Rangeley Lakes Scenic Backway
Western Maine's hidden lake country
This 47-mile loop connects Rangeley to Eustis through some of Maine’s most remote country, following old logging roads and timber haul routes between mountain lakes. You’ll pass Quill Hill, where the views stretch across endless forest to the Presidential Range in New Hampshire, then drop down to South Bog Stream where old logging camps once housed hundreds of lumberjacks. The road crosses the Dead River multiple times — named for its dark, still waters backed up by countless beaver dams — and passes dozens of pristine ponds that most anglers never see.
Moderate difficulty with a few challenging sections where spring washouts create rocky ledges and loose gravel. High-clearance 4WD recommended, especially after heavy rain. Best from June through October, but avoid early June when blackflies are brutal. No permits required, and there’s excellent dispersed camping throughout. Fuel up in Rangeley — you won’t see gas again until Eustis. This is the Maine that exists between the tourist routes: wild lakes, endless forest, and the kind of solitude that makes you understand why people move here and never leave.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2400 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Rangeley, Maine |
| Land manager | Private timber company |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler run this without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD with decent ground clearance handles this route fine under normal conditions. Soft, wet logging roads after rain can get punchy, so all-terrain tires are a real advantage over stock all-seasons.
When does the trail open and what's the mud situation in spring?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring mud season (April–May) turns timber company roads into axle-deep soup and many gates stay locked until the ground firms up — don't chance it before June.
Do you need a permit to drive this route or camp along it?
This runs through private timber company land, so you'll need a North Maine Woods or equivalent timber company gate pass depending on the exact access points — fees are typically $10–20/day per vehicle. Check current access terms with the managing timber company before you go, as gate access and fees change.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The gnarliest stretches are the unimproved logging spurs near the remote pond accesses — loose rock, off-camber shelf sections, and waterbar-chopped surfaces. Nothing that requires a built rig, but you'll want to air down and take it slow rather than blast through at speed.
How far is the nearest gas station and is there any cell service on the route?
Rangeley is your last reliable fuel stop — fill up before you leave town, because 47 miles of remote logging road with zero services means you're on your own if you run dry. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent through most of the route; download offline maps and carry a satellite communicator.
Trail track
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