Instead of coming to Rangeley, Maine, during the busy summer season, where everyone goes hiking, or during the winter season, where everyone is skiing, why not head here during the spring or fall seasons? This way, you can enjoy fewer people, more time to yourself, cheaper prices, and the peace and solitude you have been so desperately craving! Plus, there are TONS of things to do in Rangeley during the fall break. After a long summer off of work, it can feel like you still want a little more vacation time to spend with your friends and family. Take a weekend off of work and come to Rangeley to enjoy the refreshing air, cold breeze on your face, and views of the nearby mountains and hillsides. This town is a small and quaint mountain town that is located in Western Maine, making it the perfect getaway from a busy city. Let’s check out the top things to do in Rangeley, Maine, during the Fall season.
Height of Land
This incredible scenic viewpoint is a great spot to head if you are a fan of views, nature, and solitude. Head here with a nice picnic lunch and enjoy the landscape down below, including the sprawling lake, pine trees, and bright blue skies. Located right on Route 17, this is the ideal pit stop if you are taking a scenic drive-in Western Maine during your holiday. You can even head to Oquossoc afterward, a cute and tiny town that has cafes and restaurants for a nice afternoon pick-me-up.
Shelton Noyes Overlook
Another great scenic viewpoint in the town of Rangeley, Maine, is the Shelton Noyes Overlook. Located just 4 miles south of the town of Oquossoc, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. This will not only feel like you’re on top of a mountain, but you can feel like you have conquered a dramatic peak hike!
Whip Willow Farm Overlook
Are you sensing a pattern here? As I can see, there are incredible views surrounding the entire Rangeley area. All you have to do is find the quietest and most serene overlook and then bring a nice picnic lunch, deck of cards, books, and your friends and enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet. The Whip Willow Farm Overlook offers incredible views of the nearby Rangeley Lake down below — the perfect spot for you to go on a boat later in the day!
Smalls Falls
Located off of route 4, this waterfall is the perfect spot to cool off on a hot fall day. Although you will probably have ideal weather during the fall season – -think of the high 70s and sunny — sometimes it can still be nice to take a dip in some ice-cold water. This area is ideal for those who want to bring a picnic lunch, barbeque on the girl, and enjoy an easy hike to the local watering hole for swimming.
Quill Hill
Another high viewpoint in the area is Quill Hill. This is arguably the best spot in Rangeley for views and photos! If you want to Instagram your vacation, you NEED to head here. You can drive, hike, or bike to the top of Quill Hill on the gravel road, making it a great source of exercise for a half-day trip from your accommodation.
Night Sky and Watching the Sunset
Last but not least, checking out the incredible red, orange, and blue sunset as the day gets older is a fun way to commemorate being outside in nature. Plus, when it finally does get pitch black, you can see the incredible stars shining brightly. This is one thing you won’t see in your town or city that is full of lights! We love the peacefulness and abundance of nature in Rangeley, offering incredible viewpoints at any time of the day, reconnecting with nature, and feeling one with the world. Seeing the Milky Way in August-October is one of the best ways to really feel like you are in the wilderness.
Accommodation in Rangeley, Maine
If Rangeley sounds like the ideal escape from the humdrum of city life, we totally agree. Not only can you enjoy serene and nature-focused activities, but the peace and quiet that you will get in this adorable mountain town is an idyllic vacation. Instead of escaping to a tourist trap where you are surrounded by thousands of people day in and day out, you can simply relax in nature and enjoy the incredible views.
So, where should you stay? Luckily for you, we offer a wide variety of cabins, mountain homes, suites, and condominiums that can suit your needs. Whether you are looking for you and your partner or all of your friends, there are homes for everyone. We offer a wide range of properties no matter what size your party is, ranging from a one-bedroom condominium to a 5-bedroom house on the side of the mountain!
Use Rangeley Rentals to find the home of your dreams today.
Making time to get out of town and enjoy a trip to Rangeley is always worth your while. If it happens to occur in the fall, even better! The following are just a few of our many favorite fall activities to enjoy in Rangeley the next time you’re in town.
Leaf Peeping
As summer fades into fall, many travelers make their way to Maine to make the most of fall foliage adventures with good reason. If your travel sights are set specifically on Rangeley, you’re in luck! This delightful destination has long been recognized as one of the ultimate places in all of Maine for savoring the colorful sights in abundance.
When you’re here, there are plenty of options for taking in the changing colors of the leaves thanks to the region’s dynamic terrain complete with peaks and valleys. The combination of deciduous trees at lower elevations and evergreens that make up the high-altitude areas creates a truly spectacular color palette to enjoy.
Evergreens in Rangeley tend to transition into vibrant red and orange hues while deciduous trees turn towards yellow. The combination is best enjoyed from the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway which is a 35-mile comprehensive loop that takes visitors towards amazing vistas at every bend and turn. The peak foliage experience happens between late September and the middle of October. During this time, maples are showcasing cherry red leaves while birches are boasting yellow. White ash in the area turn to garnet and the result is an amazing plethora of color. If you’re looking for specific places to take in a panoramic view, head to either Bald or Saddleback Mountains.
Hit the Hiking Trails
Before the snow makes its way to Maine, fall is the perfect time to bundle up and take advantage of time left on the hiking trails without the cold and ice involved in the adventure. Fortunately, there are plenty of iconic destinations to choose from that are particularly inviting this time of year. Height of Land is one of the most scenic and sensational stops for hikers that offers up expansive views on the Rangeley terrain. It can be reached 10 miles south of Oquossoc on Route 17. The Shelton Noyes Overlook is another landmark worth hiking towards located on the very same Route 17. Just three and a half miles south of Oquossoc, this overlook is well worth the effort to trek to as it offers up sensational panoramic views out and over Rangeley Lake. Smalls Falls is another stop you won’t want to miss once you have your hiking boots laced up and you’re ready for outdoor fun. These cascades are found at the end of a relatively easy hiking trail that comes with plenty of trees, flowers, and options to view wildlife along the way.
Enjoy Fall Fishing Excursions
Year-round, fishing is a fun and exciting way to spend time in Rangeley, and a trip here in the fall is no exception to that rule. The waters that make up the Rangeley Lakes area are rich in a variety of fish species, making time on the water a treat for anglers of all skill levels. Trout tends to dominate the catch list, but bass, perch, and land-locked salmon can’t be counted out. Whether you head out by boat, canoe, or kayak, finding time to get on the water and enjoy your tranquil surroundings before winter arrives is well worth your time.
Sip a Seasonal Latte in a Local Coffee House
There’s something super satisfying about taking time to sip a hot coffee on a crisp fall day. When you find yourself in Rangeley, heading over to Classic Provisions is just the place to experience this moment. Situated at 2455 main Street, Classic Provisions is closed on Mondays but is open every other day of the week between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm with shortened hours on Sundays closing at noon. Here, coffee, tea, or smoothies can be paired with the right seasonal sandwich or pastry too. Treat your tastebuds and re-energize at Classic Provisions the next time you’re in town for a fall getaway.
Take a Few Inspiring Fall Photos
Rangeley is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true, but its natural beauty also beckons to those with a passion for finding the most inspiring and photographic places on the map! Fall is a fantastic photo opportunity season in Rangeley for travelers excited to capture the most scenic moments on camera. From Saddleback Summit and Smalls Falls to Height of Land and the shores of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, a trip to Rangeley won’t disappoint in the way of photo-worthy experiences.
Book Your Fall Getaway Today
When you’re ready to turn travel plans into a reality, the team at Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals is here to help with your accommodations. Let us get you settled in the right home away from home that keeps you close to the fall fun and living luxuriously too. Reach out for more information on our many inviting rental property options and to start planning your next trip to Maine. We can’t wait to see you in Rangeley soon!