We camped at Rangeley for the 4th of July in our pop-up. We had site 20 which was nice (water and…read moreelectric) but we wished we were across the street because those sites have water views and some have access paths through the trees. Try site 19. But no hook-ups over there. The bathrooms were nice and clean, and the dishwashing station was too. The best hike in the area is Bald Mountain. They sell ice and wood at the ranger station.

Edie was so wonderful, she helped me change our reservation when our camp for tonight was…read morecancelled, due to floods. She got us in and we are here for two nights instead of sleeping in the Walmart parking lot.

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine (and NH) has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Yes. Loop trail? No. Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. Heads-up: to even access the parking lot, you'll need to drive down some seriously rough back roads. Maine back roads. You've been warned. Admittedly, this was one of the most difficult hikes I have ever done (to date). It's a (give or take) 3,187' elevation done in about 1.5 miles. Yeah. Let that sink in. It's an out-and-back vertical rock scramble. It's very steep, it's very rocky and it stays that way from the very beginning to the very end. We saw on multiple different hiking websites that "experienced, athletic hikers can make this aggressive climb in 1.5 to 2 hours." We got there at around 4:30pm and left around 8pm (and we were hustling down the mountain at the end because we didn't want to be up there in the dark after having seen a lot of fresh moose scat). We were shocked to see people just starting their climb as we were coming down! "Are we almost there?" one person asked... The answer? No, no you're not. And that's the story of Mt Blue. Just when you think you're almost to the summit... you're not. "Let's just push forward for five more minutes." VERTICAL ROCK SCRAMBLE. "Okay, just another five minutes." MORE VERTICAL ROCK SCRAMBLING. "Five more minutes and then we'll turn around." VERTICAL ROCK SCRAMBLING FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. When we had reached our absolute physical breaking point we really did go "just five more minutes"... and reached the summit, which offered some of the most spectacular, most rewarding views I have ever seen in Maine. At the top is an old fire tower that you can climb (there are a few levels of stairs; it sways ever so slightly in the wind, so people who get motion sickness or have fear of heights, heads-up), but from there you can see panoramic views of the picturesque, seemingly endless, nearby mountains and lakes. It was one of the most breathtaking scenic summits I have ever experienced or witnessed; Maine in absolutely all of her glory and beauty and impressiveness.

Holy moly! That my friend is a hike to do. Not only does it boast a gorgeous 360 view atop the…read moreobservation tower, it also gives you a workout that you will physically remember...for days. As part of my hike 40 different Maine mountains, I figured this was a good one to add to my list.(This was 36 if you were wondering) I hit up the google maps for direction and got myself within a few miles when I turned it off and followed the signs. I stopped at the multi-use trails to ensure it wasn't what I needed. It gave me good directions to the correct trail head I wanted. I scooted up the road that soon turned to dirt and after passing the sign and turn for Center Hill went .7 miles before seeing the sign for Mt. Blue. This bumpy dirt road went on for 2.5 miles before getting to the parking lot. My hike was all uphill. No switch backs, no meandering easy trails, just all up. Straight up rocks, boulders, and roots. Luckily at .5 there was trail off to the left with a small waterfall and then a bit further up there was a very old and falling apart cabin with more views of the mountain stream behind it. The rest of the hike was as I said before was all straight up. I had brought a jacket in case the overcast day got chilly but definitely didn't need it. I was sweaty and breathing heavy. Along the way I passed all ages of people so while this may be tough it's not impossible for any age. At the top I was delighted by the sight of the observation tower. How many mountains had I done where at the top I wanted to see more! I huffed it up the few flights of steps and took in a breathtaking 360 view! So worth the sweat, achey muscles, and exhaustion I felt. My trip up was 1:40 and trip down was 1:10. I'm in moderate shape and recovering from a leg injury so take that timing as you wish.

Bigelow Preserve is an absolutely gorgeous state-owned nature preserve in Western Maine…read more Established in 1976, this protected land is open to the public for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, fall foliage, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and so much more! At over 36,000 acres... you're sure to find something of interest. The flora and fauna are just breath-taking and it is absolutely worth a visit! I visited this vast parcel of land with the intent of climbing four out of the seven peaks of the Bigelow Mountain Range that are contained within the preserve. As some of the tallest mountains in all of Maine, I was excited for the challenge. The mountains are named after Major Timothy Bigelow who summitted the peaks in the late 1700s. There are many trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail, that snake through this forested playground. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club maintains these tracks and provides caretakers at the backcountry camping sites. From the mountains there are impressive views of Flagstaff Lake and the mountain range itself. Open all year round. One of the most scenic hikes I've completed in a while! Breath in the fresh air and get outside.

Cool little spot. Not a ton of space for recreation but a worth spot to stop with passengers or…read morepets on a long ride.

Outdoor enthusiasts- this is your happy place!! I've never seen so many lakes, streams, and remote…read morehiking trails all in one place!! Absolute heaven!! The Rangeley Lakes region is massive and holds six large lakes, as well as hundreds of smaller lakes, ponds, and streams. I started my adventure driving in on the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway which takes you way up on some ridges with vast sweeping views of the valley that holds gigantic Mooselookmeguntic Lake!! You'll have the opportunity to pull off for photos at Height of Land waypoint and I highly recommend the stop - a great way to start your trip! I based myself out of Rangeley and stayed at the quaint Rangeley Inn & Tavern and it was so perfect! Rangeley is right in the heart of the region and sits between lovely Haley Pond (full of Loons!!) and magnificent Rangeley Lake which has spectacular sunsets and seaplane excursions. Apparently modern day fly fishing was born in this region which doesn't surprise me. This is a sportsman's paradise to be sure! Fishing, hunting, ATVing - all very popular here. As well as hiking and tons of birding! In winter it's all about skiing and snowmobiling. I came to this region in search of moose and explored as much as I could - all the way up to the giant Chain of Ponds pushing up to the Canadian border. And while I didn't find any moose, I still had an amazing adventure and will definitely be back!!

Loved fishing here with my dad! Not only is this lake beautiful, but the staff took care of…read moreeverything for us from good and boat service to bringing around full coolers of ice at 4pm everyday. Would highly recommend!

A great place if you want to relax and get away. The scenery is beyond breathtaking and there is a…read moredifferent spectacular sunset each night. You will see every star and hear the loons. The screened in porches over look the lake. Relax and read on the porch or kayak right there. The water is very refreshing to swim in or float around. There also motorboats and paddle boards and a water trampoline. You will not be bored because you have 3 meals to just show up for and unwind in the dining room on the water. The food is amazing and several healthy options such as fresh fruit, homemade soups and a variety of gourmet salads. The best is the turkey diner and of course lobster and steak night. There is plenty to do in town such as shop, visit the several museums or the famous Wilhelm Reich museum and the scenic nature walk off of rt 16. There is also a fresh spring on the same road to fill up jugs and it is delicious. In the evening roast marshmallows by the fire. To access the beach drive one mile at turn right at the somewhat hidden stop sign. Here you can walk into the water. The owners are the nicest people you will ever meet. For WiFi go to the Main building where there is a sitting area or sit on the front porch. The drive from the main entrance gate takes about 35 min as it is an eight mile road with smaller rocks but they try to keep it raked for the most part. Go straight until the Grants Camp sign and arrow points left, then go straight and see the 1 mile sign. At the gate just wait there and the guy will make the gate open.

Beautifully renovated bar and patio area! The mountain views from the back patio and bar are…read moreabsolutely unmatched, and the staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly. They also have three large golf simulator bays, which make it the perfect spot for rainy days or winter fun.

Awesome indoor bar with Mountain View's. The back patio is spacious and a great feature. The golf…read morecourse also has some nice panoramic views of the mountains.

We've been coming here for several years. They have a great lodge, great snowmobiling, while…read moreeverything was without snow this year, it was good in the northern woods of Maine. They are great for long weekends or week stays. You'll see herds of white tail deer in the winter, literally 20-60 at a time. At night while you're outside by the camp fire you can hear the coyotes talking with each other. It's a different kind of quiet most of the time that you can't often experience, it's noticeable and a huge treat. We're looking forward to coming back again next year. Canoeing and kayaking down the river is just treat very relaxing. We've come up on other times in the summer and those in the family who love fishing were totally impressed and had a wonderful time.