Planning for Fall Camping - the Magalloway River

We missed this year's spring camping trip due to COVID-19, so I was really hoping to get out in the fall. I had mentioned it to Conrad, and was glad to get an email from him suggesting a 4-day camping trip on the Magalloway River.

The Magalloway River arises in Aziscohos Lake and flows generally south to Lake Umbagog. The upper two miles are popular class II/III (IV) rapids that run during scheduled releases (maybe I will try them someday). The remaining 15.6 miles is a mix of flatwater and quick water with beautiful views, lots of wildlife and several sites for overnight camping. Here is a description of the river:

1. Azisochos Dam Access (mile 0.5) provide access to a section of Class II-III (IV) rapids, or is the take-out for the technical and hazard strewn class V rapids above. Dam releases are scheduled on summer weekends with dates posted on Boston AMC website.
2. Wilson’s Mill (mile 2.25) is an informal access on private land that serves as the best put-in for a quiet water paddle. The next 6 miles are calm and picturesque, with meandering turns and mountain views.
3. Pass under Littlehale Rd (mile 4.3) and enter a straight section adjacent to Route 16.
4. Diamond Peaks (mile 9.0) is a set of basic campsites owned and operated by Northern Waters Outfitters. Advanced registration is required; call (603) 482-3817 to book.
5. Wentworth Location (mile 10.7) is a formal hand carry access point. It includes a 10 car parking lot, a privy, and information on the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. It is in an abandoned oxbow on the right side of the river, so if you are taking out here you must turn off the river to paddle to the access. Across the street is Mt Dustan Country Store & Cabins (603) 482-3898) - a good spot to grab snacks or spend the night.
6. Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters (mile 13.8) offers a boat ramp and ample parking across the street. 
7. Skirt the wetlands (mile 18) along the western edge of Umbagog Lake, home to osprey, bald eagles, and many water lilies.
8. Steamer Diamond Boat Launch (mile 21.2) is an boat ramp on the Androscoggin that can extend a paddle on the Maggalloway.

Here is the trip as detailed on the trip map below:

Day 1 - put in at Wilsons Mills, ME with 10-mile vehicle/bike shuttle from the take out in Erroll, NH. Paddle 6-miles down to Diamond Peaks.

Day 2 - paddle 10-miles down the Magalloway and 4 miles across Umbagog for a total of 14 miles to the Cedar Stump Campsite at the mouth of the Rapid River on Lake Umbagog. We could also hire a Northern Waters pontoon boat to tow us the 4 miles across Umbagog and bring a big load of firewood (the deluxe version).

Day 3 – paddle 8 miles back across the lake and down the Androscoggin to the take out in Errol where we either camp out at the Northern Waters base camp or possibly the Clear Stream campground in Errol, or just drive home.

Day 4 - paddle the rapids on the Androscoggin in Errol and/or downstream and drive home.

Azizcohos Lake Dam has a FERC mandated minimum flow of 200 cfs after Sept. 16th. Sources, including the guide at Northern Waters, say that the river is navigable by canoe at this level. If it is too low, the default is Richardson Lake, which has lots of campsites through Southarm Campground.

Links:

Magalloway Camping Trips Map