1
hikers
04:00
13.5km
410m
Hiking
Hike Quill Hill in Rangeley, Maine, for 360-degree panoramic views of lakes and mountains, covering 8.4 miles with moderate difficulty.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
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6.73 km
Highlight • Summit
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13.5 km
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Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
13.5 km
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Friday 8 May
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-1°C
18 %
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This route was planned by komoot.
The main access road to Quill Hill is a four-mile dirt road that leads directly to the summit. Parking is available at the summit area. During the vehicle season (late May to mid-October), you can drive directly up. Outside of this period, the gate closes, and you can park at the base and hike, bike, or snowmobile up.
Yes, Quill Hill is notably accessible. It features a 0.75-mile wheelchair-accessible path leading to the summit, which is wide and gravel-packed with a gradual incline. This makes the stunning 360-degree views available to a wide range of visitors, including those using wheelchairs or strollers.
Absolutely. Beyond the accessible summit path, the Quill Hill Trail System offers several options. The 'Quill Hill Trail' is 1.3 miles one-way through hemlock forests, connecting to 'The Mountain Trail System,' a 2.4-mile loop. Other trails like Lambert Trail and Blaisdell Trail weave through mixed hardwood forests, offering varied lengths and experiences.
From the summit of Quill Hill, you'll be treated to breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. You can see Tim Pond, the Rangeley Lakes, Saddleback Mountain, Saddleback Lake, Kennebago, Flagstaff Lake, and Mount Bigelow. On clear days, the views can even extend to the Canadian border mountains. It's especially vibrant during fall foliage season.
The information provided does not explicitly state rules regarding dogs. However, as a privately owned area relying on donations, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles, including picking up after your pet, to ensure continued access for all visitors.
The best time to visit depends on your preference. For vehicle access and vibrant fall foliage, late May to mid-October is ideal. For year-round recreation, the area is open for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling to the summit even when the main road gate is closed during colder months. Clear days offer the best panoramic views.
No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to visit Quill Hill. It is a privately owned area that relies on donations to support its maintenance and upkeep, making it freely accessible to the public.
Yes, at the summit of Quill Hill, you'll find picnic tables where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Just below the peak, there are additional picnic tables and a wood-fired grill available for public use.
Yes, Quill Hill offers year-round recreation opportunities. While the main four-mile dirt road to the summit is closed to vehicles from mid-October through late May, the area remains open for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling to the summit during the colder months.
Yes, Quill Hill is very family-friendly. The 0.75-mile wheelchair-accessible path to the summit is perfect for families with young children or strollers. For older children, the broader Quill Hill Trail System offers moderate forest hikes with varied terrain, providing options for different energy levels.
The terrain on the longer trails within the Quill Hill Trail System varies. You can expect dirt paths, forest floor, occasional rock and ledge sections, and boardwalks over wet areas. Trails like the 'Quill Hill Trail' and 'The Mountain Trail System' feature moderate grades and gentle climbs through mature hemlock and mixed hardwood forests.