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Rangeley Region Scenic Byway overlook reopens this weekend

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The view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake at sunset from the new Route 17 overlook at Height of Land. (Photos courtesy of Bill Pierce)

TOWNSHIP D – The Rangeley Lakes Region Height of Land scenic overlook on the Route 17 portion of the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway has reopened this weekend, the result of a public/private partnership which saw this scenic road reconstructed and the scenic overlook enhanced.

The overlook, which used to be no more than a shoulder area where vehicles could pull over, now has an entrance and exit on each end. Natural stone from the area has been arranged to provide areas for seating. Native vegetation was planted, and there are four interpretative panels at the overlook which feature land conservation, the Appalachian Trail, the watershed and the scenic vista.

“This project showcases how local citizens, state and federal agencies can work together to create something spectacular. The Height of Land and the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is an attraction that draws people to the area and helps fuel the local economy,” said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt. Funding for this project came from federally-directed money specifically for the Height of Land project. The project included moving a segment of Route 17 east of the existing road, then using the old road to create the new, safer overlook.

“This project is the culmination of a private and public partnership that benefits not only the region but the state as well,” said Rebecca Kurtz of the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) and the Scenic Byway’s coordinator. RLHT, as the Byway’s fiscal and programmatic partner has collaborated with the Byway for nearly a decade to bring this project to completion.

A view of the new overlook as seen from the north on Route 17.

Surrounding the overlook is over 500 acres of forest land was purchased by the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust to protect the view from future development. The land protected is adjacent to the Appalachian Trail and stretches to Bemis Stream where it enters Mooselookmeguntic Lake. The Land for Maine’s Future program, with sponsorship by the Maine Department of Conservation, invested $379,000 to support RLHT’s $1 million acquisition of the property. RLHT’s fundraising for this acquisition is ongoing.

The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway committee, and the Maine DOT are now gearing up for Phase II of the project which will feature a Conservation Walk at Height of Land to be located directly adjacent to the new scenic overlook. This unique and easily accessible network of trails will feature bronze plaques on boulders and ledges with quotes from great American conservationists such as Muir, Roosevelt, Longfellow, and Thoreau.

“This new monument to conservation will work in harmony with the spectacular vistas available at Height of Land to inspire visitors who come to enjoy the many recreational opportunities and rich outdoor history the Rangeley region provides,” said Nancy Perlson, RLHT’s executive director. RLHT is working to pursue the possibility of incorporating a portion of the Appalachian Trail to provide a loop hiking trail from the new overlook.

The $3.9 million overlook project was a collaboration of a dedicated group that included local, state and federal people working together to promote safety and economic development by enhancing the byway and overlook. The overlook is designed to accommodate the many tour buses that travel through western Maine at this time of year providing revenue to local lodging, food and retail businesses. Pike Industries was the contractor for the project, and construction began in August of last year. Crews worked into winter before suspending the project due to snow, then resumed in the spring. Construction is now completed just as foliage has peaked in the Rangeley area.

A view of the new overlook on Route 17 at Height of land as seen from the south side.
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4 Comments

  1. Not unlike the Chain of Ponds turnout except the view is much better.

    Conga rats, MDOT – good design in the perfect spot.

  2. We stopped at this great “new” overlook last w/e and were impressed w/the changes. Our family used to stop at this area for picnics when I was too small to even sit on the rocks. Have loads of photos taken over the years. What a good way to take advantage of what is available; now even more can enjoy the natural beauty.

  3. Great job Rebecca. I know how much effort you put into this project. The region has benefited from your efforts and the support of the Trust

  4. Great job to all those involved, including and especially those at RLHT. Always good to see the fruits of your labor make the news (and be seen by readers thousands of miles away!)…

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