QUICK TRAIL FACTS
- Preserve Size: 1,200 acres
- Trail Mileage: ~9 miles in network
- Pets: yes
- Difficulty: mostly easy with some steep sections
- Sights: lake, campsites, picnic tables, views through trees at higher elevations
A Scenic 7 hike!
Forest Legacy is one of the seven hikes in the High Peaks Alliance Scenic 7 guide and hiking challenge. The guide to the seven hikes is incredible — it’s filled with detailed information, up-to-date maps, photographs, and recommended routes for each location.
If you are in the mood for a long walk without too much trudging uphill, this 1,200-acre Rangley Lakes Heritage Trust preserve is the place. All together, there’s almost nine miles of trails here, although they vary in terms of easy walkability. The campsites along the shore are very pretty to visit, and each has a dock, but remember they may be reserved in and in use. The Cedar Bay campsite is particularly charming. The trail to the campsite at Smudge Cove (part of Lakeline Trail) might be the nicest of the preserve — it’s mossy and atmospheric.
The Skyline Trail has a fairly significant up- and downhill, and you can make out some views to the south between the trees. The Drop Down Trail has some steepness as well.
You can reserve the campsites by contacting Cupsuptic Campground.
Directions: Take Rt 16 west from Oquossoc. Drive 9.1 miles and take left on to Mud Pond Road. Drive 1/2 mile and park in the lot.
