This resort area of 99 percent forest and water provides ideal vacations in all four season of the year.  The combination of mountains, woodlands, lakes and rivers makes a spectacular vista that will enthrall you any time of the year.  Activities of every kind abound for the young and young at heart.

With more than 100 clear lakes, ponds, and streams, thousands of acres of untamed timberland filled with wildlife and plant life you’ll always find an adventure waiting.

Perhaps the best way to appreciate this area is to consider what the four seasons offer you.

Spring

As new flowers and vegetation make their appearance, one of the highlights of spring is the start of open water fishing. In lakes, ponds, rivers and streams you can fish for prized land locked salmon, trout, bass and perch. For bird watching visit the Audubon Society 100 acre bird sanctuary on Hunter Cover. Among the birds you might see along the miles of hiking trails are chickadees, Canadian jays and geese, grouse, owls, loons, woodpeckers and a variety of waterfowl. Some make their home here and others stop during seasonal migration.

Spring is also an excellent time to spot moose as they emerge to eat aquatic and woodland vegetation. Great areas for viewing these huge animals are along routes 4, 16 and 17 during early morning, evening and noon to 2 PM. Take care to keep your distance as moose have poor eyesight, but an excellent sense of smell and hearing. They may attack when they feel threatened.

Summer

You have no lack of outdoor sports and activities to pick from during the summer. The hills provide miles of scenic hiking trails. They include a rugged section of the Appalachian Trail, the challenging continuous path which covers 2,000 miles from Georgia to Katahdin Mountain. You have plenty of water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and more fishing.

When playing golf or tennis you might get a pleasant distraction from roaming deer, fox or moose. For sightseeing you can drive the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway or Franklin Heritage Loop. Both offer miles of great viewing of forests, bubbling mountain streams, farmland, quaint villages and waterways. You can also take plane rides for spectacular aerial views of the area.

Autumn

Thousands of acres of woodland provide you with rolling hills filled with breathtaking colors and beauty. Expect the foliage season to peak from late September to mid-October. Each year is different with the vividness of color dependent of temperature and moisture.

Hunting season begins and the area draws hunters seeking deer, moose and bear, plus birds and waterfowl. Be sure to check state regulations before you start your hunting expeditions.

Winter

With the snows and dropping temperatures come Nordic and alpine skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing and ice fishing.

The Rangeley mountains have miles of sloping hills for downhill skiing and snow boarding in a region of unsurpassed beauty. Terrains vary from gentle for beginners to steep to challenge experience skiers.

Saddleback Maine, with over 60 trails and a vertical drop of 2,000 feet, is the area’s premier ski area and offers outstanding skiing for every member of your family.

If you snowmobile you’ll appreciate the more than 150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. These trails are part of the local Interstate Trail System that connects with the New Hampshire and Canadian systems.

For ice fishing, find any of the many lakes or ponds (though ice fishing is not permitted on Rangeley Lake), drill through the ice and wait for a bite.

Year-round facilities

Whatever season you visit the Rangeley region you’ll find excellent accommodations, including cottages, inns, motels, B&Bs, campgrounds and condos. Your visit will be complete with the great variety of restaurants, shops, galleries, and attractions such as museums, covered bridges and entertainment centers.

Rangeley State Park has 690 acres of woodland and lakes for all year outdoor fun.

The nearby town of Oquossoc also offers a variety of accommodations from campgrounds to inns, delicious eateries, gift shops and outdoor sporting activities year-round like boating, fly fishing, and snowmobiling!