Visit remote wilderness, and six beautiful lakes where you can partake in fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hike to wonderful mountain views, and a logging museum.
Many people imagine Maine as a rugged coastline peppered with quaint seaside communities, but the state of Maine also has some of the most remote wilderness in the country. The mountainous Rangeley Lakes region on the western edge of the state is composed of six beautiful lakes offering such outdoor activities as fishing, swimming, camping and boating. This drive exposes some of Maine’s most beautiful scenery. Start in the town of Byron and take Rte. Seventeen north. Watch for the Appalachian Trail symbols on your left, and park on the side of the road if you’re fascinated in taking a hike. The well-marked path leads to some amazing mountain views. If you want to see the views without the walk, stop at the Height of Land Overlook for westerly views of hundreds of miles of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Continuing north on Rte. 17, you’ll catch a view of the sprawling 16,300-acre Mooselookmeguntic Lake, a favorite spot for picnicking and fishing . In the town of Oquossoc, take Rte. Sixteen east toward Rangeley Lake. The lake itself is within the geological formation famous as Rangeley Basin, an area surrounded by thickly forested mountains, and it is one of the most beautiful lakes in New England. For the best views of the lake, check out the overlook on Route Four at the Dallas Hill Road. The town of Rangeley, adjacent to the lake, offers an assortment of restaurants and shops and boat rentals.
Continue on Route Sixteen to the Rangeley Historical Society to view an extensive archive of Rangeley’s past and present, including a collection of vintage fishing and hunting equipment. Back on the scenic byway, take Route Four south out of Rangeley to the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum with its collection of photos, equipment, and artifacts related to the logging industry. The end of the drive will take you past the Sandy and Swift Rivers–both popular for their rapids.
Starting Point:
Byron, ME
Distance of Drive:
93 miles
Must Eat:
Red Onion
Main St., Rangeley, ME 04970
Phone: 207-864-5022
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring and fall–busy during the summer.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Height of Land Overlook
Rangeley Historical Society
Rangeley Lake
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • lakes • Maine • mountains • museum
Filed under: Best Road Trips