Trip/Event Location: Errol NH (ME-NH border), NHUS
Trip Leader(s): otherportland
Max # People: 10
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Always a last minute guy, I thought I'd offer up a weekday (Thurs) paddle on Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge -straddling the ME / NH border. There are two put in options, depending on the #
From Bethel, ME take Rt 26 North THROUGH Grafton Notch State Park into Errol, NH. There's more parking at the dam, so we'll plan on meeting there, but if our numbers are small we can cut out some paddling by putting in a couple of miles further down the road (where parking is more limited). For now, we'll plan on the DAM meeting site, which is located just SOUTH of where RT 26 crosses the ANDROSCOGGIN River. If you cross the river, and enter "downtown" Errol, you've gone TOO FAR. Turn RIGHT just before the river crossing onto a dirt road called N. Mountain Pond Rd (there should be a sign for public water access). After a short distance bear Left onto Boat Landing Rd which dead ends at the dam parking lot. Don't be fooled by your first lake view / boatlaunch /picnic area on RT 26 which is on the southern tip of the lake, we'll be exploring the northern section, a few miles further down RT 26.
The drive, the weather, the company, and the Androscogin River were great. Kayaking is the best way to see everything from the great views to bald eagles. Yes indeed, we did see a balk eagle up in a dead tree scouting for a meal. The warm water was great when we went for a quick swim and the drive up and back with stops at Screw Auger Falls and a sunny meadow for an after-kayak snack could not have been better. PHILL HERE: Thanks John! I had a fabulous time. A great paddle exploring the N.W.R. Next time, we'll have to make it an overnight at one of the primitive campsites. We scouted out what we thought was a perfect skinny dip spot - secluded, out of the wind, and with gorgeous views. We negelected to secure a sunny rock for the post-dip sunbathing, though (which is kinda the most important part). Oh well, next time...The pics of the bald eagle look like nothing, but here's a few from the rest of the day. Enjoy.
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
