
Rangeley River Trail
A picturesque trail offering enchanting gnome hunts in summer and pristine groomed paths for skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshly groomed trails

Rangeley River Trail
Best Time
Freshly groomed trails

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque trail offering enchanting gnome hunts in summer and pristine groomed paths for skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
"The Gnome Home Roam is just adorable. Wish each gnome and their associated number were on the map, would have been helpful."

Gnome Hunt Fun! 🍄
Don't miss the Gnome Home Roam! It's a hit with kids and adults alike. Look for the numbered gnomes.
Winter Sports Lessons ⛷️
Consider cross-country skiing or snowshoeing lessons; instructors are patient and adapt to all skill levels.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gnome Home Roam
Various points along the trail
An enchanting scavenger hunt for all ages, featuring whimsical gnome homes hidden along the paths.

Winter Trail Grooming
Throughout the trail system
Impeccably groomed trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a serene winter escape.

Scenic Lake Views
Near the lake
Enjoy picturesque views of the lake, especially beautiful when dusted with snow or reflecting summer skies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Wonderland or Summer Stroll?
Navigating the Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ok, so we did "biggest Tourist Trap", but what's most worthwhile?
Gnome Hunt Fun! 🍄
Don't miss the Gnome Home Roam! It's a hit with kids and adults alike. Look for the numbered gnomes.
Winter Sports Lessons ⛷️
Consider cross-country skiing or snowshoeing lessons; instructors are patient and adapt to all skill levels.
This is my loose trip. Approximately 10 days. Any suggestions? I love nature, physical challenges, people, beer, food, and unique experiences.
NW Maine
Trail Map Check 🗺️
Trail markers can be tricky. Take a photo of the map or download an offline version to avoid missed turns.
Cozy Warming Yurt 🔥
The warming yurt is a perfect spot to relax, warm up, and connect with other visitors and locals.
Tips
from all over the internet
Gnome Hunt Fun! 🍄
Don't miss the Gnome Home Roam! It's a hit with kids and adults alike. Look for the numbered gnomes.
Winter Sports Lessons ⛷️
Consider cross-country skiing or snowshoeing lessons; instructors are patient and adapt to all skill levels.
Trail Map Check 🗺️
Trail markers can be tricky. Take a photo of the map or download an offline version to avoid missed turns.
Cozy Warming Yurt 🔥
The warming yurt is a perfect spot to relax, warm up, and connect with other visitors and locals.
Seasonal Beauty 🌸❄️
The trail offers a completely different, magical experience in both summer and winter.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Rangeley River Trail's stunning beauty, especially its transformation into a winter wonderland with impeccably groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. The charming Gnome Home Roam is a hit with families, and the friendly staff at the warming yurt add to the welcoming atmosphere. Some minor navigational challenges with trail markers were noted, but overall, it's a highly recommended destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
"We have been here in the summer to hike the trails, but our first winter visit was in late January / early February 2023. It’s a whole different world! We could have easily spent a whole week or more exploring it. The trails are exceptionally well-groomed, well-maintained, and well-signed - we had no problems finding our way around. We snowshoed to the lake and back on a couple of the days we were there. We took cross-country skiing lessons with Scott and really enjoyed them. He’s a fantastic and very patient teacher. My husband and I each have very different skill and comfort levels when it comes to skiing (I’m the complete novice), and Scott adapted really easily to both of our needs. Would recommend taking a lesson at Rangeley Lakes Trail Center even if you’ve done downhill skiing before. The staff there are all really friendly and helpful with great recommendations for gear, trails, and more. The warming yurt is cozy and quiet and brings together a lovely community of locals and visitors."
Jacqueline Cremos
"The Gnome Home Roam is just adorable. Wish each gnome and their associated number were on the map, would have been helpful. Myself, my 4 year old and my 70 year old mom were so intrigued and had so much fun!"
Kerry Porreca
"Stunning views, friendly and helpful staff, and a cozy little yurt to warm up and refresh. I'm a newcomer to winter sports, and I felt safe and comfortable during my whole snowshoeing excursion. Were it not 4 hours from where I live, I'd be there a whole lot more often. Ask about the gnomes."
Professor JAJL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rangeley River Trail is accessible via car, with parking available at the trailhead. It's located in the Rangeley Lakes region of Maine. Specific directions can be found on local tourism websites or by using GPS coordinates.
Public transportation options are limited in this rural area. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle for convenient access to the Rangeley River Trail and surrounding attractions.
Parking is available at the main trailhead. Arriving earlier in the day, especially during peak seasons or weekends, can help secure a spot.
Information regarding parking fees can vary. It's advisable to check the official Rangeley Lakes Trail Center website or local visitor information for the most up-to-date details on any associated costs.
While the main access is via the trailhead, there might be other access points depending on the specific section of the trail you wish to explore. Researching the trail map beforehand is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, access to the Rangeley River Trail for hiking is free. However, if you plan to use the facilities for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in winter, there might be trail pass fees associated with the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center.
The trail is typically open year-round, from dawn to dusk, for hiking. Winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing may have specific operating hours tied to the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center's facilities.
Discounts for trail passes in winter might be available for specific groups like seniors, children, or families. It's best to inquire directly with the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center for current pricing and discount information.
Yes, booking cross-country skiing or snowshoeing lessons and equipment rentals in advance is highly recommended, especially during busy winter periods, to ensure availability.
The Gnome Home Roam is a free activity integrated into the trail experience, encouraging exploration and fun for visitors of all ages.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Rangeley River Trail offers well-groomed trails suitable for snowshoeing. Visitors have praised the well-maintained paths, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the winter scenery.
Yes, the Gnome Home Roam is particularly popular with young children, making it a fun and engaging experience. The trails are generally accessible for families.
A cozy warming yurt is available for visitors to relax and warm up. Restrooms and potentially other facilities may be available, especially near the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center.
Hiking trails vary in difficulty, but many sections of the Rangeley River Trail are considered moderate and suitable for most fitness levels. The terrain is generally well-maintained.
Cell service can be spotty in this area. It's advisable to download any necessary maps or information offline before you head out to the trail.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lake, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Gnome Home Roam also offers unique and whimsical photo opportunities.
Winter photography can be magical with snow-covered landscapes. Dress warmly and protect your camera from the cold and moisture for the best results.
The areas near the lake provide beautiful panoramic views. Keep an eye out for scenic overlooks along the trail that offer expansive vistas.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and candid photos of people enjoying the trails and activities are very popular.
A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions, especially during sunrise/sunset or in winter. However, for general hiking photos, a stable handhold is often sufficient.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❄️ Winter Sports Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit