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Rangeley, Maine: Where to Have a Blast – Best & Fun Things to Do + Places to Visit

Height of Land is a pull-off on Route 17 and not a hike at all, so anybody can reach it. Angel Falls and Smalls Falls both of them take a fair amount of real walking. Swimming. Saddleback and Rangeley Lakes are the two ski resorts for the whole of the winter. And book the fall foliage weeks well in advance, because everybody else already has.

Are you planning a trip to Rangeley, Maine and looking for things to do? This town runs plenty. From time outdoors to the historical side, Rangeley covers what you came for.

One of Rangeley’s water spots is Smalls Falls, with falls coming down and natural pools you can swim in. If you want more time outdoors, there are plenty of hiking trails, the Height of Land with its views among them, and Quill Hill with its 360-degree view of Canada, Mt. Washington, Saddleback and more. And if you want a run at something, take a seaplane tour of Rangeley and see the whole of it from above.

If you follow wildlife, Rangeley will hold you. Moose and loons turn up regularly in the area, and you can visit the Outdoor Heritage Museum and Maine Forestry Museum to work the local flora and fauna. And if you want to do nothing at all, there are plenty of spots to sit and take Rangeley in, the Wilhelm Reich Museum or simply the lake.

Key Takeaways

• Rangeley, Maine offers a variety of fun things to do and places to visit, from outdoor adventures to historical highlights.
• Smalls Falls and seaplane tours are just a couple of the water wonders and recreational activities available in Rangeley.
• Wildlife sightings and scenic spots are also abundant, making Rangeley a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Rangeley’s Water Wonders

Looking to get out of the summer heat, or simply to get in the water? Rangeley, Maine has that covered, with more water than you can work in a week. From swimming holes to waterfalls and lakes, you will end up in it.

Splashy Swimming Holes

If you want to spend a hot day properly, head to one of Rangeley’s swimming holes. Get in the cool, clear water and let the country do the rest. Smalls Falls and Rangeley Lake State Park are the ones people take. And pack a lunch, because you will want the whole day.

Majestic Waterfalls

For anybody who follows the natural world, Rangeley’s waterfalls earn the walk. Take a hike to Angel Falls and stand under the 90-foot drop, or visit Height of Land for Mooselookmeguntic Lake opening out below you. And if you want a run at something, get in the water at the base of the falls.

Lakes Galore

Rangeley is known for how many lakes it holds, so use them. Rent a kayak or canoe and work the clear water of Rangeley Lake or Mooselookmeguntic Lake. If you fish, cast a line and try your luck at trout or salmon.

Whatever you want to do on the water, Rangeley runs it. So pack your swimsuit, your sunscreen, and nothing much else, and get into the water of Rangeley, Maine.

Outdoor Adventures

Looking for time outdoors in Rangeley? You have timed it. This town works for anybody who wants to be outside. From hiking to fishing to skiing, there is more here than you can get through. Here are the strongest runs to take in Rangeley:

Hiking Heaven

If you walk, Rangeley will hold you. With over 80 miles of hiking trails, the range on offer covers every level. An easy stroll or a climb that costs you something, both are here. Some of the walks people take most are the Saddleback Mountain Trail and the Bald Mountain Trail. And bring your camera, because the top pays you back.

Fishing Frenzy

Are you a serious fisherman or simply somebody wanting to try? Either way, Rangeley is the place. With over 120 miles of shoreline and 6,000 acres of clear water, Rangeley Lake will keep you out there all day. You will find a range of fish, landlocked salmon, brook trout and lake trout among them. And if the lake is quiet, try fly fishing on the Rapid River.

Winter Wonderland

Rangeley works as hard in the winter as it does in the summer. If you follow snow and skiing, you will take to Rangeley through the cold months. With two ski resorts, Saddleback and Rangeley Lakes, you will have plenty of slope to get through. And if skiing is not your thing, there is snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and take what Rangeley runs.

Wildlife Wonders

Maine is known for its wildlife, and Rangeley is no exception. A trip to Rangeley is not finished without the Moose Mania and the Bird Bonanza. Here is how to get close to the local wildlife in Rangeley:

Moose Mania

If you are lucky, a moose will come through the woods while you are in Rangeley. Moose carry themselves well and they are also slightly clumsy. Keep your eyes up for them, especially through the early morning or the late evening, which is when they move. You can also take a guided moose-watching tour and shorten the odds.

Bird Bonanza

Rangeley will hold anybody who follows birds, with a broad range of species to work. From bald eagles to ospreys, you can spot some of the strongest birds in the country. Take a walk along the lake or work one of the bird-watching spots in the area to get close. And bring your binoculars.

If you follow ducks, you have timed it. Rangeley holds several species, the common merganser, the mallard and the wood duck among them. You will spot them out on the lake or nesting in the wetlands nearby.

Wildlife Viewing

Alongside the moose and the birds, Rangeley holds a broad range of other wildlife. Keep an eye out for black bears, foxes and coyotes while you are there. Just keep your distance and never go towards them.

If you want to work the local wildlife properly, visit the Maine Wildlife Park. This park holds a broad range of animals, moose, black bears and bald eagles among them. You can take a guided tour or work it on your own.

Rangeley will hold anybody who follows wildlife. With this many animals to watch, the days go somewhere on their own.

Historical Highlights

If you follow history, Rangeley, Maine runs plenty to keep you going. From museums to historical landmarks, everybody is covered.

Museum Marvels

First is the Wilhelm Reich Museum. This museum is built around the life and work of Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian psychoanalyst who lived in Rangeley. The museum sits in Reich’s former home and laboratory, and it runs exhibits on his life, his work and what came after. You will work his contested theories on orgone energy and his run-ins with the FDA.

The other museum in Rangeley to take is the Maine Forestry Museum. This museum gives visitors the whole of logging in the area. You will work the forests of virgin spruce that first pulled settlers up here in the name of that trade. The birch, beech and balsam fir that stand here mattered to the native tribes.

And there is the Outdoor Heritage Museum. This museum works to keep the history of outdoor sports in Maine. It runs exhibits on hunting, fishing and trapping in the area, and displays on the history of outdoor gear and equipment.

Historical Landmarks

Alongside the museums, Rangeley also runs several historical landmarks worth the stop. One of the ones people know is the Height of Land, which opens the country out in front of you. This is not a hike, but a quick pull off the road with the whole of it in view.

The other landmark to take is Quill Hill. This geological formation opens the area out and it earns the walk.

Rangeley carries a history that runs deep and is sitting there waiting. Museums or historical landmarks, both will keep you going.

Scenic Spots

If you want views and quiet ground in Rangeley, Maine, you will not be short. Here are a couple of places that stop you where you stand:

Height of Land

You might think the top of a mountain is as far as it goes, but have you been to the Height of Land? This overlook on Route 17 opens the whole Rangeley Lakes region out below you. It is where to take a sunset or watch the light come up over the mountains.

Pro tip: bring a picnic and give it the day. Just do not forget the bug spray.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway

If you want a drive, the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway is the answer. This 52-mile route runs you through some of the strongest country in Maine. You wind through forests, past lakes and over mountains, with the whole of it going by the window.

Pro tip: put the windows down and let the mountain air through the car. And pull over at the overlooks along the way, because you will want the photographs.

Somewhere to take a sunset, or simply somewhere to sit and let Rangeley work on you, these spots do it. So pack your camera and get on the road.

Rangeley Lake is the big one, with 120 miles of shoreline running round it. Mooselookmeguntic is the one you look down onto from Height of Land. Smalls Falls is the swim and Angel Falls is the long drop. Quill Hill gives you the whole circle in every direction from the top of it. And the Rapid River is where all of the fly fishing is.

Rangeley’s Recreational Activities

Looking for things to do in Rangeley, Maine? The town runs a broad range of them. From bowling to seaplane tours, everybody is covered.

Bowling Bonanza

Looking to knock some pins down with friends or family? Check out Moose Alley, Rangeley’s bowling alley. With eight lanes, a full bar and a menu that will feed you, Moose Alley works for a night out. And with their Cosmic Bowling events, you bowl under the black lights with the music up. Strike.

Seaplane Tours

Want Rangeley from somewhere else entirely? Take a seaplane tour. Rangeley Lake Seaplane Adventures runs 30-minute tours over Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic Lake. You get the whole area opening out below and you might spot wildlife. And taking off and landing on water does something a runway never will. Book it.

Where to Stay

Planning a trip to Rangeley, Maine and wondering where to stay? You have timed it, because this region has been a vacation spot for over 100 years, running everything from historic hotels to rough sporting camps, and from fully-appointed houses to bed & breakfasts. Here are some options that will suit your taste and your budget:

Cozy Cabins

If you want somewhere that reads like a house, a cabin is the answer. Rangeley runs a range of cabins that work for a trip with somebody, a family week, or a trip on your own. These cabins usually run a kitchen, bathroom and living room, which makes them where to stop after a long day outside.

Some popular cabin rental companies in Rangeley include Rangeley Vacation Rentals, Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals, and Saddleback Maine Vacation Rentals.

Camping Under the Stars

If you would rather be outside altogether, think about camping under the stars in the Rangeley Lakes Region. There are several campgrounds in the area running everything from primitive tent sites to RV hookups.

One of the most popular campgrounds in Rangeley is Rangeley Lake State Park, which offers 50 campsites, a swimming beach, and boat launch. Another great option is Timberland Acres RV Park, which offers full hookups, laundry facilities, and a game room.

Wherever you stay in Rangeley, Maine, the week will stay with you. So pack your bags, get the people you came with, and go.

Rangeley’s Culinary Scene

When you think of Rangeley, Maine, you might not think of the food. But this small town runs a surprising amount of it. From Maine lobster to things done differently, Rangeley’s food covers everybody.

If you want the Maine lobster properly, Bald Mountain Camps is the answer. This historic lodge has been serving fresh lobster since the 1800s, and they know what they are doing. Sit out on the porch with Mooselookmeguntic Lake in front of you and work through the claws.

For something smarter, check out The Rangeley Tavern. This restaurant runs classic dishes turned sideways, their lobster mac and cheese among them. And their desserts hold up, because the chocolate lava cake is the one to order.

If you want something easier, head over to Sarge’s Sports Pub & Grub. This local spot is known for its burgers and fries and for a long beer list. It is where to eat after a day of hiking or skiing.

And on skiing, you cannot leave Rangeley without the comfort food at the Saddleback Mountain Lodge. Warm up with a bowl of their chili or take the nachos with the mountains in front of you.

Whatever you are after, Rangeley’s food has it. So take the lobster, take the local beer, and take the rest of what this town runs.

Shopping in Rangeley

You may not think of Rangeley as a shopping town, but do not let the size fool you. This town runs a surprising number of stores and boutiques that will hold anybody.

If you want outdoor gear, gifts, toys and more, head to Ecopelagicon on Main Street. This store earns the stop for anybody who wants to be outside and wants to carry a piece of Rangeley home. They run everything from hiking boots to camping gear, and their selection of books and maps is as deep as it gets.

For traditional shopping, take a walk down Main Street in Rangeley and work the gift shops and specialty stores. You will find everything from handmade jewelry to locally made crafts, and something in there will carry the trip home for you.

One store not to drive past is Moose Alley Cones. This ice cream shop on Main Street serves some of the strongest homemade ice cream you will eat. With flavors such as Moose Tracks and Blueberry Cheesecake, something in there will land.

And if you want shopping you will not get elsewhere, check out the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust’s annual Arts and Artisans Fair. This event runs the work of local artists and craftspeople and is where to find gifts and souvenirs you will not see twice.

In Rangeley, shopping is more than filling time. It is how you get at the town’s history and its culture, and how you carry a piece of Rangeley home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the chances of seeing a moose while hiking in Rangeley?

It depends how good your moose calling is. Only joking. Moose sightings are common in Rangeley, especially if you are walking through the early morning or the late afternoon. Just keep your distance and do not go towards them.

Can you recommend a restaurant in Rangeley that serves lobster rolls?

Yes. You cannot go wrong with a lobster roll from The Gingerbread House. It is what the locals take and their lobster rolls come loaded with fresh lobster meat. And the restaurant itself is a historic building worth walking into.

What’s the best way to warm up after skiing in Rangeley?

After a cold day on the slopes, there is nothing like sitting by a fire with a hot toddy. The Rangeley Tavern serves some of the strongest hot toddies in town, along with other warm drinks and pub food that will hold you.

Are there any unique shops in Rangeley for souvenirs?

Yes, there are plenty of shops in Rangeley where you can find souvenirs you will not see twice. One of ours is Moose Alley, which runs a strong selection of locally-made gifts and souvenirs. You can also check out The Shed, which sells antiques and vintage items.

What’s the best time of year to visit Rangeley for fall foliage?

Fall is a strong time to be in Rangeley, as the leaves turn red, orange and yellow. Peak foliage usually lands in late September or early October, but it moves from year to year. Just book your accommodations early, because everybody else comes then too.

What’s the craziest winter activity to try in Rangeley?

If you want a run at something, try ice climbing on the frozen waterfalls in the Rangeley Lakes region. It is not for everybody, but it will stay with you. Just go with a guide who can show you the ropes, literally.

Frequently asked questions about Rangeley, Maine

How much shoreline does the Rangeley lake actually have on it, then, really now, these days?

Over 120 miles of it, and there are a full 6,000 acres of clear water inside that. You get the landlocked salmon, the brook trout and all the lake trout out of it. The Rapid River is where you go instead of all that if you fly fish. Kayaks.

How many miles of hiking trail are there around Rangeley, then, really now, these days?

Over 80 miles of it out there, and all the trails run at every level of difficulty. Saddleback Mountain Trail and Bald Mountain Trail are the two that people mostly go for. Height of Land is a pull-off on Route 17 and it takes no real walking at all. Camera.

Which museum in Rangeley covers the logging in the area, then, really now, these days?

The Maine Forestry Museum, which runs the whole story of the logging out here in Maine. You get the virgin spruce forests that first brought the settlers all the way up here too. The Outdoor Heritage Museum is the other one, on the hunting, fishing and the trapping. Reich too.

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