Rangeley River
About Rangeley River
The Rangeley River Conservation Area has a mile section of shared-use trail that provides access to the Rangeley River’s shores and Mooselookmeguntic Lake for hikers, anglers, bikers, and snowmobilers.
A river-side picnic table and a 0.5-mile side trail toward Indian Rock allow users to explore the Rangeley River area at their own pace.
We recommend crossing the river at its northern terminus, then venturing down the narrow-gauge railroad bed, which runs across the steep opposite bank of the river.
Recreation Opportunities
Conservation Story
Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust purchased this 150-acre property from Union Water Power Company in 1995. Prior to this, the Union Water Power owned the property for more than a century after buying it in 1878 from Squire Rangeley, the Town’s namesake. Squire Rangeley built the dam in 1836 to power his gristmill. Situated within the Upper Androscoggin River Watershed, the Rangeley Dam is still used today to control the water level in Rangeley Lake.
The old rail bed that runs through the property was part of the Rangeley Lakes and Sandy River Railroad, which crossed the dam in Oquossoc and went up to Kennebago Lake.
The property has a long history of recreational use, including fishing, hunting, and biking. The popular ITS-84 snowmobile trail runs through this property and connects riders to the Village of Oquossoc.
THE SEVEN LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
FOR OUR CONSERVATION AREAS
Being prepared means knowing where you are going before getting there. Pack a map, talk with hikers and look at trail apps. Choose equipment for comfort, weather, and safety. Plan the trip to match your time, skills, and abilities.
We strive for one well-designed trail rather than many poorly chosen routes. Stay within the width of the trail and hike single file on durable surfaces, like rock and sand. They can withstand repeated use. Durable surfaces are less likely to erode. Vegetation, including the lichen that grows on rocks, is fragile and easily damaged by treads.
Carry in, carry out. Please remove your pet’s waste.
Allow those who come after you the same sense of wonder by leaving flowers, rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts, and other objects of interest where they are.
Permitted campfires are allowed in the established fire ring. State of Maine laws must be followed.
When wildlife watching, we recommend using the Rule of Thumb. Don’t touch, get near, feed, or pick up wild animals. Doing so causes them stress, and they may have a harmful disease to humans.
Always be courteous to other visitors. Everyone deserves to enjoy a positive outdoor experience. Be mindful of your noise level, be a responsible pet owner, and enjoy the natural world.
Trail Map
Visit Maine Trail Finder for a map of this conservation area and of trailside services.
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