Rangeley Lakes Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Rangeley Lakes Panoramic Road trip is a great way to see the natural beauty of the United States. The 158km drive starts in Bethel and ends in Eustis, and takes you through Errol, Bennett Bridge, and Oquossoc along the way.
The best time of the year to take the trip is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the foliage is lush and vibrant. The road conditions are generally good, and the scenery is spectacular. As you drive, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the lakes and mountains, as well as the charming small towns.
This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. It is a great way to make memories and experience the beauty of the area.
1
number of days
158 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Bethel
Distance 158 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: fast
47.4 kWh
Airports
AUG
,
BGR
[detailsContainer]
Bethel is an ideal starting point for the "Rangeley Lakes Panoramic Road" road trip. Located in Oxford County, Maine, Bethel offers a variety of must-see sights. Start your adventure at the Bethel Historical Society, which provides an in-depth look at the history of the area. Travelers can also explore the Bethel Area Arts and Culture Alliance, which showcases the work of local artists and offers art classes for those interested in learning more about the creative process.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the White Mountain National Forest, located just a short drive from Bethel, is a great spot for hiking, camping, and fishing. The nearby Sunday River Ski Resort is a great place to ski in the winter months, while the nearby lake and rivers offer plenty of paddling and swimming opportunities in the warmer months.
For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM). Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to get on the road and start your journey.
With so much to see and do, Bethel is the perfect starting point for the "Rangeley Lakes Panoramic Road" road trip. Whether you're looking to explore the outdoors, take in some local culture, or simply relax, Bethel has something for everyone.
1
Bethel
- Errol
Distance 58 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
17.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome, road-trippers! Let's start your adventure from Bethel, United States and end in Errol, a drive of only 36 miles and less than 1 hour. In Bethel, you can visit the Bethel Historical Society and the Bethel Inn and Country Club. As you drive further, you can find the Androscoggin River, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit the Errol Historical Society and the Errol Town Hall. There are also some great places to eat, such as the Errol Store and the Errol Country Store. For an even more adventurous experience, you can go rafting on the Magalloway River. Lastly, the Errol Town Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great journey!
Errol - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
2
Errol
- Bennett Bridge
Distance 22 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: fast
6.6 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for a 14mi road trip from Errol to Bennett Bridge that will take you less than an hour to complete? Get your car ready and let's go!
Start your journey in Errol and visit the Errol Historical Society, a great place to learn about the town’s history. Then, take a stroll through the Errol Town Forest, a beautiful wooded area with trails and a river.
Heading to Bennett Bridge, make a stop at the Androscoggin River, where you can take a boat ride and admire the stunning views. Once you get to Bennett Bridge, make sure to visit the Bennett Bridge Covered Bridge, a beautiful bridge built in 1857.
This is one of the stages of a larger tour and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for a short but exciting road trip from Errol to Bennett Bridge!
Bennett Bridge - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
3
Bennett Bridge
- Oquossoc
Distance 37 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
11.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an incredible road trip? Start your adventure in Bennett Bridge and drive 23 miles to reach Oquossoc! This stage of your journey will take you less than an hour, so make sure to enjoy the sights along the way.
Begin your journey in Bennett Bridge, where you can explore the great outdoors by taking a hike in the White Mountain National Forest. While there, don’t forget to take a break and enjoy the stunning views from the top of the mountain.
Next, make your way to Oquossoc. Here, you can take a boat tour of the lakes and rivers in the area, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at kayaking or canoeing?
This is just one of the many stages of your tour, so make sure to check out the “Itinerary” for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
Oquossoc - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
❯
❮
4
Oquossoc
- Rangeley
Distance 11 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: fast
3.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the road trip stage from Oquossoc to Rangeley! This route is just 7mi long, and you can drive it in less than 1 hour. You will be amazed by the beauty of the area and the attractions you will find along the way.
In Oquossoc, you can visit the Oquossoc Marine Museum, a great place to learn about the maritime history of the region. Also, you can take a walk in the Oquossoc Cove Preserve, a beautiful nature reserve with a variety of wildlife and stunning views.
Once you reach Rangeley, you can explore the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum, where you can learn about the history of logging in the area. Also, take a walk to the Rangeley Lakes Region Trail Center, a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Rangeley - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
5
Rangeley
- Eustis
Distance 31 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
9.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an amazing road trip stage starting in Rangeley, United States and ending in Eustis? This 19mi journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will get to explore some of the most amazing places in this area.
In Rangeley, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum, a great place to learn about the history of the area. You can also explore the Aziscohos Lake, a great spot for fishing and boating.
Continuing your journey, you will reach Eustis, where you can visit the Flagstaff Lake, a wonderful spot for swimming, fishing and boating. You can also explore the Eustis Ridge Golf Course and the Bigelow Mountain Range, a great place for hiking and bird watching.
More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start your road trip and explore the amazing places in Rangeley and Eustis!
Eustis - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
Eustis
[detailsContainer]
Eustis, Maine is the perfect end point for a road trip along the Rangeley Lakes Panoramic Road. The town offers spectacular views of the mountains, lakes and rivers. It is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
The town is home to many interesting places to visit. Nature lovers can enjoy a hike along the Appalachian Trail, or take a stroll through the beautiful Eustis Recreation Park. For those who prefer to take it easy, try a boat ride on the Dead River. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.
No trip to Eustis is complete without a visit to the Bigelow Brewing Company, where visitors can sample a variety of craft beers and enjoy a meal in the restaurant. The nearby Sunday River Ski Resort offers a range of winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
The nearest international airport to Eustis is Portland International Jetport (PWM). From there, it is less than an hour's drive to Eustis. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus or train from Portland.
At the end of your road trip along the Rangeley Lakes Panoramic Road, make sure to stop in Eustis for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Rangeley Lakes Panoramic Road at a glance
-
Start:
Bethel
-
End:
Eustis
-
Distance:
158 km
-
Stay:
1 day
-
Getting there:
Augusta State Airport (AUG),
Bangor International Airport (BGR)
-
When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, a captivating 35-mile stretch of Route 17 in Maine, offers an exceptional journey through one of the most picturesque regions in the United States. Starting from the charming town of Rangeley and culminating in the quaint community of Stratton, the drive provides travelers with awe-inspiring views of the Appalachian Mountains, pristine lakes, and the unspoiled wilderness of the Western Maine Mountains.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
The adventure begins in the historic town of Rangeley, known for its outdoor activities and rich logging history. As you travel, you'll encounter the Height of Land lookout, offering panoramic views of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes against a backdrop of the White Mountains. The route also takes you through the small village of Oquossoc, where the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum pays homage to the area's logging heritage. Other top sights include the Rangeley Lake State Park and Smalls Falls, a cascade of waterfalls surrounded by vibrant foliage.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time to visit is from late June to early October when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is alive with color. Autumn is especially magical, as the foliage transforms into a tapestry of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, offering a spectacular sight for leaf-peepers.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should be alert for changing weather conditions and active wildlife, including moose, which frequently cross the byway. It's important to drive cautiously, particularly at dawn and dusk when visibility is lower and animals are more active.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
The Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is accommodating for drivers of all skill levels, and while there are stretches with limited services, the route is dotted with cozy inns, local restaurants, and gas stations. Notably, the area is a natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and boating, ensuring that the journey is as engaging as the destination.
A good choice for:
Immersing travelers in the tranquil embrace of Maine's mountainous landscape, the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is more than just a Road Trip—it's a passage through the heart of New England's natural splendor. It's an experience that effortlessly marries the thrill of exploration with the peace of the wilderness, promising memories that will indeed stand the test of time.
-
