Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge spans northern New Hampshire and Maine, At the southern range of the boreal forests and the northern range of the deciduous forests, the Umbagog area is a transition zone providing homes to species of both habitats. A total of 229 bird species have been observed on the refuge, and 137 species are known to breed there. The many fish in the lakes and rivers provide food for osprey and bald eagles. “Mink, otter, muskrat, and beaver can be seen in the lakes and rivers while black bear, bobcats, fishers, marten, white-tailed deer and a dense population of moose inhabit the uplands. The extensive wetlands and marshes provide ideal habitat for waterfowl, such as common mergansers, American black ducks and common goldeneye and common loons.”
Here is their website. Phone 603-482-3415 Map
Magalloway River Trail Trail Map 1/3 mile “….a good place to view moose, boreal birds and waterfowl. It features an easy walk through a forested river’s edge to an observation platform overlooking the backwaters of the Magalloway River.” trailfinder
Category: Maine Federal
White Mountain National Forest
White Mountain National Forest
“The White Mountain National Forest in eastern New Hampshire and western Maine ranges from mountainous hardwood forests to majestic alpine peaks.”
There are nine trails described in this brochure on accessible trails and here is a brochure on accessible water bodies.
Here is the Forest website. Phone 603-536-6100. Visitor center phone 603-536-3665
Pemigewasset Ranger District 603-536-6100
Forest Discovery Trail Guide Book 1.53 miles long in two loops. “There are breathtaking views, and opportunities to see some wildlife. ”
Lincoln Woods Trail ” The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, then follows an abandoned railroad grade for 2.8 miles along the west side of the river.”
Livermore Road a former logging road which is mostly level and shaded by trees.
Lower Ammonoosuc River Trail 0.2 mile trail to a view of the lower falls.
Saco Ranger District phone 603-447-5448
Rail N’ River Trail 0.5 mile “…fairly flat, shady loop trail takes you out to the Swift River…” This description came from a now expired website by Eric Rathbun.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area There are two possible trails here. From the parking area to Falls Ponds is 1,300′, but a short stretch sounds a little steep. An alternate trail follows the river for about 1,000′.
Diana’s Baths “The Baths are located 0.8 miles from the trailhead at the parking area.”
Sabbaday Falls “…..0.4 mile trail leads to a picturesque series of cascades in a narrow flume. The gravel trail is wheelchair accessible, but is steep in places (6 to 25% grades) with frequent level spots.”
Main Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Main Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge
“The Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 61 offshore islands and four coastal parcels, totaling more than 8,200 acres. The complex spans more than 250 miles of Maine coastline and includes five national wildlife refuges — Petit Manan, Cross Island, Franklin Island, Seal Island, and Pond Island.”
Here is the refuge website. Phone 207-594-0600 Brochure with Maps.
Corea Heath Division has a 0.4 mile universally accessible trail to an observation platform with a 270° view overlooking the heath.
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
Roosevelt Campobello International Park
This park is on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Canada and can be accessed via the FDR Memorial Bridge at Lubec, Maine. In the summer you used to be able to get there by car ferry from L’Etete or St. Andrews, New Brunswick or Eastport, Maine (via Deer Island). The ferry is currently (2018) not available. This is a good place for birding – it is on the Atlantic Flyway – and wildflowers on the many drives and trails. Habitats include fields, marsh, sphagnum bogs, ponds, cobble beaches, and coniferous, deciduous and mixed forest.
Phones for the park are (506)-752-2922 or the toll-free 1-877-851-6663.
Here is their website and page on accessibility.
There are numerous trails and drives including the wheelchair accessible 0.3 mile Eagle Hill Bog boardwalk and the “flat and easy” Lower Duck Pond to Raccoon Beach trail. A few others sound pretty easy too. Call first.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge lies along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties and consists of eleven divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. Currently the refuge covers 5,400 acres along the Maine coast and will eventually be about 14,600 acres when land acquisition is complete. “The proximity of the refuge to the coast and its location between the eastern deciduous forest and the boreal forest creates a composition of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Maine. Major habitat types present on the refuge include forested upland, barrier beach/dune, coastal meadows, tidal salt marsh, and the distinctive rocky coast.”
Here is the trail guide. Here is their map and brochure and the website. Phone (207) 646-9226.
The Timber Point trail is a 1.4 mile accessible loop that “takes visitors past fringing salt marshes, cattail marshes, mixed deciduous forest, mudflats, shrublands, and rocky shores.” Trail map.
The Carson Trail in Wells, is a “one-mile loop that winds along Branch Brook and the Merriland River with 11 interpretive stations en route. The trail is accessible throughout, and dogs on leash are welcome. ” See an article written by Carey Kisch for more information.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park
“Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats with high biodiversity, clean air and water, and a rich cultural heritage.”
Here is the Park website. There are 4 accessible trails listed in the Park Accessibility Guide. Echo Lake has an accessible path to the water.
Jesup Path is a wheel chair wide boardwalk with pullouts that goes through a white birch forest.
Intertidal Zone is not really a trail, but a gravel bar only exposed 1 to 1.5 hours on either side of low tide. “The road to the bar is steep, rocky, and uneven.”
Jordan Pond has some accessible paths with “…beautiful views of the pond and connections to the carriage roads.”
Hemlock Path 1.5 mile round trip that trail meanders through woodlands.