Everyone is so busy these days, it’s hard to schedule time off, let alone scheduling it when the rest of your family or friends can get it off too. But, if a Rangeley weekend is all everyone can schedule right now, that’s ok. We’re here to help you all make the most of your short time here in beautiful Rangeley!
Saddleback Mountain
Saddleback Mountain has a little of everything. Depending on the season, you can go downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or ride a snowmobile or ATV through the wooded country side. You can go kayaking, fishing, canoeing, or boating, or get in a few rounds of golf. You can book guided tours for many of your favorite activities too, from snowshoeing and hiking to birdwatching (Saddleback is a stopover for migrating birds). Combine a few activities in to one with their Loon Watching Paddle Trip on Saddleback Lake.
A Rangeley Weekend Full of Waterfalls, Wildlife and More
You should be able to squeeze in a hike or two to a pretty, cascading waterfall. Smalls Falls has picnic tables, swimming at the base of the waterfall in shallow pools, and a nice, short hike to the falls. Angel Falls is another great, short hike through old growth forests with a big reward. The tallest waterfall in the state, this cascading waterfall is 90-foot high and shaped like an angel’s wing.
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 and wildlife viewing too. Both of these areas show off Maine’s forested uplands, boggy wetlands, and have ledge outcrops with scenic views of Rangeley Lake.
Are you ready to see loons and bald eagles? Bald Mountain’s peak offers views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Lake Rangeley. Besides the lovely view from the summit and observation tower, you can see bald eagles and their nests 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. The best way to see the loons is to head down to the water, and watch these pretty black and white birds with their bright red eyes glide across the still water.
Go on a moose safari! No trip to Rangeley would be complete without spotting at least one moose. You really can’t leave until you’ve seen one. Hunt for these majestic animals by kayaking along the lake’s edge or hiking along around the lake. Your best bet? Book a guided tour to increase your odds.
Scenic Views
Every visitor to Rangeley needs to experience Height of the Land at least once. You can enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding lake country, including Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes, as well as New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Take a quiet drive along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and enjoy the scenery in comfort.
Why not take a lake cruise? Enjoy time out on the lake, learn about the area from your guide, and watch loons, osprey, bald eagles and more. Or, take things up a notch and tour the region in a seaplane! There are several different seaplane companies and various tours to choose from too on your weekend in Rangeley, including a tour of the western mountains up to the Canadian border flight.
Your Weekend in Rangeley
Our best advice to make the most of your time is to decide what you want to do the most, then book a rental close to that activity. Do you want to hike through the forest to cascading waterfalls or spend most of your time kayaking on the lake with the loons? Snowmobile or snowshoe through billowy white powder or rush downhill on skis or a mountain bike? Obviously, your options will depend on the season, but you can still choose a rental that is close to all the things you want to do in the short time you’re here.
We have plenty of vacation rentals that are waterfront properties on area lakes. You’ll be able to listen to the loons calling out across the lake at night, and kayak among them during the day. We also have vacation rentals with access to snowmobile trails and several ski-in/ski-out condos so you can spend every second out on the slopes. Best of all, you won’t have to much waste time driving since you can be steps or a few miles from the things you love to do.
Even if you’re not sure exactly what you’ll end up doing, that’s ok too. We’ll help you find a vacation rental that’s right in the middle of everything. Just give us a call today!
