Rangeley, Maine
A remote mountain-lake village offering year-round outdoor adventure, from Saddleback skiing and AT hiking to legendary brook trout fishing on six pristine lakes.
Rangeley sits where the Appalachian Trail meets a chain of six wilderness lakes, creating one of the most concentrated outdoor playgrounds in the Northeast. Cast dry flies on Mooselookmeguntic, ski Saddleback's hand-cut glades, or paddle at sunset. Rangeley rewards every season.
Cell service is unreliable outside the village. Once you leave Main Street and head toward Mooselookmeguntic or the Appalachian Trail, expect dead zones. Download offline maps before you go and let someone know your plans if hiking solo.
Bug season peaks from late May through early July. Black flies are fierce in June, and mosquitoes follow through July. Bring DEET or picaridin repellent, a head net for hiking, and long sleeves for lakeside evenings. By August, the bugs back off considerably.
Book Saddleback ski lodging early. Since the mountain’s reopening, demand has outpaced supply on winter weekends. Midweek visits are uncrowded and often cheaper.
Fill your gas tank in Farmington. Rangeley has fuel, but prices run noticeably higher than towns to the south. Top off in Farmington or Phillips on your way up.
Drive the Height of Land overlook on Route 17. It is a 30-minute drive south of Oquossoc and arguably the single best roadside view in Maine, looking down over Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the surrounding peaks. Time it for sunset.
Bald Mountain is the easiest hike with the best payoff. The 2-mile round-trip trail gains about 900 feet to a fire tower with panoramic views of Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic. It is a solid choice for families or anyone who wants big views without an all-day commitment.
Rangeley has deep fly fishing roots. The Rangeley Lakes region is considered the birthplace of modern American fly fishing, and the Rangeley Outdoor Heritage Museum on Main Street covers that history with rods, reels, and guides dating back over a century. The Rangeley Region Sport Shop on Main Street is staffed by registered Maine Guides who can point you to current hatches and access points.
For more on the region, see the Western Mountains guide and the Tumbledown Mountain hike.
Pull over at the Height of Land overlook on Route 17 between Rumford and Rangeley. It is the best roadside view in Maine, looking straight down over Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the surrounding peaks. Free parking and a short paved path to the viewpoint.
Saddleback Mountain has some of the best glade skiing in New England and rarely gets crowded. If you are here in winter, it is worth a day even if skiing is not your main reason for visiting.
What is there to do in Rangeley, Maine?
Hiking Bald Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, paddling and swimming on Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic, fly fishing for brook trout and landlocked salmon, skiing at Saddleback Mountain, and snowmobiling on the ITS trail system. The Rangeley Outdoor Heritage Museum and Height of Land overlook are worth adding to any trip.
Is Rangeley good for fly fishing?
Rangeley is one of the best fly fishing destinations in the Northeast. The region has six interconnected lakes with brook trout and landlocked salmon. The Rangeley Region Sport Shop has registered Maine Guides on staff and current conditions.
When is the best time to visit Rangeley?
July through September for lake activities, hiking, and warm weather. Late September for peak foliage. January through March for Saddleback skiing and snowmobiling. Each season has a distinct character.
Winter
200+ inches of snow. Saddleback skiing, Nordic trails, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
Spring
Ice-out in late April starts fishing season. Mud season and black flies through May.
Summer
Long days on the lakes. Swimming, paddling, fishing, and above-treeline hiking.
Fall
Peak foliage late September. Quiet trails, fiery maples reflected on still lake water.
Things to Do
Saddleback Mountain Skiing
4,120-foot summit with 2,000 feet of vertical, 68 trails, and famously uncrowded hand-cut glades fed by 200+ inches of annual snowfall.
Appalachian Trail - Saddleback
Ridge traverse above treeline with panoramic views of the Rangeley Lakes chain and Crocker Range.
Bald Mountain Trail
Moderate 2-mile round-trip to a fire tower with 360-degree views of Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic.
Rangeley Lake Fly Fishing
The birthplace of modern American fly fishing. Brook trout and landlocked salmon across six interconnected lakes.
Nordic Skiing at Trail Center
55 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking through boreal forest.
Mooselookmeguntic Lake Paddling
Maine's sixth-largest lake at 25.5 square miles with remote coves, island campsites, and reliable loon sightings.
Rangeley Lake State Park
869-acre park on the south shore with sandy beach, boat launch, and 50 wooded campsites.
Snowmobiling ITS Trails
Direct access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System with hundreds of miles of groomed corridors.
Where to Eat & Drink
Parkside & Main
American / CasualBurgers, steaks, and homemade soups served on a back deck overlooking Rangeley Lake and the town park.
The Rangeley Tavern
Upscale AmericanRefined New England fare with a seasonal menu and craft cocktails in the oldest room of the historic Rangeley Inn.
Furbish Brewhouse & Eats
Brewpub / PizzaWood-fired pizzas, wings, and house-brewed beers in a laid-back downtown taproom.
The Black Pearl
Italian / SeafoodFresh-dough pizza and seafood dishes served in the historic former Red Onion building on Main Street.
Portage Tap House
GastropubCraft beer bar with rotating Maine taps and elevated pub fare in a warm, lodge-style setting.
The Nest at Saddleback
Mountain DiningGlass-walled summit restaurant at 3,620 feet with panoramic views of Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes.
Where to Stay
Hotels
(2)Rangeley Lake Resort
Resort HotelYear-round resort with two- and three-bedroom cabins, indoor pool, hot tubs, and direct lake access.
Rangeley Town & Lake Motel
HotelClean, affordable rooms and cottages with lake access, free boat ramp, and loaner kayaks.
B&Bs & Inns
(3)Bald Mountain Camps
B&BFourteen classic log cabins on Mooselookmeguntic Lake with private porches, home-cooked meals, and guided fishing.
The Rangeley Inn
B&BBeautifully restored 19th-century inn on Main Street with cozy rooms and a full-service tavern.
Country Club Inn
B&BGuest rooms with sweeping mountain views, a cozy pub, and one of the region's best restaurant dining rooms.
Campgrounds
(1)Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground
CampgroundSpacious tent and RV sites with direct Cupsuptic Lake frontage, boat rentals, and a camp store.
Shopping & Services
Rangeley Region Sport Shop
Outfitter / Fly ShopMain Street fly shop staffed by registered Maine Guides. Rods, flies, waders, and guided fishing trips.
Alpine Shop of Rangeley
Outdoor Gear / GiftsRangeley-branded apparel, camping gear, books, toys, and games at 2504 Main Street.
Ecopelagicon Nature Store
Outdoor / NatureOutdoor gear rentals, water filters, field guides, maps, and nature-themed gifts for hikers and paddlers.
Events & Festivals
Rangeley Snodeo
Weekend-long snowmobile rally and winter carnival with demos, poker runs, fireworks, and live music.
Rangeley Birding Festival
Guided birding walks, owl prowls, and presentations celebrating boreal and northern hardwood species.
Annual Logging Festival
Celebration of Maine timber heritage with axe throwing, log rolling, crosscut saw races, and family activities.
Rangeley Blueberry Festival
Annual festival at Town Park with blueberry pancakes, pie-eating contests, craft vendors, and live music.
When to Visit Rangeley
Winter
Dec - Mar
5-30F
200+ inches of snowfall. Saddleback skiing, snowmobiling, Nordic trails, and ice fishing on frozen lakes.
Spring
Apr - May
30-60F
Ice-out on Rangeley Lake (late April) signals landlocked salmon season and the return of migratory birds.
Summer
Jun - Aug
55-80F
Long days on the lakes with swimming, paddling, and fishing, plus above-treeline hiking on Saddleback.
Fall
Sep - Nov
30-65F
Peak foliage in late September with fiery maples reflected on still lake water. Quiet hiking and hunting season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Rangeley. Can't find your answer? Contact us.