Things to Do
Fall Foliage Tour
One of the most pleasurable features of the Umbagog area in the Fall is the
fantastic foliage provided free from nature's paint palette. To enjoy the colors at their best, watch the evening
television local news from September through mid October as they plot the changes from north to south throughout the state,
Route 26 east, four miles from Errol center on the right toward Upton, Maine presents a beautiful scenic vista of the
entire valley with Mount Washington and the Presidential range in the background. This is probably the most spectacular
view from Errol in the fall.
Other breathtaking views may be seen from Upton, Maine overlooking Lake Umbagog. The views along Route 16 through Thirteen
Mile Woods also offers a chance to see colorful views with a river setting. Additional foliage views are abundant on
much of the roadway along Dixville Notch and as well as heading north along Route 16 through Wentworth Location along
the Magalloway River.
Skiing
Downhill: Wilderness ski area is a 10 minute drive from Errol at the beautiful Balsams
Grand Resort on Route 26 west. Sunday River Ski area is about a 45 minute drive from Errol on Route 26 east.
Cross-country: beautiful wilderness trails can be found in the Dartmouth Grant area located off Route 16 north and also
at the Wilderness ski area at the Balsam.
Snowmobiling
There are over 250 miles of groomed trails interconnecting with state trail systems
and other area clubs. This allows snowmachine access to all other adjoining states and Canada.
Snowshoeing
There are areas along Route 16, Route 26, Dartmouth College Grant area, the Balsams,
and just about anywhere else in the Umbagog area to snowshoe and enjoy the wilderness and wildlife of the region.
Moose Watching
The Umbagog area is a wonderful region for viewing moose. In any direction from
Errol Center you can watch moose as they gather to feed and drink along the roadsides in the early morning and early
evening. Route 16 along the Thirteen Mile Woods and also heading north from Errol toward Wentworth Location are great
areas to spot moose as is Route 26 west toward Dixville Notch and east toward Grafton Notch.
Moose are mostly active at night but can be seen anytime of day especially in the Spring after the long winters.
Breeding or rutting season lasts from mid-September through October and calves are born in May or June. In Winter,
you may come across them on snowmobile trails as they travel deep into the woods in search of twigs and bark. Moose
have a life expectancy of 20 of more years in the wild.
Fishing
The Umbagog area provides clear, cold water that's ideal for trout fishing; be it
brown trout, brookies or rainbows. We have numerous ponds abundant in native trout. Celebrity bass fisherman Charlie
Moore states,"Lake Umbagog is a small-mouth bass factory!"
The Androscoggin River provides us with bass, trout pickerel, and salmon. State licenses are required for all persons
16 and older.
Birdwatching
If you are a birdwatcher then the Umbagog area is a great place to visit to see a
variety of birds. There are numerous nesting pairs of eagles, osprey, and loons. Some birds that have been seen in the
area are: Palm and Pine Warbles, Gray Jays, Boreal Chickadees, Black-Backed Woodpeckers, and Pine Grosbeaks.
8-week old Eagle chicks nesting at south edge of Umbagog Lake.
USFWS Photo taken by Bill
Hanson
Golfing
The Balsams Grand Resort offers two golf courses for their guests and the public: an
18-hole championship course and a 9-hole executive course. It is recommended that you call ahead for tee time
(603 255-4961).
Camping
The Umbagog area offers several private campgrounds many of which are located on area
rivers and streams and a state campground located on Lake Umbagog and another on the Androscoggin River. Area
campgrounds offer a range of camping opportunities including remote wilderness sites, RV sites, cabins, full hook-ups,
washrooms and more.
ATV Riding
Miles of ATV riding fun can be found in a trail system nearby and maintained by the
Millsfield ATV club. The Mead Paper lands south of Route 26 in Millfield and Dummer are open for ATV use. Look for
parking signs off Route 26W in Errol. Parking is also available at Millsfield Pond off of Route 16 in Errol,
approximately 5 miles up the road. There are approximately 120 miles of trails and gravel roads; please note roads
are open to conventional traffic and logging trucks always have the right of way on all Mead Paper lands. For more
information and maps of trails, visit www.nhatv.com/atvclubs.asp and www.nhtrails.org/Trailspages/ATV Pages/ATV
Millsfield Pond
Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking
Remote interconnecting rivers and lakes offer exciting canoe and
kayaking opportunities in the Umbagog area. Guided tours are available, as are equipment rentals and lessons. Boat
ramps are marked with a Public Water Access sign. Ample parking is available at the Lake Umbagog ramp located on Route
26 east heading toward Upton, Maine, at the Errol Dam off Route 26 east after the Errol bridge, and limited public
parking at Akers Pond off Akers Pond Road west on Route 26.
There are several small ponds worth noting in the area, some have limited access such as Sweatt Pond, Munn Pond and
Signal Pond and others such as Bear Brook Pond, Long Pond, Round Pond, and Mountain Pond have easier access.
Navigable rivers by motor and non-motorized boat include the Androscoggin, Magalloway, and Clear Stream.
Tennis
The Town of Errol has a newly constructed public tennis court, located behind the
Errol Consolidated School.
White Water Rafting
Maine's whitewater Rapid and Magalloway Rivers offer some of the areas
most exciting and challenging whitewater runs. Trips are organized by Rapid River Rafting Company and scheduled on
specific dates in July and August. Space is limited so it's important to book early. A sure adventure complimented
with wildlife sightings of moose, bald eagles, osprey and loons.
Hunting and Fishing the Umbagog Area
The Umbagog Area offers some of the best hunting and
fishing opportunities in all of New Hampshire and Maine. Please refer to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/fishing
for detailed information on rules and regulations in New Hampshire; and, refer to http://www.state.me.us/ifw/index.html
for rules and regulations in the state of Maine.
Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
603-482-3415
PO Box 240
Errol, NH 03579
Call for information regarding activities and camping at the Lake
Umbagog Wildlife Refuge.
Northern Waters, Inc.
PO Box 119
Center Conway, NH 03813
or summer:
PO Box 120
Errol, NH 03579
Business: 603-482-3817
Home: 207-392-1588
beoutside@megalink.net