"The Cusp of Autumn" Rangeley Maine Area (September 2021)
There are plenty of great views in Maine, but only one of them is the Height of Land.
Perched beside Route 17 in western Maine, the Height of Land offers you an expansive look at the sprawling Rangeley Lakes region and the mountains beyond. This viewpoint, on the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, has been declared one of the finest in the state, if not New England.
Expanded parking and viewing areas make the Height even better. Folks wanting to take in the view no longer have to risk oncoming traffic by stopping at an insufficient pull-off.
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Rangeley Lake State Park
Smalls Falls
Rangeley Lake State Park encompasses 869 acres in the heart of Maine's Western Mountains. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife watching, photography, and winter sports, as well as the long-established traditions of fishing and hunting. The lake's cool, clear waters stretch nine miles and support world-famous populations of landlocked salmon and trout (sustained through a strong commitment to catch-and-release practices). Four wheeling and snowmobiling are popular pursuits in the Rangeley area (outside the park), with many trails available.
Just south of the town of Rangeley, the Smalls Falls Rest Area attracts more than just travelers looking for a driving break. Smalls Falls, with its scenic waterfall, colorful gorge, and fine swimming holes, welcomes all, often including visitors from all over New England. This may well be New England's finest rest area.
The bottom of Small Falls consists of a 3-foot cascade falling into a 20-foot wide circular pool. The next waterfall up is a 14-foot fanning horsetail with a deep, oblong pool that you can sometimes see people jumping into from above. This is highly dangerous and not recommended. Even further up the trail, you will find a 25-foot segmented waterfall, with a plunge on the left and segmented horsetail on the right. The top waterfall is a 12-foot horsetail and slide. Beyond the final falls of Small Falls lies tiny plunges and cascades with equally clear and beautiful water. The only potential detraction from these great views are the fences keeping you safe from falling over the rock walls, an acceptable price to pay for a dangerous alternative.
The bottom of Small Falls consists of a 3-foot cascade falling into a 20-foot wide circular pool. The next waterfall up is a 14-foot fanning horsetail with a deep, oblong pool that you can sometimes see people jumping into from above. This is highly dangerous and not recommended. Even further up the trail, you will find a 25-foot segmented waterfall, with a plunge on the left and segmented horsetail on the right. The top waterfall is a 12-foot horsetail and slide. Beyond the final falls of Small Falls lies tiny plunges and cascades with equally clear and beautiful water. The only potential detraction from these great views are the fences keeping you safe from falling over the rock walls, an acceptable price to pay for a dangerous alternative.
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Mt. Blue State Park
Mt. Blue State Park is Maine's largest state park, encompassing approximately 8,000 acres in two sections separated by Webb Lake. A campground in the Webb Beach section has 136 wooded sites a short walk from a sandy beach and picnic area. Visitors can swim, launch and rent boats, and walk on trails near the lake. During summer months, park staff routinely offer canoe trips, walks, and nature programs. A Nature Center features hands-on exhibits and displays.
Mt. Blue State Park is Maine's largest state park, encompassing approximately 8,000 acres in two sections separated by Webb Lake. A campground in the Webb Beach section has 136 wooded sites a short walk from a sandy beach and picnic area. Visitors can swim, launch and rent boats, and walk on trails near the lake. During summer months, park staff routinely offer canoe trips, walks, and nature programs. A Nature Center features hands-on exhibits and displays.
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