Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Appalachian Trail, ME

Eighty years ago, Benton MacKaye dreamed of a footpath running along the eastern mountains. The dream became a reality in the form of the Appalachian Trail which extends more than 2,160 miles from Maine to Georgia. The section of the trail between central Maine and western New Hampshire offers some of the most rough and challenging terrain coupled with some of the harshest weather conditions of the entire Appalachian Trail. Some people have hiked or walked the entire Appalachian trail -- a feat that can take from six to eight months. Visitors to the Rangeley Lakes Byway may wish to just take a day trip.

One area of heavy use near the Byway is Saddleback, from the Horn to SR 4. Hikers may wish to try other sections as well. The trail crosses both SRs 4 and 17 and provides recreational access to the extensive trail system and many of the highest peaks in the area. The Route 17 crossing is at Height of Land with panoramic views of the White Mountains and Rangeley area. The Route 4 crossing is very near Piazza Rock, an enormous, flat, overhanging ledge slab that supports mature trees. Piazza Rock and several boulder caves are accessed via a clearly marked side trail from the Appalachian Trail. Hikers should keep their eyes open for moose, which are common, but remain at a safe distance.