ALL TRAILS CELEBRATION IN THE RANGELEY LAKES AND HIGH PEAKS REGION OF WESTERN MAINE!
RANGELEY, Summer is here and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the many great trails of the High Peaks and Rangeley Lakes region! As a special event this year, the High Peaks Alliance is hosting an All Trails Celebration in Rangeley on the weekend of June 25th and 26th. The term “All Trails” recognizes the broad variety of trails and how they are used in the High Peaks and Rangeley Lakes region.
The All Trails Celebration will kick off Saturday with a dedication to the State of Maine’s newest multi-use trail corridor, the “West Saddleback Connector.” The dedication ceremony will feature United States Senator Susan Collins and Maine Conservation Commissioner Bill Beardsley. Dedication participants will include the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, ATV-Maine, and the local trail groups who worked to create the trail. A public reception will follow the ceremony. In addition, all the latest information on High Peaks and Rangeley Lakes area trails will be available, with trail guides on hand to answer your questions and make suggestions for your next trail adventure. These events will be held June 25th at the classic Country Club Inn (off Rte. 4 via Mingo Springs or Proctor Roads) beginning at 1:00 PM (the ceremony is at 2:00-3:15 PM).
On both Saturday and Sunday (25th and 26th) we challenge you to get out and experience some of these great trail systems! You can have fun with a familiar kind of trail, or you can try out something new! To help you have the best time, area trail club guides will provide group walks, hikes, ATV rides, bike rides, and paddling on nearby land and water trails. Scheduled guided hiking and ATV tours of the new West Saddleback Connector will be offered (sign up on Saturday for these tours, as space will be limited).
Rangeley is a gateway to many of the best backcountry trails in Maine. Join us June 25 and 26 to celebrate –and experience – all trails, including the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the new Moose Loop ATV Trail System, the unique Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, local walking paths, and much more! For more information about the weekend, activities see below…
Saturday morning, June 25th
Check out these great walks close to Rangeley! For more information and help planning your next great outdoor adventure in Maine, please visit www.mainetrailfinder.com! Maine Trail Finder is a comprehensive online trail database featuring non-motorized recreational opportunities all over the great state of Maine!
Mingo Springs Bird Walk
The trail at Mingo Springs winds around the “back 9” of a golf course offering a relatively easy walk through various forest types with excellent wildlife viewing. In 2007, Mingo Springs Golf Course was awarded membership in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, administered by Audubon International. Bluebird and swallow nesting boxes have been placed throughout the golf course which, along with wood duck boxes and specialized gardens, are designed to attract birds to the area.
Directions:
From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 16 in downtown Rangeley, head north on ME Route 4 for 2.2 miles and turn onto Mingo Loop Road. Continue 0.4 miles and turn left onto Alpine Way. The maintenance shack for Mingo Springs Golf Course is immediately on the left; park on the grass to the left of the maintenance shack and then walk the short distance back to the intersection of Alpine Way and Mingo Loop Road to access the trailhead.
Hatchery Brook
On the northeast shores of Rangeley Lake, this trail network provides easy walking and picnicking opportunities close to downtown Rangeley. On Saturday morning bring your kids out to Hatchery Brook for an Orienteering Treasure Hunt! For activity start times and more information please keep checking back with us!
Directions:
From the intersection of ME Routes 16 and 4 in downtown Rangeley, follow ME Route 4 north about three-quarters of a mile and turn left onto Rangeley Manor Drive. This is the first left after passing the Rangeley cemetery which is on the right. Approximately 200 yards down Rangeley Manor Drive is the parking for Hatchery Brook on the right. The trailhead leaves from the north end of the parking lot.
Cascade Stream Trail
This short trail offers excellent scenery, wildlife viewing, and picnicking opportunities Following the gorge of Cascade Stream to a series of beautiful waterfalls.
Directions:
From the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 16 in downtown Rangeley, travel south on ME Route 4 towards Sandy River Plantation. At 3.5 miles there is the intersection of South Shore Drive and Cascade Road with ME Route 4. Take a left onto Cascade Road. After about 100 yards the road ends at a T-intersection with Town Hall Road (the town hall is straight ahead). From here, take a left and then an almost immediate right (look for a Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust marker in trees). Go up the steep driveway, bearing right, to the parking area and trailhead.
Saturday Afternoon: All Trails Celebration Event at the Country Club Inn, 2 – 3:15 pm. Light Refreshments and comprehensive Rangeley trail information will be provided!
Saturday and Sunday: Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum in Oquossoc Village
Rangeley’s rich outdoor sporting history, traditions, and personalities come alive in this highly anticipated new museum located in Oquossoc, the heart of Maine’s fishing and hunting since the mid-1800s. Hours of operation: 10 am – 2 pm. Located: Downtown Oquossoc Village! (5$ Admission)
Sunday, June 25th
Sunday Catholic Mass 7:30am at Our Lady of the Lakes Chapel in Oquossoc Village. The chapel was built with the help of Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby, Maine’s first registered guide and the first person to market western Maine for early “sports” and recreation enthusiasts. The Fly Rod Crosby Trail is a proposed new trail based on her life and times and will eventually stretch 40 miles from Strong to Oquossoc.
Organized Group Hikes: Meet at the Rangeley Chamber of Commerce at noon. Groups will be led by local members of the Trails for Rangeley Area Coalition (TRAC) and the High Peaks Alliance. This is a great opportunity to experience your favorite local hikes! For more information please keep checking back with us!
Rock Pond
Rock Pond is a short easy hike from the Saddleback Mountain Base area to two beautiful, remote ponds (Rock and Midway) nestled away from the ski area. This is a hike good for all ages and abilities.
Bald Mountain
This short but moderate hike up Bald Mountain offers hikers spectacular views of the lakes and mountains around the Rangeley region. On a clear day, one can see 10 of Maine’s 14 4,000-foot peaks.
Piazza Rock (Appalachian Trail)
Hike the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail to Piazza Rock on Saddleback Mountain. This is a challenging hike with very rewarding wildlife viewing opportunities, natural features, and great views.
Organized ATV rides on the Moose Loop ATV System: There will be two group rides offered on Sunday at 9am and 1pm. Both leave from Rev it Up Sports Shop 3 miles south of Rangeley on Rt 4. Please sign up for these rides on Saturday, as space will be limited. Please bring your own ATV, if you do not have an ATV but would like to participate you must have a helmet. Please sign up for the ATV Tour on Saturday at the Public Dedication. Space is limited. For more information please keep checking back with us!
Quill Hill
This is a fairly easy ride north out of town and ends on top of Quill Hill. From here you can take in the breathtaking 360 views of the High Peaks and Rangeley Lakes Regions.
Moose and Deer Pond
Ride up onto the western shoulder of Saddleback Mountain and experience remote Moose and Deer Pond. This trip offers wonderful views. Bring a picnic lunch or even a fishing pole to try your luck!
Group Paddle
Meet up at 1:30 pm at Ecopologicon for a paddle on scenic Haley Pond, part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, with a local guide. Kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats are available for $12. Please sign up for the paddle on Saturday at the High Peaks Alliance or Northern Forest Canoe Trail display table.
Group Mt Biking Trip at the Rangeley Trails Center on Saddleback Mountain: Meeting time TBD
Come ride the gorgeous single track winding its way through the Rangeley Trails Center in Dallas Plantation. This is an intermediate ride. There will also be a beginner ride on the Railroad Loop Trail, which starts in Rangeley on Depot Street, follows the old railroad bed out of town, and then climbs Dallas Hill North of Saddleback Lake. Bikers then make their way back along the hill and down into town. (Meeting time and location TBD) Please sign up for both of these great rides with the Carrabassett Region New England Mountain Biking Association on Saturday.
For more information please keep checking back with us!
