Rangeley is a charming town situated on the shores of Rangeley Lake and nestled in the heart of the vast Rangeley Lakes region.
Rangeley, ME
Rangeley is a charming town situated on the shores of Rangeley Lake and nestled in the heart of the vast Rangeley Lakes region.
It’s the perfect place to hear the loons calling across open waters on warm summer evenings or to snuggle up in a cabin during snowy winters. With its richness of natural resources, you are guaranteed fun activities year-round — hiking, kayaking, stargazing, skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing are just some of the activities you can enjoy!
Stay in a rustic log cabin or an historic grand hotel during your visit and explore the many restaurants the area has to offer. A visit to Rangeley is always a memorable experience!
- Go take a hike on one of the many miles of trails that surround the region. From easy nature walks to challenging hikes, there is something for every skill level. Local organizations such as the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, High Peaks Alliance and Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust work continuously to protect land and create trails for public use. More than 10,000 acres have been protected over the years to ensure that the Rangeley region maintains its unique character.
- Don’t let rainy days get you down! Visit the historic stone library or take in any one of the four museums displaying Rangeley’s diverse history of trout fishing, logging and science (Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum, Maine Forestry Museum, Wilhelm Reich Museum and Rangeley History Museum).
- Drive along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and view the “Height of Land” one of the most stunning overlooks in New England.
- Go play at Moose Alley Rock, Roll & Bowl. This is a recreation destination that will keep you active and entertained for the entire length of your visit with great live music, bowling, movies, arcade and table games.
- Enjoy a scenic lake cruise, relax at the town beach or rent a fat-tire bike and just explore and enjoy the area. Dining establishments offer a range of choices including casual family friendly restaurants serving pizza or burgers to more fancy dining where locally grown produce, fine wines and locally crafted beer are highlights.
Featured Local Hike
Piazza Rock on the Appalachian Trail:
This popular moderate hike is a nice introduction to the outdoors and a good all-day outing for families and children. Everyone will be awed by the Piazza (covered porch) Rock — a giant slab of granite perched to provide shelter and be scrambled upon. Further exploring brings you to a series of caving trails that may cool you down with their summer ice storage.
Getting There: The Trailhead is located south on Route 4 approximately nine miles from downtown Rangeley. This section of the Appalachian Trail is 1.8 miles one way. There are a few steep ascents and descents aided by rock or wooden steps. An enjoyable hike for the whole family, including children. The parking lot is on the right side of Route 4. The Appalachian Trail begins on the left side of Rt. 4 as you travel south. Follow the A.T. to the Piazza Rock campsite, turn left on a blue-blazed trail to the scramble on Piazza Rock and surrounding boulders and ledges. Please stay on the blue-blazed route.
Get Involved
Maine Appalachian Trail Club
The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit corporation that was organized on June 18, 1935, to assume responsibility for the management, maintenance and protection of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in Maine. Learn more and become a member today at matc.org.
ATC Volunteer Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year. Learn more at appalachiantrail.org/volunteer.