Maine’s Rangeley Lakes Trail B
Working forest roads through lake country
Trail B weaves through International Paper Company timberland between Rangeley and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes, following active logging roads that date back to the 1800s. You’ll encounter loaded log trucks on weekdays, so radio etiquette matters — CB channel 19 is standard. The route passes through mixed hardwood and spruce stands, crossing Bemis Stream twice and offering glimpses of both Rangeley and Mooselook through the trees. Watch for the old railroad grade markers from the Phillips & Rangeley Railroad.
This is easy-moderate terrain suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles, though the gravel can get loose and washboarded after heavy logging traffic. Active timber operations mean access can change seasonally — check with the Maine Forest Service before heading out. Spring mud season (April-early May) makes sections impassable. Fuel and supplies available in Rangeley, with primitive camping allowed at designated spots along Mooselookmeguntic’s shoreline. It’s a working forest first, recreation second, but that’s what keeps it authentic.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1650 ft |
| Best season | June-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Rangeley, Maine |
| Land manager | International Paper Company |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can I run this in a stock Tacoma or F-150 without any mods?
Yes. The minimum is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock Tacoma, 4Runner, or similar truck handles this without issue. Lifted rigs are overkill here — it's gravel forest roads, not a rock crawl.
Is Trail B accessible in early spring or after heavy rain?
Stick to the June–November window. Maine's spring mud season (typically April–May) turns logging roads into axle-deep soup, and International Paper may gate sections during mud season to protect the road base.
Do I need a permit to drive this trail?
No permit required, but these are active International Paper Company timber lands. You may encounter locked gates if logging operations are underway — there's no workaround, you wait or turn back.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
Nothing technical. The water crossings are the only variable — after heavy rain they can run higher and have soft approaches. At 800 feet of total gain over 28 miles, it's a mellow cruise, not a challenge.
How far is the nearest gas station and is there reliable cell service on the trail?
Fill up in Rangeley before you go — it's the only option nearby and you don't want to guess on a 28-mile loop through the woods. Cell service is spotty throughout; download offline maps before you leave town.
Trail track
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