You Won't Believe This Town Is In Maine

At the heart of the Rangeley Lakes Region, Rangeley sets itself apart from the picture of Maine most are used to. Tucked inland, far from Maine’s iconic coast, the tree-studded town is a gateway to snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes. Remote, scenic, and gorgeous in all four seasons, you won’t believe this town is in Maine until you see it for yourself.

While Rangeley is anchored by its beautiful waterfronts, the small town is very different from the Maine we see on postcards and brochures. In place of ocean views, saltwater harbors, and lighthouse landmarks, the Franklin County community is punctuated with landscapes more reminiscent of New England states like Vermont or New Hampshire. With that said, Rangeley is no less stunning or serene, making it the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and experience a side of Maine you might not have known existed.

What Sets Rangeley Apart From Other Maine Towns?

A state famous for its coastline, it is unsurprising that National Geographic named summer Maine's peak tourist season. With kids off from school and plenty of sunshine, this is arguably one of the best times to experience Maine’s coastal charms. The proof is in the puddling: Acadia National Park draws its largest crowds from July through September while Maine’s seafront towns welcome millions of vacationers to its shores. But what about inland towns like Rangeley?

Sitting on the eastern bank of beautiful Rangeley Lake, between the headwaters of the Kennebec and Androscoggin Rivers, Rangeley is also a popular summer destination. However, its remote setting offers a more nature-focused atmosphere, away from coastal communities laced with tourist traps. Unlike other Maine towns, Rangeley’s high elevation also means visitors can enjoy milder temperatures in the summer, making it a great destination for travelers who prefer a gentler heat.

Additionally, Rangeley’s setting in the Western Maine Mountains means that outdoor fun does not slow down when temperatures drop. While it is not uncommon for Maine’s coastal towns to get a dusting of snow, Rangeley receives a heavier snowfall that quilts the town for several months. As a result, Rangeley’s tourism shines just as bright in winter, drawing nature lovers and recreationalists to its alpine slopes and scenes.

Top Attractions In Rangeley: A Four-Season Resort Town

Discover A Hidden Swimming Hole And Waterfall

Just south of Rangeley on Route 4, the Smalls Falls Rest Area is a charming New England road trip stop. Although the name “Smalls Falls” draws an underwhelming image, the title does not do the Rest Area justice. The bottom of Smalls Falls is indeed small, dropping just 3 feet into the pool below. However, its other tiers bring the cascade up to 54 feet in total.

At the base of Smalls Falls, the 20-foot wide pool is a popular swimming hole in the summer. There are also plenty of scenic picnic areas close to the waterfall for lunch with a view. Springtime, on the other hand, is the best season to see the cascades at their most powerful, thanks to increased rain and snowmelt.

Spend The Day Outdoors At Rangeley Lake State Park

Spanning 869 acres in Maine’s Western Mountains, Rangeley Lake State Park is the perfect place to disconnect and recharge. The park is known for its lakeside camping, with 50 sites close to the edge of Rangeley Lake. But day visitors are also invited to enjoy the park’s splendor, including the beach, docks, and boat launch.

In spring and summer, Rangeley Lake centers most activities in the park, including swimming, kayaking, and fishing for salmon and trout. For days when the water is too chilly to take a dip, the park’s playground, picnic area, and hiking trails take priority instead. Wildlife spotting is best on the Moose Country Corridor Trail, where deer, red fox, and moose can often be spotted. For views of the lake and distant Saddleback Mountain, the Shoreline Trail is equally pristine.

Bear in mind, even though park facilities are closed outside of May 1st through October 1st, visitors can still explore the park. In winter, popular activities include snowshoeing and nordic skiing.

Explore The Wonders Of Saddleback Mountain

Four-season fun can also be enjoyed on Saddleback Mountain, named “Maine’s Best Mountain” by Down East Magazine from 2022 to 2024. With a summit elevation of 4,120 feet and a vertical drop of 2,000 feet, Saddleback reigns as one of the tallest mountains and top ski destinations in Maine. Since first opening to skiers in 1960 with a single t-bar lift, Saddleback has adopted 6 lifts, 68 named runs, and over 600 skiable acres.

At the base of Saddleback, the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center also maintains 34 miles of winter trails for Nordic skiing, fat-wheel biking, and snowshoeing. Although the Center sees less activity when the snow melts, dog-friendly trails like the Outer Loop, Bridge Trail, and Tote Road paths are beautiful in spring and summer.

Higher up the mountain, gorgeous vistas and scenic hiking trails are in even greater supply. The Summit Via Grey Ghost & Tri Color route is a challenging but popular hike favored for its panoramic summit views. Alternatively, a bird' s-eye view of the mountainscape can be enjoyed from a Scenic Lift Ride, held July through August.

Drive The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway In Fall

From late September to early October, the Rangeley area explodes with autumn hues. Driving along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway is one of the best ways to see this mosaic of foliage, promising “beauty at every bend.” Along the way, travelers can also stop at spots like the Whip Willow Farm Scenic Overlook for sweeping views of the fiery reds, yellows, and oranges blanketing the once-green landscape.

Discover A New Side Of Maine In Rangeley

While most associate Maine with its rugged coastline, seaside towns, and maritime culture, towns like Rangeley reveal a depth not nearly as many know about. With its wooded hills and alpine lakes, one could easily mistake a photo of Rangeley for New England states like New Hampshire. Nonetheless, this unique town is a Maine beauty all the same, inviting visitors to ski its slopes in winter, explore its waterfalls and lakefronts in spring and summer, and enjoy its vibrant hillsides in fall.