford, Maine, just north of Bangor. Established in 1988 and more than 10,000 acres in size, it surrounds nearly five miles of Sunkhaze Stream and another 12 Miles of its tributaries. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the refuge to protect important habitats for wildlife, including forested, uplands, alder/willow riparian zones, cedar swamps, and the large peatland complex for which it is named. The peatland is one of the largest in Maine, along with Caribou Bog, Crystal Bog, and Great Heath. It contains several raised dome bogs with peat deposits up to 15 feet deep. Migratory waterfowl and wading birds such as black ducks, wood ducks, great blue herons, and American bitterns use the stream habitat. American woodcock benefit from the diversity of habitats on the refuge. Neotropical migratory bird species, including chestnut-sided warblers, scarlet tanagers, and olive-sided flycatchers nest in the forested uplands. Resident wildlife includes ruffed grouse, red-tailed hawks, beavers, white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, coyotes, and river otters.

Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuges with help from the Friends of Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Their mission is to “preserve the peatland ecosystem and maintain a biologically diverse area for native wildlife and plants, while offering opportunities for wildlife- and wildland-oriented activities.” In keeping with this purpose, the refuge is open to visitors year-round during daylight hours and offers recreational opportunities that are compatible with its wildlife and habitat management objectives.

Observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. Hunting is permitted on the refuge, with most activity occurring during October and November. Blaze orange is required for hunters and strongly recommended for hikers. During the summer months, biting flies and mosquitoes are abundant. Insect repellent is highly recommend. Dress appropriately for your activity and have foul weather gear with you. Waterproof footwear is recommended.

Please restrain all pets on leashes. Loose dogs may harass wildlife and detract from other visitors’ enjoyment of the refuge.

Trail Manager

Visit Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife RefugeMaine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuges, and Friends of Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge online for more information or contact:

Friends of Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
PO Box 450
Milford ME, 04461
info@sunkhaze.org
View website

Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
PO Box 279
Milbridge, ME 04658
Phone: (207) 546-2124
mainecoastal@fws.gov

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Trailhead Information

The refuge may be reached one of two ways. To reach the southern half of the refuge, including Johsnon Brook Trail, take County Roud off US Route 2 in the center of Milford. To reach the northern half of the refuge, including Sunkhaze Stream and the Ash Landing Trail, follow US Route 2 north to Costigan, and turn right onto Greenfield Road. Take your first right (at Parkway Transportation and Northland Service signs) onto Stud Mill Road. Follow the road as it turns left in about 0.5 miles and then continues east to the refuge. It is approximately two miles from this turn to the refuge boundary. (Note: Do not park along Stud Mill Road; this private road is used by heavily loaded logging trucks which have the right of way.)

Oak Point Trail leaves from a gate on County Road 6.8 miles from US Route 2. Parking for this trail is at the same parking area as Carter Meadow Road, where there is also an information kiosk. It is about a 0.3-mile walk up (north) on Country Road to the trailhead.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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