Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) invites you to enjoy the quiet beauty of winter across our conservation areas in the Rangeley Region. When the snow falls, our trails and open spaces transform into a wonderland for exploration, whether you prefer to snowshoe through still forests, hike along snow-dusted waterfront, or ride your snowmobile across miles of interconnected trails.
Did you know? RLHT has been conserving, restoring, and stewarding the Rangeley Region for three decades. RLHT maintains a network of more than 40 miles of public trails.
Top Winter Access Areas
Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary
- Best for: Snowshoeing, a winter walk for the whole family, and stargazing.
- Highlights: Gentle trails meander through quiet forests and lead to the shore of Hunter Cove on Rangeley Lake. Look for animal tracks in the snow—moose, deer, and fox are common.
Bonney Point Conservation Area
- Best for: A short hike down to Smith Cove on Rangeley Lake.
- Highlights: Tranquil birch forests, new bog bridging installed this past summer. Expect a 20-minute walk down to the lake and moderate uphill on the way back to the parking lot.
Hatchery Brook Preserve
- Best for: A flat trail, easy snowshoeing or XC ski, lake views, and quick access from town.
- Highlights: Enjoy a beautiful walk along the shore of Russell Cove on Rangeley Lake. Snowshoe or nordic ski on this flat, 1.2-mile loop. See if you can spot Saddleback Mountain from some of the lake lookout points.
Cascade Stream Gorge
Best For: Waterfall views.
Highlights: A short but moderate hike leads to a dramatic gorge where ice formations cover the rocks and frozen cascades sparkle. Trekking poles and traction devices (such as microspikes) are strongly recommended in winter.
Kennebago 3000
- Best for: snowmobiling, connecting to the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club’s extensive trail network.
- Highlights: Locally known as Boy Scout Road, this nearly 3,000-acre conservation easement centers on a 2.2-mile abandoned railroad bed that runs parallel to the Kennebago River. In the winter, this is an essential part of the RLRSC’s network of trails. You can ride all the way to New Hampshire!
Tips for Your Winter Visit
- Dress in layers and carry extra warm clothing.
- Bring essentials: water, snacks, a map, or GPS.
- Be prepared for early sunsets—pack a headlamp.
- Share the trail with other users and practice Leave No Trace.
Keep These Trails Open and Free
Public access to RLHT’s lands is made possible through donations and community support. If you enjoy snowshoeing, hiking, or snowmobiling on our trails, consider making a gift to ensure these places remain protected and open year-round.
Support public access by sending a gift to RLHT today: rlht.org/donate.
