Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is a northern treasure in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It consists of nearly 30,000 acres of federally protected lands in northeastern coastal Maine. The refuge's landscape is varied, with rolling hills, large ledge outcroppings, streams, lakes, bogs, and marshes. The diversity of forests and wetlands provides habitat for over 225 species of birds, endangered species, resident wildlife and rare plants. A northern hardwood forest of aspen, maple, birch, spruce and fir dominates the upland. Scattered stands of majestic white pine are common. The Edmunds Division boasts several miles of rocky shoreline where tidal fluctuations of up to 24 feet occur twice a day.
Bald eagle with young chick perched on elevated wooden platform.
The first signs of spring!

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the first signs of spring here at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.

Check out the Wildlife Observation Platform off Charlotte Road to catch a glimpse of our Bald Eagle pair as they begin brooding this year's clutch. Or take a moment to listen some evening for the "Pleent-ing" call of returning Woodcock. Before trees leaf-out is a great time to spot some of our smallest seasonal visitors- as warblers make their way back from their winter homes.

Be aware that trail conditions this time of year can vary as winter snows melt off, so waterproof footwear is usually a good idea!

 

Latest News

A stream cutting through a beautiful forest, whose trees' leaves are orange, yellow, red and green
Wildlife Wonders
Fall for Autumn
Many of the 72 national wildlife refuges in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Northeast Region are gorgeous places for fall walks. This story takes a photo tour of a few of them.
a view over a lake of a mountain with trees in fall foliage and reflected in the water
Wildlife Wonders
A fall foliage tour of the Northeast
Follow the fall foliage on a tour of the Northeast national wildlife refuges.
The silhouette of a person in a kayak holding a fishing rod while floating on a large body of water. The sun sets behind them. The sky is colored with vibrant blues and yellows.
Recreation
The wilderness of the Northeast
Celebrating the wilderness of the Northeast Region
A kayaker paddling toward a setting sunset on a pond surrounded by evergreen trees
Recreation
Why I Took These Shots #3
This is one in a series of articles in which U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff members reflect on favorite photos they have taken at national wildlife refuges. It features refuge manager KEITH RAMOS and Maine's Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.
a raised, wooden platform trail snakes through a mature forest
Recreation
Wheelchair-accessible trails of the Northeast
Explore the scenic and accessible trails on national wildlife refuges in the Northeast, from Maine to Virginia.
A woman cross-country skiing on a snow-covered trail with directional signs in the foreground and forest in the background
Recreation
A Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Poet Robert Frost wrote: “You can’t get too much winter in the winter.” If you enjoy clean, crisp air and the great outdoors, winter is a special time of year at national wildlife refuges in northern latitudes.
View All News

Visit Us

Black bear appearing in clearing
Image Details

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge provides nesting, feeding and breeding habitats for many different species, from tiny golden crowned kinglets to black bears and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy the refuge by car, foot, bike or horseback. A large portion of the refuge is a designated wilderness area wilderness area
Wilderness areas are places untamed by humans. The Wilderness Act of 1964 allows Congress to designate wilderness areas for protection to ensure that America's pristine wild lands will not disappear. Wilderness areas can be part of national wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests or public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Learn more about wilderness area , and provides an escape from the chaos of modern life. Come out and enjoy!

Can't visit us in person? Check out this video by Biological Technician Jordan Darley and Refuge Manager Keith Ramos (video edited by Jordan Darley).

 

 

 

For More Information on Hunting in the Refuge 

Hunters walking up a mowed service road wearing blaze orange.
Image Details

Hunting At moosehorn NWR 

 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 560 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington, DC

      Our Species

       

      American woodcock
      Image Details

      American Woodcock

      American woodcock (Scolopax minor) are studied and managed intensively at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Timberdoodle, mud-sucker, and mud bat are all local names for the woodcock. Unlike their relatives, these reclusive shorebirds have evolved to live in the forests of eastern North America. 

      Get Involved

      There are a variety of ways to get involved at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers, summer interns and the friends group all greatly contribute to the refuge. Visit our Get Involved page to learn ways in which you can help.

      Projects and Research

      The staff at Moosehorn manages the refuge for a variety of habitats to support diverse wildlife. Learn more about grassland, wetland, wilderness and fire management by clicking the link below.