Dummer: Water, Forest and Wildlife Watching

Dummer brings together water and nature with a history of hydropower. Pontook Reservoir is popular with kayakers; fields, wetlands and forest shape the Glover Farm Wildlife Management Area. A viewpoint on the Bickford Hill Trail and the Upper Ammonoosuc River’s historic use also give the area distinct facets. As you plan your vacation, you can consider whether water, wildlife watching, or trails and scenery should be the focus.

At Pontook Reservoir: Kayaking and Hydropower

Pontook Reservoir is in Dummer and is popular with kayakers. On the Androscoggin River, the Bofinger Conservation Area has a public boat launch. It is managed by the relevant state agency. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Dummer, you can consider Pontook Reservoir’s popularity with kayakers as a potential focus for your trip.

Pontook Dam created the reservoir. In the mid-1980s, the dam was rebuilt to generate hydropower.

Forest, Wetlands and Wildlife

The Glover Farm Wildlife Management Area encompasses fields, wetlands and a diverse forest landscape. These habitats support characteristic New Hampshire wildlife species as well as state- and federally listed endangered species. The area was acquired to provide the public with recreational opportunities, including hunting and wildlife watching. Those interested in nature watching will find a different focus here than at the reservoir.

The Glover Farm Wildlife Management Area also preserves the view from the Route 16 Scenic Byway.

Trails and Different Interests

The Bickford Hill Trail offers a view of Pontook Reservoir and wind turbines. If you would like to combine a hike with a scenic viewpoint, you can consider this trail as a separate part of your trip. The view takes in both the water and wind turbines, making it thematically distinct from wildlife watching at the Glover Farm Wildlife Management Area.

The Milan Trail Huggers ATV Club area extends across Milan, Stark and Dummer, between Routes 3 and 16. This location and route information may be of interest to travelers looking into ATV opportunities in the area. About 1.5 miles of trail on Grass Road Corr A in Dummer are slated for improvements. A gravel-and-clay mix is planned for a stretch of about half a mile. Since this work is planned, this information describes a proposal, not a completed improvement project.

Hydropower as Part of Local History

The Upper Ammonoosuc River provided hydropower for mills in Dummer’s forested region. Together with the later rebuilding of Pontook Dam for hydropower generation, this reflects a historical and technical connection to water. For visitors who want to understand how the landscape has been used alongside their interest in nature and recreation, the river, mills and dam form a distinct theme.

When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home in Dummer, your personal travel interests can help you decide.

More local pages to explore: Milan, Gorham, Colebrook, Carroll, Errol, Lancaster, Dixville Notch and Whitefield.

For the broader travel overview: Coos.