High Peaks Alliance

The Local Voice in Land Conservation | High Peaks Region Maine

Hiking

High Peaks Alliance Launches Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge

Embark on a Memorable Adventure

The Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge features seven exhilarating landscapes that will push hikers to their limits while rewarding them with breathtaking views and serene moments in nature. Participants are required to reach the summits of all four mountains and explore the three scenic trails designated as Challenge locations.

To get started, interested individuals can download the Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge booklet from HighPeaksAlliance.org and begin their journey in Maine’s High Peaks Region. Once completed, participants can return to register as Challenge Champions for a fee of $10, which includes an exclusive patch, sticker, and online member roster listing.

Save these Dates

HPA has organized four exciting hikes, on the first Saturday of each month, to kick off the Challenge:

  • July 6 at Poplar Stream Falls with Rebecca Goldfine of Maine By Foot
  • August 3 at Blueberry Mountain with Brent West 
  • September 7 at Perham Stream Birding Trail with Pete McKinley of The Wilderness Society
  • October 5 at Forest Legacy with Registered Maine Guide Sam Shirley

These hikes are free and open to all ages but please leave pets at home. Participants should dress for the weather, and bring water and snacks. 

“There are so many places to explore in the High Peaks but there haven’t been curated experiences. The Scenic 7 Challenge is an opportunity to commit to adventure and answer the call of the wild,” says Brent West, Executive Director of HPA. “From welcoming beginner tails to advanced backcountry hikes these trails will immerse you in the great outdoors. Do all 7 and be a Challenge Champion!”

“After walking all over the state, I consider the Scenic Seven hikes to be among the best of Maine, for their beauty, nature, peaceful trails, and dramatic scenery,” says contributor Rebecca Goldfine. Goldfine is the creator of Maine By Foot, an online comprehensive guide to exploring the myriad of remarkable trails throughout Maine. Maine By Foot offers guidance on each of the preserves, highlights swimming opportunities, and provides a list of wheelchair-friendly, all-access trails. All of the Scenic 7 trails can be found on Maine By Foot.

The High Peaks Alliance also partnered with Maine Trail Finder, an online database for trails in Maine for hiking, walking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddling. Participants can log their hikes on Maine Trail Finder to earn the Scenic 7 badge.

Challenge Sponsors

The Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge is generously sponsored by Maine Lakes & Mountains, Franklin Printing, and Franklin Savings Bank. 

“Maine’s Lakes and Mountains offers spectacular ways to hit the trail, and we are excited to partner with the High Peaks Alliance to offer our visitors and residents this new challenge to explore some of the incredible terrain that makes up our region,” states Ethan Vinson of Maine Lakes and Mountains.

Maine’s Lakes and Mountains connect residents and visitors alike to the opportunities that await them in the High Peaks Region and beyond. Whether you’re planning a hike or exploring other scenic areas, Maine’s Lakes and Mountains has the knowledge and resources to make your adventure unforgettable. By choosing them, you’re not only ensuring a memorable experience but also supporting the preservation of these recreational assets.

“We are so grateful to be sponsored by Franklin Printing. They offer exceptional service, and support our mission of access and conservation of our natural resources,” said Amanda Laliberte, Director of Engagement. “Join us in keeping this area wild and accessible by printing with Franklin Printing.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover these hidden gems and stunning trails in Maine’s High Peaks Region. Join the Scenic 7 Hiking Challenge and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Download the Booklet

Click the banner and begin the adventure!

High Peaks Hires Seasonal Recreation Ranger

Welcome, Matt.

Matthew Kusper has been involved in the conservation industry since 2018 when he joined his first Conservation Corps. Since then, he’s embarked on trail projects in the Carolinas, Alabama, Virginia, Kentucky, Colorado, and Maine. 

First exposed to the highlands of western Maine during his thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2019, he returned to the region in 2021 to lead the MATC’s trail crews for two seasons. Kusper is an accomplished ski bum having worked at Crystal, Stowe, and Saddleback Mountains as a ski instructor, rental technician, lift operator, and most recently as a ski patroller. 

Kusper will oversee the trails, campsites, and Leave No Trace outreach in the Bureau of Parks and Lands’ Bigelow Preserve & Flagstaff Lake Public Land, Crocker Mountain, Mt. Abraham, and newly conserved Barnjum areas. “I am absolutely enamored with Maine’s High Peaks,” says Kusper, “and am honored to have the opportunity to improve sustainable access to the region’s abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.”

Please join us in welcoming Matt to HPA. 

Rangeley Trail Town Festival

20160903_111512On Saturday, September 3rd 2016, the town of Rangeley celebrated their annual Trail Town Festival. It has been four years since Rangeley was designated an official Appalachian Trail Community in 2012.

The High Peaks Alliance joined them for their celebration. The Fest included many food vendors and several games and activities including boot-tossing and corn hole. AT hikers competed with each other in ice cream eating competitions.

Other attractions included live music by a local musician and the Friday night film festival.

Once again , Maine Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps member, Dylan Cookson setup the High Peaks Alliance tent next to Jeff McCabe of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the representatives of the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust.

During the course of the day, High Peaks Alliance board members Bud Godsoe and Betsy Squibb assisted in running the booth. Members of local radio stations went about interviewing the representatives of various organizations at their booths. At once point, Dylan was asked to speak to the assembled visitors from the microphone at Haley Pond Park gazebo.

It was a satisfying visit to Rangeley. Many people stopped near the booth to ask about the HPA and its programs.

Ribbon Cutting Perham Stream Bridge

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This past Saturday was the perfect day for a cookout. The sun was out, a slight breeze was in the air, and people came from all over Franklin County to join us in the backwoods of Madrid.

This past June, the High Peaks Alliance saw the completion of the Perham Stream Bridge Project. The Bridge is the final product of a three-year collaborative project between the High Peaks Alliance, North Franklin Snowmobile Club, Narrow Gauge Riders ATV club, landowner Mark Beauregard, and others. On Saturday, August the 27th, the High Peaks Alliance and clubs all came together to celebrate the bridge’s completion with a cookout and ribbon cutting ceremony.

Vehicles lined up on the Reed’s Mills’ roadside. Bicyclists, ATV riders, snowmobile riders, community members, and several local officials converged on the bridge for the cookout. The event was attended by 50 to 6o people, much more than was expected. Food and beverages were donated by area businesses including the White Elephant of Strong, Maine, Edmund’s Market of Phillips, Maine, and the Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Farmington, Maine.

Members of the press from Franklin County Newspapers came to cover the event and some of their articles have already been published. This lovely piece was written by Lauren Abbate for the Morning Sentinal and the Kennebec Journal. Valarie Tucker, a Special Correspondent for the Franklin Sun Journal  wrote this article.

20160827_124636Among the attendees were Senator Tom Saviello of Wilton, Maine, Franklin County Commissioner Gary T. McGrane, Ralph Luce of the North Franklin Snowmobile Club, and Charlie and Kathy Gould of the Narrow Gauge Riders ATV Club. Several HPA board members were present, as well as a local Game Warden. Nancy Perlson acted as the High Peaks Alliance’s spokesperson. [Tucker 2016]

Senator Saviello, Nancy, Commissioner McGrane, and Ralph Luce all spoke in front of the assembled attendees before the ribbon cutting. Commissioner McGrane stressed how important projects like this were to Maine’s Economy. Though the effects are not always visible, non-profits contribute $10 billion to Maine’s economy and volunteers contribute 350,000 hours of their time every year. [Tucker 2016] He also made the observation that the bridge provided connectivity between sections of Franklin County that expanded the economic impact of outdoor recreation and sports. [Abbate 2016]

 

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Senator Tom Saviellio addressing the crowd.

Senator Saviello congratulated the organization and collaboration that went into the completion of the bridge, saying “That’s why this success lays out here because you did it together.” [Abbate 2016]

 

Public access is a major interest of the High Peaks Alliance. The bridge is just one of many trail connectivity, and economic development issues that the High Peaks Alliance has worked to address. As Nancy Perlson put it, “For this region, as most of you probably know, backcountry recreation is kind of the backbone of the regional economy. So it’s important to have these kinds of facilities and infrastructure that let people safely and comfortably enjoy what we have to offer.” [Abbate 2016]

The old bridge had been patched together from the remains of old riveted iron beams salvaged from the railroad and was becoming unsafe. Ralph Luce commented that when pulling trail grooming equipment over the bridge, he could feel the bridge’s failing structure reacting to the weight. [Abbate 2016]

The support girders were badly rusted and the center support was washed out by Tropical Storm Irene in 2012. The new bridge doesn’t require a support in the stream and was able to utilize the existing granite cribbing to minimize impacts on the stream which is a tributary of the Orbeton, which supports native brook trout and Atlantic salmon.

The multi-use trail which accesses the Perham Stream bridge, crosses through six thousand acres of working forest, which was recently protected by a conservation easement in partnership with the Trust for Public Land. Funding from the Forest Legacy Program, the Land For Maine’s Future program and many generous donors supported the acquisition of the conservation easement. The Linkletter family continues to own the land and harvest trees. Income from tree harvests and the easement sale support their mill operation and contribute to the region’s forest products economy. The High Peaks Alliance served as a local partner for the TPL, organizing critical local public support for the project. Public support allowed the project to successfully compete for funding and established the terms of the easement which preserves the beautiful trail for multi-use public access.

The High Peaks Alliance was grateful to meet with so many members of the Franklin County community and is especially appreciative of our collaborative partners with the North Franklin Snowmobile Club and Narrow Gauge Riders. We would like to thank those that donated food to our celebration from the White Elephant, the Coca-Cola bottling Company, and Edmund’s Market. And, an especially grateful thank-you to those who provided our funding at the Franklin County TIF Committee, the Betterment Fund, and the Maine RTP Program.

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Citations:

Tucker, V. (2016, August 28). Bridge spanning Perham Stream now open.Franklin Sun Journal. Retrieved August 29, 2016, from http://www.sunjournal.com/news/franklin/2016/08/28/bridge-spanning-perham-stream-now-open/1983987

Abbate, L. (2016, August 27). Perham Stream Bridge completion touted as successful collaboration. Morning Sentinal. Retrieved August 29, 2016, from http://www.centralmaine.com/2016/08/27/perham-stream-bridge-completion-touted-as-successful-collaboration/

High Peaks Alliance at Kingfield Festival Days

On the weekend of July 14th – 17th, Kingfield celebrated its Bicentennial Year and the High Peaks Alliance was there to share the experience.

20160716_122434On Saturday, the 16th, Depot Street was lined with booths. Our own booth was set up and manned by AmeriCorps member and Maine Conservation Corps Environmental Steward, Dylan Cookson, and Trail Master, Bud Godsoe.

The road had been blocked off and made accessible to foot traffic only. Local businesses and non-profits sold sugary snacks and grilled meat. Visitors were walking and socializing all over the town.

We admit we were not as popular as the booth that sold Root Beer Floats. The High Peaks Alliance sold raffle tickets, and hats, and distributed brochures on membership and the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. Those who visited our booth had already walked the streets sampling the local fare. They came with full bellies, and questions about the High Peaks Alliance, the Fly Rod Crosby Trail, and other local outdoor recreation opportunities.

20160716_080808We were fortunate to have many visitors and a great view of the parade. We were even more fortunate to have been assigned a place next to the booth selling ice cream sandwiches. They were some of the most appealing snacks on the street that day and were being sold by a group of industrious local children, saving up for college.

We also earned the support of several Union Soldiers who happened along our booth.

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Completion of the Perham Stream Bridge

ATV riders heading North on ITS 89 through Madrid Township along the Aaron Holbrook Memorial Trail are sure to notice some changes when they approach the Perham Stream Bridge. This summer a collaborative project between the North Franklin Snowmobile Club and the High Peaks Alliance has reached completion.

The 60-foot section of the bridge crossing the Perham Stream has been completely replaced with a modern single-span girder bridge. The old bridge had been patched together from the remains of old salvaged railroad riveted iron beams and was becoming unsafe. The support girders were badly rusted and the center support was washed out by Hurricane Irene.

In 2013 the High Peaks Alliance and the North Franklin Snowmobile Club secured a TIF grant for the engineering and design of the new Perham Stream Bridge. Since then, the High Peaks Alliance has continued working with the North Franklin Snowmobile Club to secure funding and coordinate the construction of the bridge. Making use of TIF and Recreational Trail Plan grants construction of the new bridge started mid-June and was completed on Friday, June 24th.

We would like to thank Brian Luce of N.F. Luce Inc, the North Franklin Snowmobile Club, the Franklin County TIF Committee, the Recreational Trails Program, and the Narrow Gauge Riders ATV Club who generously committed some of their own TIF funding for the project.

Birds of Mount Abraham

West Kingfield: The hills have feathers! Birds that nest at higher elevations may do so a little later in the season than their lower-elevation cousins. Earlier this year, the High Peaks Alliance offered to take eager bird watchers on the trail to hear the spring birds in the forests of Madrid. Now, the High Peaks Alliance will be leading a hike on Mount Abraham in West Kingfield, on Friday the 8th of July.

“If past birding in this area is any indication we should be hearing, seeing, and identifying dozens of species of birds, everything from the Bicknell’s and Swainson’s Thrushes to the Black Throated Green and Blackpoll Warblers,” says High Peaks Alliance Board Member and Wilderness Society Ecologist Peter McKinley. Even without the bird life, there is plenty to see and talk about in this spectacular unobstructed scenery of the high peaks above the treeline.

McKinley and Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps member Dylan Cookson will be leading the hike, rain or shine. The event is free and welcomes all levels of birders. In addition to binoculars, those joining the walk should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, lunch and snacks, rain gear just in case, and a good insulating layer such as a fleece jacket, sunscreen, and DEET-based repellents for warding off ticks.

The adventure will be an 8.5-mile round trip and take up the better part of the day. The terrain includes some moderately steep uphill sections of trail and a little uneven walking in places, but we have taken many a newcomer to hike up and back and were happy they went. We would meet at Tranten’s Grocery store in Kingfield at 9 in the morning and carpool in the West Kingfield to Rapid Stream Road to the trailhead, about a 15-minute drive on pavement and gravel road. For more information about the walk, call 416-4952. For information about the trail, log onto www.highpeaksalliance.org.

June 11th Workday Update

The Summer of 2016 has been a relatively cool one. At the High Peaks Alliance, we have taken advantage of the fair weather to maintain and improve the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. We held our second workday on June 11th, with the help of some community volunteers.

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Elaine Holcombe

This workday, board members were joined by AmeriCorps and Maine Conservation Corps member Dylan Cookson, Trailmaster Bud Godsoe, and community volunteers. They started at the Madrid trailhead and carpooled up an old logging road to the Horse Hobble section of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail.

The group was divided into two teams that hiked south. The first team followed behind Bud Godsoe. As Bud bucked and limbed fallen trees with a chainsaw, they cleared out the cut remains and clipped branches that had grown onto the trail.

The second team forged ahead with cutter mattocks and began work on redirecting and cutting a 30-foot section of trail that was obscured by tall grass.

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Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps Member, Dylan Cookson.

The Horse Hobbles Section of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail is a gorgeous hike. Volunteers stopped to take in the scenery as they passed curious plants, monolithic yellow birch trees, a forest floor mottled with wildflowers, and shoulder-high Hobble Bush.

The crew ended its workday with lunch by the stream. In all, the crew cleared 1 mile of trail and redirected a 30-foot section of trail. It was a productive and fun day with everyone happy to have spent so much time on this gorgeous section of the mountain trail.

Let’s Get Ready to Raffle!

The Maine High Peaks Region is home to many local businesses that are supported by the region’s abundant natural resources and diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Fly Shops, Sporting Equipment Stores, Resturants, and Resorts all come together to enable visitors and residents to take full advantage of everything the High Peaks have to offer.

The High Peaks Alliance works to build partnerships between diverse conservation and outdoor recreation interests to maintain and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. Naturally, we have reached out to local businesses and they have taken an interest in our mission. Together we have introduced the raffle!

Have you been looking to get your hands on some high-quality merchandise or just want an excuse to help fund one of your favorite conservation organizations? Then consider checking out our raffle!

Ticket drawings will take place this fall. All proceeds will go towards High Peaks Alliance’s mission of promoting and enhancing traditional recreational access and conservation in the High Peaks region of Maine. Each ticket gives the purchaser a chance to win one of three prizes:

Website Raffle Prizes

20160603_082642Two High Peaks Area Businesses have contributed to this raffle by donating prizes. The Universal Tube Fly Tying Method kit has been donated by Chandler Pond Outfitters, just off Route 4 through Farmington. Chandler Pond Outfitters is a fairly new business, specializing in the sale of Fly Fishing accessories and Fly Tying Equipment.

EcopelagiconWe also have a pair of high-quality Leki Hiking poles donated by the Ecopelagicon Nature Store off Pond Street in Rangeley, Maine. The Ecopelagicon offers a wide variety of nature themed books, gifts, and hiking and paddling supplies. Also prominent in the store’s shelves are locally produced goods and regional maps and guidebooks.

If you would like to buy a Raffle Ticket, check us out at local celebrations and events all over the High Peaks Region for this Summer and Fall. You can also find our tickets for sale at the following local retailers:

Chandler Pond Outfitters (Starting this Friday)

–108 Fairbanks Rd Farmington, ME

The White Elephant

— 26 S Main St, Strong, ME 04983

Village Scrub Board

–2391 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970

Video Habits

–2391 Main St, Rangeley, ME 04970

Ecopelagicon

— 7 Pond St, Rangeley, ME 04970

 

 

 

May 14th Trail Workday

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On Saturday, May 14th the High Peaks Alliance had its first trail work-day of the year on the Fly Rod Crosby Trail. High Peaks Alliance President, Milt Baston and Board Member Betsy Squibb were joined by AmeriCorps member and Maine Conservation Corps Environmental Steward, Dylan Cookson, and community volunteer John Pietroski.

Together they put in 16 hours of work clearing and redirecting sections of the Fly Rod Crosby Trail around tall grass, and waterlogged and eroded areas.

Fly Rod Crosby’s Phillips

A trial run of a self-guided walking tour of Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby’s downtown Phillips drew a small group of history buffs and Crosby fans during this year’s Old Home Days.

Honoring Maine’s first registered guide (1854-1946), the walking tour not only highlighted the industries and businesses that flourished in Phillips during the lifetime (1854-1946) of Maine’s first Registered Guide, but it also included a portion of the 45-mile Fly Rod Crosby Trail, which passes through downtown Phillips on its way to Madrid, Rangeley, and Oquossoc.

While there have been walking tours of downtown Phillips in recent years, this was the first time, thanks to a grant from the Maine Community Foundation, those on the tour were given maps prepared by the Center for Community GIS. It was the first time the tour was led by two student summer interns from Mt Abram High School: Logan and Nathan Boyce.

While research at the Phillips Historical Society provided the students with basic information about the ten sites, those on the tour, added anecdotes, amusing recollections, and additional facts to the historic record as they walked along Depot, Pleasant, Main, Bridge, and Amble Streets “It’s just what we were looking and hoping for,” said Betsy Squibb of the High Peaks Alliance, which along with the Phillips Area Cultural Center(PACC) sponsored the walk.

Included in the tour were stops at the former maintenance shop of the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad (now the home of PACC), Fly Rod’s home, the former home of the Phillips Phonograph, the newspaper Fly Rod contributed a column to, and the Paul G. Whittemore building. A highlight of the hour-long tour included a stop at the Stove Top Country Store to peer into the three vaults that were housed in the former home of the Phillips National Bank.

Copies of the self-guided tour containing text will be available at the kiosk in front of the Phillips Area Community Center on Depot Street and other locations later this summer.

All Trails Celebration June 25th and 26th!

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!

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