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Rangeley Lakes Ultimate Guide: What to Do and What to See

Updated: Mar 16, 2023




Maine is a beautiful state, filled with lush forests, rugged coastlines, and stunning lakes. Among its many natural wonders, the Rangeley Lakes Region stands out as one of the best places to visit in New England for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.


With over 147 lakes and ponds, the Rangeley Lakes Region is home to a collection of eight interconnected lakes known as the Rangeley Lakes chain. The largest of these is Rangeley Lake, which is the second deepest lake in Maine and covers an area of 6,800 acres. The other seven lakes are Hubbard, Mooselookmeguntic, Cupsuptic, Aziscohos, Richardson, Quimby, and Sandy River Reservoir.


Each of these lakes provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in Rangeley Maine. The region is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and other outdoor activities. The area is also home to some of the best hiking trails in Maine, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In this article, we'll explore some of the most popular lakes in the Rangeley region and what they have to offer our guests at the Rangeley Retreat Lodge.


 

Rangeley Lake


Rangeley Lake is the largest lake in the region, covering just over 6,000 acres. This lake is a popular destination for fishing, with a variety of species that call the lake their home. Anglers can expect to find brook, brown, rainbow and lake trout, along with landlocked salmon and whitefish. The lake also offers excellent opportunities for boating and swimming, with plenty of public access points and boat ramps.


Cupsuptic Lake


Cupsuptic Lake is a pristine lake located in Rangeley, Maine. Covering over 8,000 acres, this lake is the second largest in the state. It is home to a wide variety of fish, including salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon. The lake is also a popular destination for anglers looking for trophy size catches.The lake is surrounded by forests of birch and pine trees, providing a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing day of fishing, swimming, or canoeing. It is also part of an expansive network of interconnected lakes, making it easy to explore the local area.In the summer months, the lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and watersports. There is an abundance of docks and boat launches, making it easy to access the lake. There are also several marinas located on the shoreline, offering boat rentals, fuel, and other supplies.Cupsuptic Lake is a great destination for those looking to get away from it all. With plenty of outdoor activities and stunning views, this lake is a great place for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to relax or an outdoor adventure, Cupsuptic Lake offers something for everyone.


Umbagog Lake


Umbagog Lake is a shallow, warm water lake located in the northern part of the region. This lake is popular for its excellent fishing, offering anglers the chance to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. The lake is also home to a wide variety of waterfowl, making it a great spot for birdwatching. In addition to fishing and birdwatching, Umbagog Lake also offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and other boating activities.


Horseshoe Pond


Horseshoe Pond is a small, spring-fed lake located in the southern part of the Rangeley region. This lake is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of species that call the lake their home. Anglers can expect to find large and smallmouth bass, brown and rainbow trout, and northern pike. Horseshoe Pond is also a great spot for swimming, with plenty of sandy beaches and public access points.


Mooselookmeguntic Lake


Mooselookmeguntic Lake, located in Rangeley, Maine, is a beautiful natural wonder and one of the state's most popular vacation spots. With a total surface area of nearly 11,000 acres, Mooselookmeguntic Lake is the fourth largest body of water in Maine and the second largest lake located entirely within the state. It is a spectacular place of natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, many islands, and an abundance of wildlife.The lake is very popular with anglers, who come from all over the region to take advantage of its incredible fishing opportunities. Species such as salmon, trout, bass, and perch are found in abundance here, offering plenty of chances for a good catch. Boating on Mooselookmeguntic Lake is also very popular, and visitors can rent boats, canoes, and kayaks from many of the local marinas. The lake's name is derived from the Abenaki Indian term for the lake, which translates to "moose feeding place." Moose sightings are not uncommon here, and visitors often take advantage of the excellent wildlife viewing opportunities afforded by Mooselookmeguntic Lake. There are many hiking trails around the lake, offering great views while providing a chance to explore the surrounding wilderness. In the winter, ice fishing and skiing opportunities abound, making Mooselookmeguntic Lake a great destination year-round.Overall, Mooselookmeguntic Lake is an amazing place to visit, offering something for everyone. From fishing to boating to wildlife-viewing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy here. Whether you're looking to relax on the lake or explore the surrounding wilderness, Mooselookmeguntic Lake is the perfect place to do it.


Cobbossee Stream


Cobbossee Stream, located in Rangeley, Maine, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its abundance of recreational activities. It is a beautiful, winding stream that runs approximately 12 miles from its source, the Richardson Lake, and into the Rangeley Lake. Along the way, it passes through some of Maine’s most picturesque landscapes, including dense forests, rolling hills, and open meadows. The stream is a popular destination for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. It is full of native brook trout, which makes it a great spot for anglers looking for a challenge. The stream also offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the state, with rapids ranging from Class I to Class IV. Hikers can explore the area’s many trails, while campers can enjoy the peaceful campsites along the banks of the stream. From its scenic views to its abundant wildlife, Cobbossee Stream is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an exciting adventure.


Hubbard Lake


Hubbard Lake in Rangeley, Maine is a spectacular place to spend time with family and friends. Located in the northwestern part of Maine, Hubbard Lake is surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains and the Appalachian Trail.The lake is seven miles long, and offers plenty of recreational opportunities. Boating, fishing, water skiing, and swimming are all popular activities on the lake. There are several boat launches and public docks, so you can easily find access to the lake. Fishing is excellent, as the lake is stocked with a variety of trout, and is known for its large bass population.The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as beavers, birds, and moose. There are many hiking trails in the area, including the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the lake.The lake is also known for its stunning sunsets. On clear nights, you can see the stars twinkling over the lake and the mountains.If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax and connect with nature, Hubbard Lake is the perfect spot. The serene atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and abundance of activities make this a great place to visit.


Aziscohos Lake


Aziscohos Lake is located in Rangeley, Maine and is one of the most popular destinations for both locals and tourists. The lake is the fourth largest in Maine and is known for its abundance of fish, with five species of salmon, trout, and other game fish, making it a great spot for anglers. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as bald eagles and osprey, which makes it a great place to observe and take pictures of these majestic birds. The lake is also great for boating, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as swimming, so it is a great spot for those who are looking for a fun day on the water. Aziscohos Lake is also surrounded by stunning views, with mountains and trees all around, making it a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of Maine. With its abundance of activities, wildlife, and scenery, Aziscohos Lake is an ideal destination for those looking for a great day out on the lake.


Richardson Lake


Richardson Lake in Rangeley, Maine is a beautiful destination for recreation and relaxation. The lake is located in the northwestern part of the state and is part of the Rangeley Lakes Region. The lake is approximately 6 miles long, a mile wide and has a maximum depth of around 64 feet. It is the second largest lake located within the Rangeley Lakes Region.The lake is known for its crystal clear water, which is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is home to many fish species, such as landlocked salmon, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and white perch. Anglers will also find a variety of other sport fish in the lake, such as northern pike, pickerel, and brown trout.The surrounding area is abundant with outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking trails wind through the forest and offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are also popular activities on the lake. For those looking to relax, there are several public beaches and picnic areas along the shore.Richardson Lake is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re an angler, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, Richardson Lake is the perfect spot for your next Maine getaway.



Quimby Lake in Rangeley Maine is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nestled in the foothills of the western Maine mountains, it is the perfect place for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake is surrounded by the beautiful White Mountain National Forest, providing visitors with a picturesque backdrop for any activity. The lake is also home to numerous species of fish, including bass, trout, and salmon, making it a great spot for anglers.The lake is also popular amongst visitors who are looking to enjoy some of the area’s wildlife. With its picturesque setting and diverse wildlife, Quimby Lake is the perfect place to observe the beauty of nature. Birdwatchers can spot osprey, bald eagles, and loons amongst other species, while other visitors may be lucky enough to spot a moose or black bear roaming the shoreline.The lake is also a great spot for swimming and other water activities. With its calm waters, visitors can enjoy a relaxing swim or take a kayak or canoe out for a leisurely paddle. There are also numerous beaches located around the lake, making it the perfect spot for a summer day at the beach.Quimby Lake is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a spot to fish, swim, or observe wildlife, Quimby Lake has something for everyone.


The Sandy River Reservoir


The Sandy River Reservoir in Rangeley, Maine is an incredible natural wonder. Located in the heart of the Maine Highlands, the reservoir is fed by the Sandy River and is surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and other outdoor activities. The reservoir is home to a variety of wildlife, including beavers, eagles, loons, and other fowl. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brown trout.The reservoir is also a great spot for bird watching. The lake is surrounded by tall trees that provide a great habitat for a variety of species. During the summer, ospreys can often be seen hunting for food in and around the lake. Bald eagles also frequent the area and can often be seen soaring above the lake.The reservoir provides excellent opportunities for boating and fishing. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and motorboats at the Rangeley Lakes State Park. Fishing boats with motors are also available for rent. Fishermen can catch landlocked salmon, lake trout, and brown trout. The lake is also home to a variety of other fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and pickerel.The Sandy River Reservoir is an amazing natural wonder, and it provides a great opportunity for outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking to fish, boat, swim, or just relax and take in the stunning natural scenery, the reservoir is a great destination.



Conclusion

In this article, we explored some of the most popular lakes in the Rangeley region and what they have to offer. Rangeley Lake to Cobbossee Stream, the region offers plenty of opportunities for anglers, boaters, swimmers, and birdwatchers alike. So, if you're looking for an outdoor adventure, head to Rangeley Maine and explore its many lakes.


Looking for a place to stay in Rangeley Maine? Be sure to check out the Rangeley Retreat


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