Rangeley is a small town located in the beautiful Rangeley Lakes Region in western Maine. The area started to become known as a seasonal resort spot in the 1900s, and its cool climate, abundance of fishing opportunities, wildlife and picturesque locale have made it a popular destination ever since.
Popular Activities for Your Spring Journey in Rangeley
Spring is wonderful here in Rangeley. The weather is just starting to warm up, hibernating creatures are beginning to wake up, migrating birds are taking wing, and wildflowers are beginning to bloom! It’s certainly not too hot out, the bugs haven’t arrived yet and neither have the crowds. And whether you want to see wildflowers, wildlife or waterfalls, there are plenty of tails to explore this Rangeley spring.
Beautiful Waterfalls
The short hike to Angel Falls takes you through a Northern Hardwoods Forest, where you can spot Starflower and trillium along the trail. Keep an eye out for the pileated woodpecker, though you may just hear them drumming or hunting for insects. Follow the trail as it crosses a few streams and you’ll be rewarded with a 90-foot waterfall, in the shape of an angel’s wing.
Cascade Stream Gorge is just 3 miles south of Rangeley, and is an easy, scenic hike along a dramatic gorge leading to a series of amazing waterfalls and chutes. Don’t forget your camera to take shots when enjoying these Rangeley spring activities!
Wildlife and Bird Watching
Are you ready to see loons and bald eagles? Bald Mountain’s peak offers views of Lake Mooselookmeguntic and Lake Rangeley. Besides the lovely view from the summit, you can see bald eagles and their nests, usually set in the tops of the larger eastern white pines along the edges of the lakes. Bobcat and coyote like to make their dens among the rocks on the south-facing slope of the mountain, and you can find their tracks in the mud along the boardwalk. And you’ve heard the loons calling in the evenings around the lake, and that’s where you should go to see them. Head down to the water, and watch these pretty black and white birds with their bright red eyes glide across the still water.
Another, easy way to spot loons, osprey, bald eagles and more is to take one of the boat tours of Rangeley Lake. Rangeley Region Lake Cruises and Kayaks is just one tour company with plenty of options, including a sunset lake cruise.
The network of trails wandering through the Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place to spot birds, reptiles, deer and more. And the nearby South Bog Conservation Area has a short interpretive trail and a longer multi-use trail down to Rangeley Lake. South Bog is a dark sky trail and a great spot for birding too.
No trip to Maine, especially western Maine, would be complete without spotting at least one moose. Hunt for these majestic animals by kayak along the lake’s edge or hiking along around the lake. Or book a guided tour and increase your chance of seeing a moose or two. If you’re out kayaking or hiking at dusk or dawn, keep an eye out! Seeing a moose slowly lumbering along is an almost magical experience, and one you’ll never forget.
Rangeley Lake State Park
With over 900 acres of lakes and forests to explore, Rangeley Lake State Park has something for everyone. In spring, hike along forested trails, along the edges of streams and lakes, watching for wildflowers popping up beside the trail. If you can handle the cold weather, rent a kayak and head out on the lake to glide with the loons. Or fly fish! As the water warms up, the fish do too. The Rangeley Lake Region is the birthplace of modern fly-fishing, and the sport is still going strong. Fish for the lakes’ famous trout, landlocked salmon, and more. No matter the season, pack a lunch with your favorite snacks to enjoy at the lakeside picnic area or find your own secluded spot under the trees just off the trail.
Scenic Views
Every visitor to Rangeley needs to experience Height of the Land at least once. Enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding lake country, including Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes, as well as New Hampshire’s White Mountains. You can take a quiet drive along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and enjoy the scenery in comfort.
A Rangeley Spring Journey
Whether you are on the hunt for loons and moose, trillium and pink lady slippers, or a cascading waterfall, you can find it here in Rangeley. We have just the right vacation home for your stay here too. Book a cabin nestled on a forested mountain slope or a lake-front vacation home, a comfy, romantic cabin or a spacious, modern mountain lodge to rest after a day full of Rangeley spring activities. Give us a call today and start planning your spring journey in Rangeley.
