Take A Virtual Tour of the Project Lands—Visiting Magalloway.

Paddlers navigating a bend in the Magalloway River

Know Before You Go — Exploring the Maine Woods Safely

The Magalloway region offers an unforgettable outdoor experience—from paddling pristine waters and casting for wild brook trout to hiking, hunting, and more. However, much of this landscape is an active working forest with limited services and remote conditions, and shared by landowners, foresters, and recreational enthusiasts.

Preparation goes a long way. Before you attempt to visit, please take some time to review these guidelines for exploring the area responsibly.

Road Use and Navigational Considerations

  1.  Logging Trucks ALWAYS have the right-of-way. They often carry 100,000+ pound loads and cannot stop quickly.
  2.  Drive slowly and carefully. Watch for trucks ahead of and behind you. If you meet one, pull over as far as possible, stop, and let the truck pass. Wait for the dust to settle before pulling back onto the road—there might be another truck behind the first!
  3.  Whenever you stop or park, pull as far off the road as you can conveniently. Never stop or park on bridges.
  4.  Drive with your lights ON. Forest roads can be so dusty you can’t see vehicles ahead of you, behind you, or oncoming. Lights help.
  5.  Be patient. If you encounter forestry equipment in or near the road, wait for the operator to signal that it is safe to pass. When it is safe to do so, drive slowly and give the operator plenty of room.
  6.  Do NOT block side roads or gates. Access may be needed in case of an emergency.
  7.  Do NOT go through an unlocked gate. It may be locked when you return to it, and you will be stuck on the wrong side.
  8.  Make sure that your spare tire is in good working order and that you have the tools and skills to change it BEFORE you head out. Tip: freshly graded roads look smooth but often contain the sharpest rocks.

Trip Planning Safety

  1.  Share your anticipated route, locations, and trip timeframe with others ahead of your departure and check in after your adventures to confirm you are safe.
  2.  DO NOT COUNT ON YOUR CELL PHONE WORKING. Remote areas of Maine do NOT have service.
  3.  Emergency Services may take an hour or more to reach your location should you need them.
  4.  Without cell service, your maps won’t work. Bring paper maps for roads and trails and make sure you can read them.
  5.  Carry extra food, water, a flashlight or headlamp and batteries, warm layers, a first aid kit, and other essential supplies in case you encounter an emergency or are out longer than you planned.
  6.  Make sure you have plenty of gas. (But never transport extra gasoline inside your vehicle.)
  7.  Do NOT assume the water you find is safe to drink – often there are harmful bacteria that you will not be aware of in it. Use proper filtration or other methods to treat it before consumption.

Respect the Land

  1. Do NOT build unauthorized fires or fire pits. Authorized fire rings will have obvious signage; otherwise, no fires should be started. 90% of forest fires in Maine are started by people; don’t contribute to that number.
  2.  Do NOT cut down any trees for any reason without the landowner’s permission. If you must start a campfire, use downed wood.
  3.  Do NOT bring firewood from out-of-state or other parts of Maine. Invasive insects and disease are known to be transported via firewood from infected areas.
  4.  DO read the signs! Follow guidance on any posted signs for additional rules of the road, allowed uses, and directional information.
  5.  DO act respectfully to people you meet and to the land by following these guidelines and any other posted rules, including seasonal road closures. You are a guest even if you have permission to be there.

Other Considerations

  1.  Do NOT leave valuables, bags, or backpacks visible in an unattended vehicle, especially overnight.
  2.  Do NOT leave trash in the woods, along the roads, or in the water. Please carry your trash out, including bagged dog waste.
  3.  Do NOT leave food where it may be accessible to animals. For their safety and your own, stash all food and food waste in a durable, locked container such as inside your vehicle (unless it’s a soft top), a lockable “bear-proof” cooler, or a bear barrel.

Other Helpful Resources