Rangeley Lake State Park encompasses 869 acres in the heart of Maine's Western Mountains. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife watching, photography, and winter sports, as well as the long-established traditions of fishing and hunting. The lake's cool, clear waters stretch nine miles and support world-famous populations of landlocked salmon and trout (sustained through a strong commitment to catch-and-release practices). Four wheeling and snowmobiling are popular pursuits in the Rangeley area (outside the park), with many trails available. The campground at Rangeley Lake State Park has 50 well-spaced sites close to the lakeshore - where a beach offers commanding views of Saddleback Mountain. There's a picnic area, playground, and a trailerable boat launch with finger docks for both day visitors and campers. During the 1860s, word of the region's famed brook trout spread and "sports" began coming to fish - giving rise to new camps and guide services, and ultimately luxurious hotels serving wealthy vacationers. To take sports out on the lakes, guides developed a sleek and narrow rowing craft which came to be known as the Rangeley boat. The golden era of the "rusticators" lasted nearly a century, drawing to a close in the 1950s. Over the past two decades, numerous organizations, agencies and individuals have worked collaboratively to ensure that large tracts of undeveloped natural lands in the area will remain accessible to the public and continue supporting the local economy through sustainable forest management. The notable conservation successes around the Rangeley Lakes help preserve the region's sporting traditions and provide visitors many beautiful natural settings to explore.