Cupsuptic Lake Trail, Rangeley

We found this nature trail to be pretty and quiet, despite it being adjacent to the busy Cupsuptic Lake Campground. If you’re not staying at the campground, you’re discouraged to walk through it to make a loop (obviously not a problem if you’re a camper).

Even if you’re not a guest, there’s plenty of space to park and you are welcome to check out the trail. The footpath winds through forest and wetland, with lots of bog bridges. When you get closer to the campground and to the lake, you’ll come to a wooden viewing platform. The platform is connected to the campground via a short wheelchair-accessible trail.

Directions: Take a sharp right on Route 16 at the north-west point of Rangeley Lake. If you miss it and go straight, you’ll enter Oquossoc Village in two seconds. From this intersection, travel about 4.5 miles on Route 16 and you’ll see a sign saying “500 feet to Cupsuptic Lake Park and Campground.” When you reach its driveway, turn left into the campground and make another left in front of the main office and store. Drive to the far end of the parking area. You’ll see an opening at the southeast end of the lot (the far righthand corner if you’re facing away from the campground store). Walk through this and along the edge of the field, and you’ll soon see the trail and a trail sign on your right.