Located just south of the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Range Pond State Park offers a beautiful 1,000 foot long sand beach with fresh water swimming in Lower Range Pond. The calm waters and gently sloping beach make this one of Maine's premier family-friendly beaches. The park itself encompasses 750 acres of beautiful land enjoyed primarily for picnicking, fishing, and swimming.
Guests can get away from the crowd at the beach and take a leisurely stroll on two miles of trails and old logging roads. Hikers and walkers will enjoy the forest canopy of primarily white birch, maple, and mixed conifer. Hikers may see a variety of wildlife along the trail including squirrels, chipmunks, porcupine, and white-tail deer. An observant hiker can also listen to the many songbirds hiding in the trees above. During the winter months, the trails are frequently used by cross-country skiers, showshoers, and fat bike riders. Old Camp Trail, near the lake, is specifically groomed for skiing. All other trails are open to fat bike riding and snowshoeing in the winter. The Old Fields Trails is also groomed, but all uses are allowed. Both trails are accessible through the main gate, and start at the last parking lot in the winter; however, the Old Fields Trail starts at the North Area parking lot during the summer.
Watersports are popular activities on the lake and small boats, canoes, kayaks, and windsurf boards dot the horizon. A public boat launch is located at the end of the beach and is limited to boats with 10 horsepower motors or less.
New modern bathhouses are just footsteps away from the long sandy beach and a smooth surfaced promenade and beach ramp goes all the way to the water enabling access for people with disabilities. A lifeguard is on duty starting in mid-June. A state-of-the-art pavilion is available for reservations, allowing groups to picnic outside in the warm breezes of summer or inside during inclement weather.
The park is also developing some mountain bike trails in another area of the park. You can learn more about these on Maine Trail Finder here.
View the Range Pond State Park page on BPL's website.
The park fills to capacity during the summer season, so groups are asked to call ahead and make reservations to the park.
The beach area is off limits to smoking so all users can breathe the fresh Maine air while enjoying a swim in the sparking waters of Lower Range Pond. Pets are welcome at the park, but must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on the beach.
This park has a carry-in / carry-out policy, so please come equipped to take your trash with you and dispose of it properly.
Visit Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands online for more information or contact:
Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Poland SpringFrom North and South: Take I-95 to Exit 75 for US Route 202/ME Route 4/ME Route 100. Turn right on Washington Street and after about one mile take another right onto ME Route 122/Poland Spring Road. After passing under I-95, turn left to continue on ME Route 122/Poland Spring Road. At 3 miles, turn right at Empire Road which will be the second road encountered on the right side. Continue just over a half mile to State Park Road and entrance to the sate park on the left. Follow State Park Road about another half mile to the main parking area and trailhead for the park.
The park gate is open 7 days a week from mid-April through October. From November through mid-April, the gate is open 5 days a week, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. All parking in the winter MUST occur inside the main gates, except days when the park gate is closed. Visitors are welcome to use the park when the gate is closed, but please do not block the gate. There is a FEE YEAR-ROUND and season pass holders are free. If there is no booth attendant, please pay at the red Self Pay Station behind the booth.
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