Nothing can match the joy of spending some quality time in nature. If you enjoy visiting natural wonders and participating in adventurous activities, you can plan a trip to picturesque location. For a natural destination away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can consider visiting gorgeous Rangeley, Maine. The region is known for its picturesque landscape with mighty mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, and wildlife. You can visit the famous Saddleback Mountain; it is one of the highest mountains in Maine, standing tall at an elevation of 2000 feet.
Hiking the Mountain
(Hiking the AT and bagging a 4,000-footer) Start at the parking lot 9 miles south on Route 4 (described in the Piazza Rock info. below). Follow the well-marked 5.2-mile section of the Appalachian Trail that leads to the summit of Saddleback Mountain. You’ll have an enjoyable walk passing Piazza Rock, Ethel Pond, Eddy Pond, and then, after this, you’ll start “earning your biscuit” as the work begins with a steep hike up to the tree line. Use caution, especially during wet times of the year, as the trail traverses glacially smoothed bedrock. Watch for the rock “cairns” and take care to protect the fragile alpine environment by staying on the marked trail. Exceptional views of the surrounding fellow 4,000’ mountains of the region, its water bodies, and, on a very clear day, Katahdin Mountain to the north and Mount Washington to the south, await you at the 4,120’ summit of Saddleback Mountain. You can just turn around and follow the trail back to your car, or hike down to the Saddleback base lodge and arrange a pick-up there.
Other Activities
The Rangeley area and Saddleback Mountain region are popular spots for hiking and skiing. The mountain has plenty of hiking and skiing trails for all levels. Ranging from beginner to advanced trails, there are different levels for skiing enthusiast. You will find more than 66 ski trails and five ski resorts at Saddleback Mountain. It is the site of the popular Saddleback Mountain Resort. While hiking, you can walk over the trails and reach scenic viewpoints that offer a mesmerizing view of the surrounding landscape. For example, you can hike to the Height of Land situated on the Rangeley Lake National Scenic Byway. It stands tall at one of the highest peaks in the area and offers picturesque views of the lakes and mountains. You cannot miss hiking over the popular Appalachian Trail. It is part of the National Scenic Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine and covers a distance of 2170 miles.
Besides Saddleback Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, you can explore many other hiking locations in the Rangeley area. One of the popular spots is Angel Falls with the largest drop in Maine at 90 feet. This family-friendly location offers mesmerizing views of the gorgeous waterfalls. For a gentle trail with picnic tables at the end, you can hike over the Bald Mountains. It offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding area. Another popular destination is the Cascade Stream Gorge Trail with multiple short trails where you can see gorges and waterfalls. The hike can be considered easy with steep terrain that takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the summit.
Book Your Maine Escape
Get ready for a fun-filled trip in the Rangeley area where you can enjoy many hiking trails and enjoy the picturesque landscape. For your accommodation options, you can check out the vacation homes at Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals. We have a variety of vacation homes with spacious layouts, multiple bedrooms, large living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, and much more. When you are ready, you can contact us to book a perfect accommodation. You can choose a private waterfront home or a mountain view to enjoy the gorgeous landscape.