South Bog Conservation Area

A self-guided interpretive trail highlights the Rangeley area’s rich natural resources and stream restoration efforts. An extension provides a longer loop and leads to a hand-carry boat launch.
Trail Activity
Walking Hiking
Length
2.60 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Town
Rangeley Plt
Surface
Dirt/Forest Floor, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
No

Description

The trails on the 1000-acre South Bog Conservation Area offer two unique trail experiences; a short interpretive trail highlighting the conservation area’s rich natural resources and a stream restoration effort and a longer extension to a hand-carry boat launch on Rangeley Lake. The interpretive trail leaves from the parking area and follows the eastern side of the South Bog Stream to a stream restoration project completed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It then crosses the stream (no bridge) and follows the western shore of the stream back to the road where it is only a short walk back to the parking lot. The longer extension leaves from the western side of the stream just after the stream crossing and goes approximately 2 miles to a picnic area along the shores of Rangeley Lake. Returning to the interpretive trail and parking area there is a side loop that can offer an expanded experience. Along both the main extension trail and the loop trail there are ledge outcrops that offer expansive views of Rangeley Lake.

Other Information

This area is also occasionally logged as part of an effort to keep the tradition of this land as a working forest, so users should watch out for signs of trail re-routes indicating active logging. Additional information and a map of the property may be found on RLHT's website.

Trail Manager

Visit Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust online for more information or contact:

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
2424 Main Street
Rangeley, ME 04970
Phone: (207) 864-7311
srousseau@rlht.org
View website

Nearby Events

VIEW EVENTS CALENDAR

Trail Tips

Minimize Campfire Impacts
Follow the Maine Forest Service fire regulations and check the current fire danger level before you go camping.
Legend
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Trailhead Information

From East: South Shore Drive’s intersection with ME Route 4 3.5 miles south of the intersection of ME Route 4 and 16 in downtown Rangeley. Take South Shore Drive west for 5.3 miles. Parking will be on the right just before the South Bog Stream Bridge.

From West: South Shore Drive’s intersection with ME Route 17 is 3.6 miles south of the intersection of ME Routes 4 and 17 in Oquossoc Village. Take South Shore Drive east for 2 miles. Parking will be on left just after South Bog Stream Bridge.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
mindymarr
July 31, 2023
The entire round trip to Rangeley Lake (South Bog area) took us about 4 hours. The great views and the beautiful forest walk was worth it. You do need to cross some streams. The trail can be wet depending on the weather.
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