First here is a video for those who either have never seen or are simply missing Lake Umbagog:
I have spoken of many of the reasons why people come back to Umbagog year after year (some going on 20 years). Though the lake is incredible some people need more, some people need to hike. There is one small gorgeous trail near the lake called the Magalloway River Trail. This trail can be found by driving north on Rt. 16 past the National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters (stop in and grab a map of the trail you are about to embark on). Shortly after you pass the NWR HQ you will see the trailhead on your right hand side. This is a nice, easy hiking trail that passes through an area full of bog bridges to help you get around underneath the spruce and fir trees. If you follow the main trail until it makes hard left you can follow it to a nice look out area to observe some of the wildlife on the Magalloway.
If nice and easy is not your style of hiking don’t you worry. Just 20 miles west of the campground on Rt. 26 is beautiful Dixville Notch. Yes this is home to the first place to declare its results during the presidential elections! However, I am not here to tell you about that I am here to tell you about the stunning views that await just a short hike straight up from the road. I did this hike not to long ago with my long time travel companion Bart.
When driving through the notch from Errol, just after you go up and over the notch and before you see the Balsams hotel, there is a pull off on the left. This marks the trailhead to table rock which a short 3/10 mile hike straight up (very steep stairs) to top to see beautiful views of the notch and surrounding area.
Once up there explore some of the trail that goes to a couple different peaks, look outs, and one will take you down the “easy” path toward the picnic area. Many people will park in the picnic area, the first parking lot you see coming from Errol on the left and side, and hike from there. The picnic area offers a nice place to relax have a nice meal while checking out the nearby falls and the leaves as they begin to change their color.
I hope this has inspired you to check out some of the local hikes in the area the next time you visit Umbagog and the surrounding areas!
Live Life, Explore!
Steven Gang
