Winding through the heart of western Maine’s lake country, the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway offers 35.6 miles of breathtaking wilderness between SR 17 near Houghton and SR 4 near Madrid. This National Scenic Byway showcases the rugged beauty that defines Maine’s interior.
The route passes pristine glacial lakes—Rangeley, Mooselookmeguntic, and Richardson—their waters reflecting dense evergreen forests and distant mountains. Pull off at Height of Land, one of New England’s most photographed overlooks, where Mooselookmeguntic Lake stretches below with the Appalachian Trail crossing nearby. Moose sightings are common along marshy stretches, particularly at dawn and dusk.
The charming village of Rangeley provides a perfect midpoint stop, offering local shops, lakeside dining, and outfitter services. Nearby Smalls Falls invites travelers to stretch their legs with a short walk to cascading waterfalls.
Fall transforms this drive into a spectacular foliage tour, with peak colors typically mid-September through early October. Summer brings excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities, while winter reveals a snow-draped wonderland.
Allow two to three hours to fully appreciate this byway, more if you plan to hike or explore the lakes. The Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway delivers an authentic taste of Maine’s wild, unspoiled character.
Explore Nearby
- Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park — State Park in Maine
- Whaleback Shell Midden — State Park in Maine
- Watson Settlement Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maine
- Union Falls Bridge — Covered Bridge in Maine
- Ram Island Light — Lighthouse in Maine
