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Take US 1 south from Calais. Cross the east branch of Magurrewock Stream and turn left on Charlotte Rd. and drive approximately 3 miles to Headquarters Rd., turn right and continue to the Refuge Headquarters to park.
General Description: The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937, as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds, endangered species and other wildlife. It is one of the northern-most National Wildlife Refuges in the Atlantic Flyway, a migratory route that follows the eastern coast of North America. The Refuge consists of two divisions. The Baring Division and Edmunds Division. Each division contains a National Wilderness Area, thousands of acres managed to preserve their wild character for future generations. Refuge roads are closed to all private vehicle traffic. There are over 50 miles of dirt roads and trails available for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing (winter). The terrain is varied and the trails travel through many different habitat types. Biking along these roads and trails is a great way to observe wildlife. The Refuge serves as a breeding area and migration stop for a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds which can be seen on the Refuge's lakes and marshes. Bald eagles are frequently sighted around Magurrewock Marsh on the Baring Division and along the shore of Dennys Bay on the Edmunds Division. The woodlands are home to an incredible variety of songbirds. Black bears can often be spotted foraging along the Refuge roads in the spring, in the blueberry fields in August and under apple trees in the fall. Look for deer and the elusive Moose in the clearings scattered throughout the Refuge. An unobstrusive observer, stationed at the edge of a clearing can watch the spectacular courtship displays of the American Woodcock. Coyotes, snowshoe hares, beaver and river otters may also be seen. The Refuge's landscape is varied with rolling hills, large ledge outcrops, streams, lakes, bogs and marshes. A northern harddwood forest of aspen, maple, birch, spruce and fir dominate the upland. Scattered stands of majestic white pine are common. The Edmunds Division boasts several miles of rocky shoreline where tide fluctuations of up to 24 feet occur twice a day. Three self-guided interpretive trails give insight into refuge wildlife and management. Refuge staff offer free tours and programs at various times during the year, mostly during the summer. No motorized vehicles or bicycles are allowed in the Wilderness Areas. Water, restrooms and maps are available at Headquarters. Cobscook Bay State Park, in the Edmunds Division, has camping facilities with spectacular views of Maine's rugged coast.
The Trails: Over 50 miles of Refuge roads are closed to private vehicles. This makes them ideal for biking. The refuge roads allow access to almost all parts of the refuge, passing through the habitats of all kinds of wildlife. Maps are available at the office. For the purpose of this article we concentrate on the 20,016 acre Baring Division and have broken it up into 2 sections: North and South. Magurrewock Marsh to Barn Meadow (North) This article shows a 9 mile loop in the northern half of the Baring Division along scenic 2WD woods roads. There is a short stretch on US 1 at the end of the loop. The terrain is relatively flat with no real technical challenges or significant hill climbs; nothing the beginner couldn't handle. Start at Park Headquarters and head east on Goodall Heath Road. The route travels through a variety of habitats and you will likely spot some of the wildlife that call this preserve home. Obey the laws of the jungle... observe and keep your distance, respect the wildlife and their space and you will have memories to last a lifetime. You can add more mileage and visit different habitats and park denizens by exploring any of the intersecting trails. There are more riding opportunities to the south easily accessed by Goodall Heath Road. (see Other Area Rides above).
Wildlife Observation Tips: Dawn to dusk are the best times to see wildlife. Little is moving on hot, humid summer afternoons or on windy days. Observe from the sidelines. Leave "abandoned" young animals alone. A parent is probably close by waiting for you to leave. Don't offer snacks; your lunch could be harmful to wild digestive systems. Two observation decks offer good vantage points for eagles, osprey, and other wildlife. Stop by the office to ask about other wildlife hotspots.
Historical Note: In 1934 Congress passed The Federal Duck Stamp Act to raise funds for purchase of National Wildlife Refuge lands. and in 1937 the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge was purchased with Duck Stamp funds. It is one of the oldest National Wildlife Refuges and a part of the early conservation movement in America. In 1997 Congress passed the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act and it is signed by President Bill Clinton. The Act gives the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service clear guidance in administering National Wildlife Refuges. Wildlife conservation is top priority. However, it also names secondary public uses to include hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
For more information: Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge: Phone: (207)
454-7161
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