RANGELEY — Fifteen trail organizations and two senators gathered in Rangeley on June 25 to celebrate and dedicate the state’s newest public land, the West Saddleback Connector, a new multi-use trail on Saddleback Mountain that crosses the Appalachian Trail and connects the Rangeley Lakes and High Peaks Region in Franklin County.

Hosted by the High Peaks Alliance of Phillips, the so-called “All Trails” celebration held at the Country Club Inn attracted more than 100 outdoor enthusiasts from hikers to bikers, ATVers, snowmobilers, skiers, hunters, fishermen and paddlers. Sen. Susan Collins, Department of Conservation Commissioner Bill Beardsley and Maine Sen. Tom Saviello were thanked for their roles in making the trail possible.

Regional trails like the Moose Loop ATV System, Inter-connected Trail System for snowmobiling, the Fly Rod Crosby Trail and the Appalachian Trail will all use the new West Saddleback Connector.

For more information and pictures of the event, visit www.highpeaksalliance.wordpress.com.