Maquam Creek Nature Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

At the parking lot is a kiosk with information about the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge and trail brochures with maps and other trail information. A pit toilet is available here.

The trail is about 2.5 miles, roundtrip. It begins at the kiosk and proceeds through a field. It then crosses the railroad tracks, just beyond which is a section of woods that has many warblers in the spring, including American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warblers, and the ubiquitous Yellow Warbler and Common Yellowthroat. Black Creek is to your left.

A little further down the trail is an area that has been maintained as Woodcock habitat. Soon after, Maquam Creek is visible on your right, and Maquam Trail branches off to the right. Northern Waterthrush and Great-crested Flycatchers frequent this area.

Proceeding on Maquam Trail, you'll eventually come to a boardwalk that follows the edge of Maquam Creek. Watch for Wood Ducks and beavers. Past the end of the boardwalk, the trail can be very wet in spring. But when it is passable, proceed another quarter mile to the end of the trail, where Black Creek and Maquam Creek meet. Belted Kingfishers are often seen here, and to the south, just out of sight when leaves are on the trees, are a small heron rookery and several Osprey nests.

Retracing your steps, just past the boardwalk is a short trail to the right that connects to Black Creek Trail. Black Creek Trail soon comes to the point where Maqaum Creek Trail branched off. Retrace you steps across the railroad tracks and field to the parking lot.

American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Woodcock, Northern Waterthrush, Great-crested Flycatchers, Wood Ducks, Belted Kingfisher, Osprey, and beaver.