Breathtaking Beauty Awaits in Rangeley, Maine

The picturesque landscape of Rangeley, Maine, sets the stage for outdoor activities. Mountain breezes take the edge off a hot summer day. Sparkling lakes and ponds, cascading rivers and streams and plummeting waterfalls enhance the experience. The landscape is ever changing.

And then there’s the moose watching. Bring your camera! Not only is the countryside picturesque, but the wildlife is abundant. It’s not uncommon to see moose, deer, black bears and other wildlife. And listen for the call of the loon.

ANGEL FALLS:
Scenic “hanging” falls with 90-foot drop. Return via the same trail.
Trailhead: Bemis Road, Byron
Degree of Difficulty: moderate to difficult

APPALACHIAN TRAIL:
Several choices–trail from Route 17 to Route 4 is approximately 13 miles, from Route 4 to the summit of Saddleback Mountain is 5 miles (find Piazza Rock–a fun destination for young hikers, about 1.4 miles from Route 4, plus a side trail off of Saddleback Mountain, to the base lodge.
Trailhead: Beech Hill Road, Rangeley; Route 17, Roxbury
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

AZISCOHOS MOUNTAIN:
A 1.75-mile hike to the summit on the Firewarden’s Trail offers spectacular lake views. Return via the same trail.
Trailhead: Route 16, Lincoln Plantation
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

BALD MOUNTAIN TRAIL:
A 1.75-mile hike to the summit, where you can climb the new 30-foot lookout tower and enjoy panoramic mountain and lake views. Picnic tables at the summit. Return via the same trail.
Trailhead: Bald Mountain Road, Oquossoc
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

CASCADE STREAM GORGE TRAIL: 
A short hike with plenty of opportunities to view the 2000-foot rocky gorge, dotted with pools up to 90-feet deep and a 16-foot waterfall. Picnic tables are available along the way. Return via the same trail.
Trailhead: Town Hall Road, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Easy, but steep terrain

FOREST LEGACY TRAIL: 
Access via water or land for this 5-mile loop along the ridgeline and shoreline.
Trailhead: via water from Haines Landing, Rangeley or Wilson Mills Road, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

HATCHERY BROOK TRAIL: 
One-mile loop with picnic sites on Rangeley Lake.
Trailhead: Manor Road, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

HUNTER COVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: 
A network of trails for wildlife viewing has been made possible by the Maine Audubon Society.
Trailhead: Dodge Pond Hill, Route 4, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

MINGO SPRINGS TRAIL AND BIRD WALK: 
The Mingo Springs Golf Course maintains a 2-mile trail through various forest types with excellent wildlife viewing.
Trailhead: Mingo Loop Road, Rangeley (park on left next to golf course maintenance building)
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

MOUNTAIN POND:
A 1.5-mile trail leads uphill to the edge of Long Pond. Return on the same trail.
Trailhead: South Shore Drive or Edelheid Road at Utility Pole #13, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

RANGELEY LAKES TRAILS CENTER  
Hikers and mountain bikers enjoy the seven miles of trails. Difficulty rating for mountain bikers: 2 miles are easy (to steel bridge and back along Tote Road). The remainder is suggested for advanced mountain bikers.
Trailhead: 524 Saddleback Mountain Road, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

ROUND TOP TRAIL 
A 1.2-mile trail leads to Quimby Pond. Return on the same trail.
Trailhead:  Dodge Pond Road, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN :
Two mile hike from the base lodge to the summit. Ski trail maps and a recommended route are available at the base lodge. Also assessable via the AT.
Trailhead: Saddleback Mountain Road
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

SMALLS FALLS:
The short trail parallels Sandy River and Chandler Mill Stream and offers views of the 54-foot falls, plus swimming and wading pools, picnic tables, grills and restrooms.
Trailhead: Route 4, Franklin
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

SPENCER POND:
A one-mile walk along an old dirt road leads to Spencer Pond. Return via the same route.
Trailhead: Route 17, Roxbury
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

WEST KENNEBAGO MOUNTAIN:
A 2.4 mile hike to the 3,705 summit passes through forest of hardwoods, spruce and conifers. Enjoy lake and mountain views from the fire tower.
Trailhead: Off of Cupsuptic Tote Road
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate

WILHELM REICH MUSEUM WALKING TRAILS: 
The Orgonon Trails are a system of interconnecting loops on 175 acres that feature a bird watching area, educational stations, a self-guided nature walk and picnic tables.
Trailhead: Dodge Pond Road, Rangeley
Degree of Difficulty: Easy

To view lakefront properties for sale on Rangeley Lake, click on the green box above.

To learn more about the Rangeley Lakes Region of Maine, check out the blog links below.

Rangeley Lake, Rangeley, Maine: Lakefront Getaways Feature Natural Entertainment
Aziscohos Lake, Rangeley Lakes Region of Maine: Heed the Call of the Wild