10 Hiking Experiences Around Rangeley
The mountains of western Maine are covered with pine and deciduous trees and trails that climb steeply. Here are 10 hiking experiences in and around Rangeley.
1. Angel Falls
Hanging falls with the largest drop in Maine (90 ft). Located 17.6 miles south of Oquossoc, turn west off Route 17, cross the bridge, turn right on to the old railroad line (Bemis Track). Approximately 3.8 miles after leaving Route 17, take the gravel road on the left, stay left, through small gravel pits. Follow the marked trail, approximately one mile from this point.
2. Bald Mountain Trail
Nice views, gentle climb, good family hike with picnic tables and tower. Enter the trail .8 miles south of Oquossoc off Route 4, on Bald Mountain Road (opposite Bald Mountain Camps). The trail is 1.75 miles to the summit.
3. Cascade Stream Gorge Trail
Multiple short spur trails to view gorge and waterfalls. Follow Route 4 south of Rangeley for 3 1/2 miles, turn east on Town Hall Road, take a second left, drive 100 feet and take right at trail sign, parking lot at top. Follow trail markers through forested area, trail opens before streamside trail, picnic tables. Follow cairn formations to streamside trail. Easy, but steep terrain taking approximately 30 minutes.
4. Hatchery Brook Trail
Easy one-mile loop through the woods with three lakeshore picnic sites. Located 1/10 mile on Manor Road off Route 4, just west of Rangeley Village.
5. Mountain Pond Trail
This 1.5 mile trail (one-way) is through wooded hillsides and forest that lead to the edge of a pond. The trailhead is next to Pole #13 on Edelheid Road on the backside of Beaver Mountain Lake. Follow red blazes.
6. Piazza Rock
A nice hike for children with interesting rock formations. Enter Appalachian Trail northbound on Route 4, nine miles south of Rangeley. The walk is 1.8 miles one-way.
7. Spencer Pond Trail
A short walk, one mile each way, on an old gravel road, great for children. The trail is on the left off of Route 17, approximately 12.7 miles south of Oquossoc.
8. Smalls Falls
A popular roadside picnic area with several scenic neighboring waterfalls surrounded by sculptured cliffs on the Sandy River and Chandler Mill Stream. The falls drop 54 feet with swimming and wading pools at the bottom. Cross the footbridge and follow the walking trail along the stream to the other falls. Located 12 miles south of Rangeley on Route 4. Picnic tables, grills and restroom facilities.
9. (and 10) Wilhelm Reich Museum Walking Trails
Trails are a series of interconnecting loops. Self-Guided Trail: 30 discovery posts, corresponding guidebook, .5 miles. Trail of Thoughts: marked by thought-provoking quotations on nature, .25 miles. Original Trail: easy loop hike, 1 mile. Quimby Brook Trail: great terrain, 2.2 miles. A bird blind to watch wildlife, and picnic tables are also available. Located on Dodge Pond Road, open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
