Height of Land, Maine: Directions, Parking and Best Time

Height of Land is a scenic overlook on Route 17 along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in western Maine. From a roadside pull-off, you look west over Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Richardson Lake toward the mountains, and the Natural Resources Council of Maine calls it one of the most spectacular overlooks in New England. It takes a minute to see, and it is a favorite for fall color and sunsets. This guide covers where it is, parking, the Appalachian Trail connection, when to go and what to know about winter.

Height of Land at a Glance

• Where: Route 17 on the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, in Township D. The Natural Resources Council places it near Rangeley Plantation, and Visit Maine places it near Roxbury. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust lists coordinates of 44.838304, -70.710309.
• The view: Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Richardson Lake, a forested lake landscape, and the White Mountains in the distance, per the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust.
• Facing: west, which the Natural Resources Council notes makes it a good sunset spot.
• Parking: the council describes a new lot that holds roughly 40 cars, and Visit Maine mentions parking and room to linger.
• The land: 512 acres conserved by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, which bought the property in 2008 with help from the Land for Maine’s Future program.
• Appalachian Trail: the property borders the trail, which is stewarded by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.
• Cost: none of the sources we checked lists a fee.
• Restrooms: none of the sources we checked mentions them.

How to Get to Height of Land

Height of Land is directly on Route 17, so you reach it by car with no hiking. Visit Maine describes pulling off the roadside, and the Natural Resources Council describes a parking lot there. Because the sources don’t give directions from specific towns, plan your route on a map and expect a winding mountain road. The byway is a scenic drive in its own right, so give yourself time.

The View and the Preserve

The overlook looks west across Mooselookmeguntic Lake, with Richardson Lake and the White Mountains in the distance. The surrounding 512 acres were conserved by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust to keep the view intact. The land includes wetlands and a section of Bemis Stream, one of the tributaries that feed Mooselookmeguntic Lake. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust lists photography, birding, picnicking and the area’s Dark Sky Trail among the uses.

The Appalachian Trail

The preserve borders the Appalachian Trail. According to the Natural Resources Council, the trail in this area climbs toward the top of nearby Spruce Mountain. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club stewards the trail, and the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust sends hikers there for trail information. Treat any hike from here as a separate trip, and check the club’s current guidance first.

When to Go

• Fall color: Visit Maine names peak foliage as the best season, when the hillsides turn red, orange and gold. For timing, see our foliage timing tracker and Rangeley fall foliage guide.
• Sunset: the overlook faces west, so evenings are the draw.
• Sunrise: Visit Maine also names sunrise as a good time for soft light.
• Night skies: the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust lists the site on the area’s Dark Sky Trail. Bring warm clothes.

Winter and Road Conditions

A Sun Journal guide to winter stargazing in the Rangeley region says the road can be bumpy after bad weather or deep into winter, and that conditions change quickly when ice, snow and cold affect access. The Natural Resources Council of Maine lists cross-country skiing and snowshoeing among the activities on the land. Check conditions before you go, and don’t rely on cell service.

Rules and Respect

• Campfires are allowed only in the established fire ring, and Maine laws apply.
• Dogs: remove pet waste. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust page doesn’t state a leash rule.
• Carry out everything you bring, and don’t touch, feed or approach wildlife.

Nearby Stops and Guides

Height of Land fits well into a Rangeley trip. See our Rangeley guide, things to do in Rangeley and Rangeley hiking trails. About 12 miles south of Rangeley on Route 4 is Smalls Falls. For more fall drives, see our Maine fall foliage drives and the main fall foliage guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Height of Land in Maine?

On Route 17 along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in Franklin County, in Township D near Rangeley Plantation.

Is there a fee to visit Height of Land?

None of the sources we checked lists a fee. Confirm with the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust if you need to be sure.

Is there parking at Height of Land?

Yes. The Natural Resources Council describes a parking lot that holds roughly 40 cars.

When is the best time to visit Height of Land?

Peak fall foliage, usually late September into early October, is the most popular, with sunrise and sunset as the best times of day. Check our foliage timing tracker for the current year.

Can you hike the Appalachian Trail from Height of Land?

The preserve borders the Appalachian Trail, which is stewarded by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club. Check the club’s guidance before planning a hike.

Is Height of Land open in winter?

The overlook is on a public road, but Route 17 can be rough in bad weather and deep winter. The land is used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, so check conditions first.

Our details come from the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, the Natural Resources Council of Maine and Visit Maine. Fees, parking and road conditions can change, so confirm anything that matters before you drive.