Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) has joined forces with the High Peaks Alliance (HPA) to make significant trail upgrades across the Rangeley Region. The trail improvements are part of a pilot program in which RLHT and HPA have combined staffing and resources to expand capacity and complete priority trail work across the region.
The joint project exemplifies the power of community-centered conservation.

Here’s what the crews have accomplished:

Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary: Installed 100 yards of bog bridging, reopened two overgrown routes, spread 10 yards of shale, and installed a new visitor kiosk.

Forest Legacy Conservation Area: Lopped miles of overgrown trail and cleared over two dozen blowdowns.

Bonney Point Conservation Area: Built a new rock stairway and added 25 yards of new bridging. Crews also installed 38 stepping stones, a more sustainable alternative to bog bridging in muddy sections of the trail.

Cascade Stream Gorge: Cleared obscured upper sections and installed three new rock staircases, creating safer, scenic trail segments ready for public use.
The upgraded trails enhance safety, reduce erosion, and support habitat protection in wetland and woodland areas. Whether a local birdwatcher or a family seeking an afternoon walk, the improvements benefit diverse user groups.

“To say this is a lot of work is an understatement,” said Ken Beaulieu, RLHT trail steward. “This work wouldn’t be possible without our partnership with High Peaks Alliance. Our trails have never looked better, and these improvements will be welcomed by all who walk and hike them.”

To explore RLHT’s trails and conservation areas, visit: rlht.org/conservation-area/. To learn more about the High Peaks Alliance work and recreation areas: highpeaksalliance.org.