Note: This is not a guarantee of accessibility, but a tool to help you determine if this location is appropriate for your needs.
The Magalloway River, which flows out of Aziscohos Lake, offers a variety of paddling opportunities all season long. This area is rich with wildlife; moose, song birds, and waterfowl like American black ducks all call this environment home. Sections of the river are protected as part of the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.
The Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Canoe Launch is good starting point both out and back or down river trips. The launch, includes accessible infrastructure improvements, including a gravel access trail, dock, designated parking, and an ADA compliant privy. As a take out downstream (Steamer Diamond launch) is also relatively accessible, this trip is well suited for those with mobility challenges. (see specific description of features below).
The Umbagog NWR Canoe launch is situated on an abandoned river oxbow located off the river. To reach the main channel, head south (right) for ¼ mile. This section of the Magalloway is quiet water and out and back trips are possible. For those doing out and back trips, make a note of the location of the “exit” to aid navigation on your return trip.
There are several side trips off the river’s main stem. ¾ downstream is the outlet to an abandoned oxbow, and another ½ further is the outlet to Sturtevant Pond. Both are worth exploring if you are embarked on an out and back trip.
For those seeking a downriver outing, the best take is the Steamer Diamond access, approximately 10 miles downstream. The refuge is planning to better improve this launch with features to serve users with disabilities. As is, the landing, which is a wide gravel launch, is relatively easy to navigate, although infrastructure is limited. For those making this trip it is worth planning to spend extra time explore the floating bogs on Umbagog Lake at the halfway point of this trip. You are likely to spot eagles here.
Click here to download or view a detailed description of the access point in this suggested trip.
