Maine #2
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Many people envision Maine as a rugged coastline peppered with quaint seaside villages, 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 made up of six beautiful lakes offering such outdoor activities as fishing, boating, swimming and camping. This drive reveals some of Maine's most beautiful scenery. Start in the town of Byron and take Rte. 17 north. Watch for the Appalachian Trail signs on your left, and park on the side of the road if you're interested in taking a hike. The well-marked trail leads to some wonderful 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 lakes, forests and mountains.
Continuing north on Rte. 17 you'll catch a glimpse of the sprawling 16,300-acre Mooselookmeguntic Lake, a favorite spot for fishing and picnicking. In the town of Oquossoc, take Rte. 16 east toward Rangeley Lake. The lake itself is within the geological formation known as Rangeley Basin, an area surrounded by densely 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 Rte. 4 at the Dallas Hill Road. The town of Rangeley, adjacent to the lake, offers boat rentals and an assortment of restaurants and shops.
Continue on Rte. 16 to the Rangeley Historical Society to view an extensive archive of Rangeley's past and present, including a collection of vintage hunting and fishing equipment. Back on the scenic byway, take Rte. 4 south out of Rangeley to the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum with its collection of equipment, artifacts and photos related to the logging industry. The end of the drive will take you past the Sandy and Swift Rivers – both known 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:
Rangeley Lake
Rangeley Historical Society
Height of Land Overlook
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