Hello again from The Great North Woods or Le Grand Bois Du Nord. I have been here for a couple months now and have started to learn all the reasons that people come to Umbagog Lake State Park year after year. With a lake as massive as this you could be here for a month and still not explore everything. From the hidden beaches to the peaceful bays and coves you can explore and see are sorts of flora and fauna throughout the day. I often joke that it is pronounced Um “Bay” Gog for all the bays that are on the lake almost all of them filled with a pair of loons.
If you have your own canoes/kayaks or even if you rent a canoe/kayak be open to transporting it to one of the other public launches to explore a different area of the lake. With the campground being on the southern end of the lake many people don’t have the chance to see the northern end. Luckily there is a boat launch on both the Androscoggin and the Magalloway rivers that allow you to paddle a couple miles either upriver or downriver respectively and find yourself in the pristine Floating Island heath bog. This area was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1972. Here you may find yourself paddling under eagles and osprey or paddling next to loons and even moose.
If you do decide to take a day trip or even an overnight trip to paddle the lake make sure you are watching the weather. This summer we have had many afternoon storms that roll in quick but luckily don’t last long. These storms bring with them heavy rains, high winds, and sometimes thunder and lightning. Before you paddle make sure you check the weather either that day or the day before because as many New Englanders know the weather report from two days ago does not carry much merit. Don’t let this dissuade you from explore the beautiful lake and its surroundings. We have beautiful clear blue skies day as well.
I hope I have opened your eyes to some new ways to experience this wonderful serene wilderness.
If you’re planning to come to Umbagog Lake State Park this summer check out one of the Interpretive Programs being offered through the Discover the Power of Parks Programs.
Live Life, Explore
