Guide to the Rangeley Lakes Region

Cover photo: A winter view of an ice covered Cupsuptic Lake in Rangeley. This photo: The view from Height of Land.

What Not To Miss

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THE RANGELEY LAKES REGION

BY AISLINN SARNACKI

A LAND OF DEEP LAKES, majestic mountains and abundant wildlife, the Rangeley Lakes Region has long attracted visitors for its natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Its waters are filled with landlocked salmon and trout, and its forests are filled with moose, black bears and deer. Hiking and biking trails, ski slopes and waterfalls — the area has it all.

“Since the 1800s, people have been coming up here to fish and hike and be outside,” said Amanda L. Christian, executive director of the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a great place to come and unplug, unwind and just get back to nature.”

PLANNING A TRIP TO THIS YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION?

Here are some things that you won’t want to miss:

SCENIC OVERLOOKS

Driving to some of the area’s most popular overlooks is a great way to experience the area’s beauty. These are also great places to view the stunning fall foliage.

Height of Land, located about 10 miles south of Oquossoc on Route 17, is perhaps the most famous among the overlooks. The spot provides a wide open view of the area’s lakes and mountains, plus educational displays.

Other popular overlooks include Shelton Noyes Overlook on Route 17, 3.5 miles south of Oquossoc, and Whip Willow Farm Overlook, just 1 mile south of Rangeley on Route 4.

You can also go for a picnic on Quill Hill, which provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the region. To get there, drive 4.5 miles up Oddy Road, which is wellmaintained and gravel. No hiking is required.

HIKING

The Rangeley area is filled with hiking trails, from lakeside jaunts to mountain treks. Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust alone maintains 35 miles of trails on preserves throughout the region. In addition, the famous Appalachian Trail winds through the area, climbing up to the breathtaking Piazza Rock and Saddleback Mountain, one of Maine’s 4,000-foot peaks.

The area’s Fly Rod Crosby Trail is named in honor of Maine’s first registered Maine guide, Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby, who was from Phillips. The heritage hiking trail currently stretches about 25 miles, and the goal is for it to be extended to 45 miles.

Bald Mountain in Oquossoc is an especially popular hike, with an observation tower that provides a panoramic view of the region.

If you’d like to hike with a group, the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust frequently offers guided group hikes, as does TRAC, Trails for Rangeley Area Coalition. An informal group of outdoorsy people, TRAC organizes group hikes every Tuesday and Thursday from midMay to the end of October.

“We have a wide range of ages and abilities join us,” said Jeff Zapolsky, president of TRAC. “Everyone is welcome.”

Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Rangeley Lake can be seen from the tower at the summit of Bald Mountain in Oquossoc.

BDN FILE PHOTO/ AISLINN SARNACKI

Signs mark the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, a 45-mile heritage hiking trail in the Rangeley area.

BDN FILE PHOTO/ AISLINN SARNACKI

WATERFALLS

The Rangeley area is home to some of Maine’s finest waterfalls. Among the most popular is Smalls Falls, which drops 54 feet into pools that are perfect for taking a dip on a hot day. The destination includes a picnic area and short trails leading to views of the falls and access to the pools.

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EXPLORE WESTERN MAINE'S LAKES AND MOUNTAIN REGION

SOLITUDE AND NATURE AWAIT you in your next adventure. The mountains provide trails for hiking, ATVing, mountain biking, foraging and offer an abundance of wildlife. The lakes are breathtaking and quiet. They are spectacular for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, swimming or just plain old relaxing. The rivers are crystal clear with many secluded swimming holes, natural waterslides and cliff jumping for the daring at heart. And the night skies ... stargazing at its best!

One of the more unique destinations that this area has to offer is Coos Canyon and the Swift River where you will find Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins. Being centrally located, people enjoy this destination for its vast land, beauty and surrounding experiences.

Simply put, Coos Canyon is beautiful. This geologically unique area is known for the metamorphic rock formations that make up the canyon walls. Layers of quartzite and schist fold against each other creating beautiful, ancient bedrock that you can spend hours exploring.

The Swift River is known for being the state’s prime place to pan for gold. It is also a wonderful river to fish, swim and simply take in the beauty of the crystal-clear

water. People of all ages enjoy the many swimming holes while thrill seekers jump from the canyon walls to relax in the water below.

Another draw to the region are the bounty of ponds and lakes that don’t disappoint, no matter how you like to use them. Roxbury Pond (Ellis Pond), Mooselookmeguntic and Rangeley Lakes are the most popular to explore. But, amongst the backwoods you will find many smaller, secluded ponds to enjoy.

Let’s not forget about the ATV/mountain biking trails. There are miles upon miles of trails that travel through the Lakes and Mountain Region. Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins’ guests have direct access right from their cabin or site!

There are spectacular opportunities for beginners to advanced hikers, too. Tumbledown Mountain is one of the area favorites for the experienced hiker. Reaching the top of the trail rewards you with breathtaking views and a crater lake to cool you off and relax before your trek back down the mountain. Some of the other area’s favorites include Angel Falls, Smalls Falls, Devil’s Den, Mt. Blue, Spencer Pond, Blueberry Mountain, White

COURTESY OF COOS CANYON CAMPGROUND & CABINS

Mountain Preserve, Old Speck and Table Rock, Step Falls, Moose Cave, Mother Walker Falls, Screw Auger Falls and, of course, the iconic Appalachian Trail where you can trek portions of this national treasure.

Want to relax and enjoy scenic drives? Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins is right off the State Scenic Byway 17 that will lead you to one of the most popular overlooks: Height of Land. Also close by are Quill Hill and Noyes Landing, as well as many country roads for viewing nature’s beauty and wildlife spotting.

Leave the crowds behind and come find yourself. Enjoy days and days of fun and exploration along with the peace and quiet nature has to offer in this wonderful part of the state!

Top: 90-foot tall Angel Falls.

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Left: A distinctive yurt announces arrival at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center.

COURTESY OF RON CHASE

Below: Open water steams at sunrise on Rangeley Lake.

BDN FILE PHOTO/ TROY R. BENNETT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

In addition, Cascade Stream Gorge Trail is a 1-mile loop that visits a series of waterfalls in a deep gorge. Another 1-mile hike will bring you to Angel Falls, which at 90 feet tall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Maine. However, beware that this hike can become especially busy and includes rock hopping across streams.

RANGELEY LAKES TRAILS CENTER

With over 30 miles of trails for walking, running, biking, nordic skiing and snowshoeing, this recreation center has been serving the community since 1995. There you can find rental equipment and sign up for lessons in various activities.

You can also participate in the Gnome Home Roam, a family-friendly activity in which you hunt along the trails for over 30 gnomes and their homes. To create the hunt, local carpenters collaborated with students from Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

OUTDOOR HERITAGE MUSEUM

Located in Oquossoc, this museum celebrates the rich outdoor heritage of the Rangeley Lakes Region through detailed exhibits that tell stories about Rangeley icons like Carrie Stevens, Herb Welch and Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby. The museum contains artifacts from days long gone, as well as vintage films and artwork. If you’re at all interested in history, don’t miss this gem of a museum. It’s open May 18-Oct. 9.

PADDLING & BOATING

Whether you’re looking to paddle a kayak or canoe, or enjoy a relaxing day on a pontoon boat, the Rangeley Lakes Region has plenty of bodies of water for you to explore. Of course, Rangeley Lake is up there in popularity, with a boat launch right in downtown Rangeley, as well as launches in Oquossoc and at Rangeley Lake State Park. It covers nearly 10 square miles.

Nearby, Mooselookmeguntic Lake is even larger, covering about 25 square miles. And area waterways including the Cupsuptic River, Magalloway River and Kennebago River are especially popular among paddlers.

If looking for supplies or rentals, check out Ecopelagicon Rangeley Adventure Company which offers canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, as well as shuttle services and additional gear.

FISHING

Anglers have long flocked to the region in pursuit of landlocked salmon, lake trout and brook trout. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provides an online fishing guide for the Rangeley Lakes Region that provides information about seven rivers, five lakes, 17 ponds and three streams. In other words, you won’t run out of places to fish any time soon.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Over time, Rangeley has become more and more of a winter destination due to the continual creation of trails for snowmobiling, fat-biking and cross-country skiing. The ski resort at Saddleback Mountain attracts visitors for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Plus, people visit the area for ice fishing and ice skating.

WILDLIFE WATCHING

This region is a hot spot for moose. While you’re driving the roads, keep an eye out for them. And if you’re especially eager to see one, you can always hire a guide to take you on an outing to places they frequent.

The Rangeley Lakes Birding Trail is another great opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts. Organized by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, the trail features 13 outdoor destinations that are great for spotting a variety of birds. And if you time it right, you could attend the land trust’s Boreal Birding Festival in June.

THE SKY

Keep an eye to the sky while exploring the woods and waters of Rangeley. With so many scenic overlooks, mountaintops and open views on the water, it’s a great place to watch sunrises and sunsets. Plus, far removed from the lights of cities, it’s an excellent area for stargazing.

“It’s great to come up here and see the aurora borealis and Milky Way,” Christian said. “I could talk endlessly about how beautiful it is, what marvelous sunrises and sunsets we have, but it’s something someone has to come and experience.”

WINTER WONDERLAND

BY KATIE SMITH

WINTER IS THE PERFECT TIME to explore Rangeley and all it offers. From skiing to snowmobiling to ice fishing, there is plenty for all ages to explore. Whether you are considering coming for the day or packing the entire family up to enjoy a long weekend, here are some things happening in Rangeley this winter you won’t want to miss.

SADDLEBACK MOUNTAIN

Spend the day skiing or snowboarding at Saddleback. The mountain offers many trails for all levels and six ski lifts. Enjoy mountainside dining or choose from one of the many local restaurants in Rangeley.

SNODEO

Come join in the fun all weekend long Jan. 19-22. There will be evening fireworks, snowmobile-themed cardboard box races, and a parade.

8TH ANNUAL FAT - TIRE BIKE LOPPET

On Jan. 29 at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, test your fat-bike skills on varied terrain, from straight-a-ways to more aggressive hills. These classes include a 10and 20-mile single-track mix. And a 10mile nordic tour. Be prepared to see stunning views and wildlife. For more information, call 207-864-4309.

ANNUAL POND HOCKEY FESTIVAL

The Pond Hockey Festival coming Feb. 3-5 at Haley Pond Park is a big event in Rangeley. If you’d like to play in the tournament there are men’s and women’s divisions and they are looking to add a co-ed division as well. Must be 18 or older to play. For more information, call 207-590-6886.

WINTERPALOOZA!

Winterpaloozah is coming Feb. 19 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Haley Park with lots of events to enjoy, including a frozen pond and in-snow horse and wagon rides, a cardboard sled race, ice skating, saucer bowling, pond hockey, curling, snow golf, and marshmallow roast. Lots of games and hot chocolate for the family.

DARK SKIES TOUR

Join John Meader, owner of Northern Stars Planetarium, on Feb. 20 from 7-9 p.m. at 524 Saddleback Mountain as he takes you through a night sky snowshoe tour. Learn about constellations and galaxies. If the weather cooperates there will be a virtual sky tour at 8 p.m.

FEBRUARY FESTIVAL

Start off school vacation week on Feb. 24 at Saddleback. There will be lots of family events including music, bonfire, fireworks, and a Torch Light Parade. For more information, call 207-864-5671.

FREE SNOWMOBILE WEEKEND

Non-Maine residents can enjoy snowmobiling in Maine from March 3-5 as long as they have valid registration from another state or province. Come enjoy all the snowmobile trails Rangeley has to offer.

RANGELEY LAKES LOPPET

Race around the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center March 4-5! Races include the 25K Burt Kettle Classic, 25K and 50K freestyle race, and a 25K untimed tour. For more information, call 207-864-4309.

10TH ANNUAL MOOSE DASH SNOWSHOE RACE

Join us March 12 at 10 a.m. at the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center. This snowshoe course goes through north Saddleback Mountain and has single-track and Nordic-groomed trails. Wonderful views and possible glimpses of Maine’s wildlife await. Categories are as follows: 5K junior, 5K adult, 1K Kids Fun Run, and a 5K untimed tour. For more information, call 207-864-4309.

Skiers travel through scenic Tote Road Trail at Rangeley Lakes Trails in March 2022.

COURTESY OF RON CHASE

Downtown Rangeley: A YEAR-ROUND HUB OF LOCAL BUSINESSES

NESTLED IN THE mountains of western Maine, at the edge of a sprawling lake, downtown Rangeley is a hub of activity amidst miles and miles of wilderness. A mix of historic and new, it’s a

place where visitors mingle with residents in locally-owned restaurants, pubs, gift shops and sports stores.

“There are no franchises here in Rangeley, which might shock people,” said Amanda Christian, executive director of Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce. “People ask, ‘Where’s the nearest Starbucks?’ Augusta maybe? We don’t have places like that here.”

Almost every business is owned locally, Christian said. And when

you walk through the door, you’re apt to be greeted by the owner.

Antiques, gifts and local art can be found in a variety of galleries and shops. Plus, if you’re looking to be outfitted for the outdoors, the town boasts multiple sporting goods stores. It’s no surprise. Most people who visit the town have an outdoor-centric agenda, whether they plan to ski, hike, bike, hunt or fish.

Scattered along Main Street, a variety of restaurants present options for dining. You could grab a slice of pizza from The Red Onion, a burger at Parkside & Main, or ice cream at Pine Tree Frosty. And at The Rangeley Hideaway, you can enjoy an espresso drink while working in the building’s loft with the help of high-speed wifi. If looking for a little entertainment, you

BY AISLINN SARNACKI

could eat dinner and bowl and – on certain nights – listen to live music at Moose Alley.

“For the size of our town, we have lots of restaurants, and that also brings people in and keeps the theater alive,” said Valerie Zapolsky, who grew up summering in Rangeley and moved to the area with her husband after retiring 9 years ago.

Zapolsky is the president of Rangeley Friends of the Arts. The group runs the Lakeside Theater, where local talent performs plays and musicals. It’s also a great place to settle in for a movie on a rainy day.

“We just got a new digital projector,” she said. “We play mostly new movies and tend more toward things that are family-oriented.”

Zapolsky can trace her family back to one of four men who purchased the land back in the late 1700s for timber and mining rights. By 1840, the settler population of Rangeley had grown to 39 families. And a couple of decades later, when word spread that it was an excellent place to fish, people started visiting the region for vacation or to purchase summer homes.

Several indigenous tribes lived in the region, with hunting and fishing camps set up along the shore of many of the area’s lakes and ponds. This history is reflected in many of the land’s Abenaki place names, such as Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Cupsuptic River.

In Rangeley, the late 1920s and 1930s were known as the “Golden Age” for grand hotels and large sporting camps, according to “A Chronological History of the Rangeley Lakes Region” by Edward Ellis. It was a time when vacationers would arrive by train to spend extended periods of time at the town and exploring the surrounding wilderness. But that fizzled out during World War II.

Today, the town continues to be a destination for vacationers, but they’re more apt to stay for short periods of time – or purchase a second home and stay for the

warmer months. The year-round population is around 1,200 people, with the number quadrupling in the summertime.

“There’s still very much a small-town flavor,” Zapolsky said. “You can walk up and down the street, go in and out of the shops. From one end of town to the other, it’s probably half a mile.”

In downtown Rangeley, you can lay out a picnic at the town park while your kids explore the playground. Or you can curl up with a book at the town’s beautiful stone library. You can attend a paint night at SoJo’s Studio and Gallery. Or, if you visit Haley Pond in the winter, the local curling club just might teach you how to slide stones across the ice.

While many tourist destinations in Maine die down in the winter, Rangeley stays busy due to it being a prime location for winter activities such as skiing, fat-tire biking, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Therefore, many of the downtown businesses remain open year round.

Saddleback Mountain, one of Maine’s largest ski resorts, reopened in 2020 after

a five-year hiatus, drawing more visitors to the region in the winter. Plus, the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center offers an extensive network of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking.

“There’s a lot of winter activity that didn’t used to be here,” Zapolsky said.

If looking to stay in the area for a night or few, you’ve many options. You could rent a lakeside cabin or house. Or you could book a room at a bed and breakfast, lodge or inn. Many have fascinating histories.

The Rangeley Inn, for example, has been housing visitors since 1909. Located right in downtown Rangeley, it’s the last of nearly a dozen grand hotels that used to welcome visitors arriving by train to the region.

For history buffs, the Rangeley Region Historical Society is located in a red brick building at the heart of downtown. And in nearby Oquossoc, the Outdoor Heritage Museum is packed with exhibits that’ll give you an idea of how Rangeley and surrounding towns evolved over the years.

If looking to really experience the local

culture, keep an eye on the events calendar at rangeleymaine.com. Community meals, library group meetings, fitness classes, movie showings, holiday parties, craft fairs, horse-drawn wagon rides – you can find them all on the online calendar. No matter the time of year, there’s plenty to do.

If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the wilderness as well as the comforts of civilization, Rangeley is the destination for you. The town has been welcoming visitors for generations, adapting to the times while retaining a few charming qualities of days gone by.

A friendly welcome to downtown Rangeley. BDN FILE PHOTOS/ LINDA COAN O’KRESIK

THE STORY BEHIND RANGELEY’S HISTORIC INN

IT ALL BEGAN with the rusticators. Some were escaping the summertime heat and pollution of the cities. Some were drawn by tales of mighty fish. Others were prescribed “fresh air” to cure their respiratory ailments. Whatever the reason, they packed into trains and made the journey to Rangeley. The wealthiest brought their entourage and stacks of luggage. They stayed in the finest hotels and their arrival was heralded in local journals. Those of lesser means? They might take up work at a hotel, tavern, or golf course and stay in a boarding house. Whatever their reason, whatever their means, they were here for the summer.

Hotels and camps were constructed around Rangeley’s lakes. Guests arrived at the central train depot and many were ferried across the lake to their accommodations. Others preferred to stay close to the town center, in the midst of the activity. Following a devastating fire in 1877, a new hotel was opened to the public in Rangeley Village — a hotel so excellent that it was mentioned in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. This hotel would be named The Rangeley Lake House.

For 18 years the Rangeley Lake House presided over Main Street — until The Rangeley Lakes Hotel Company

COURTESY OF THE RANGELEY INN

purchased it in 1895 and had it relocated, in two sections, to Marble Point on the shore of Rangeley Lake. Large wings were added to both sides of the Rangeley Lake House, turning it into a sprawling lakefront hotel complete with boardwalks, a bridge to the town center, and its own train station.

Twelve years later, construction started on what is now The Rangeley Inn. In 1907, a foundation was set along Main Street where the Rangeley Lake House first stood, and a grand new hotel was constructed over the next two years. In 1909, this hotel opened its doors as The Rangeley Tavern.

The Rangeley Tavern was much smaller than the hotel that you see today. In 1918, a wing was added by moving a neighboring hotel, The Frazar Inn, to the back of The Rangeley Tavern. In the late 1940s, a large expansion was built on the opposite side of the building.

Tourism was evolving fast, and in the 1950s visitors started arriving by car instead of train. To keep up with the times, a “motor lodge” was added to the rear of the property, allowing guests the modern convenience of

driving right up to their room. Today this is our waterfront Haley Pond Lodge.

While times have changed, Rangeley’s impressive natural scenery, wildlife, and outdoor recreation still draw visitors throughout the year. The Rangeley Inn’s accommodations have been updated to today’s standards, but the building still retains its authentic charm. We hope that you will join us during your visit to this very special place, tucked away in Maine’s lakes and mountains.