Height of Land
Perched beside Route 17 in Township D, about 25 minutes south of Rangeley, Height of Land is one of the most celebrated roadside overlooks in the Northeast. The pull-off delivers a sweeping panorama of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the full Rangeley Lakes basin, framed by rolling forested ridgelines stretching to the horizon. A paved parking area accommodates motorcycles easily, and the viewing platform is accessible from the road in under a minute. The vista rewards the winding climb up Route 17 from the south — motorcyclists routinely rate this stretch among the best riding in New England.
The pull-off sits on the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway — Route 17 in Township D — and the view it delivers is straightforward: Mooselookmeguntic Lake spreading out below, forested ridgelines rolling toward the horizon, and on a clear day the White Mountains visible in the distance. The overlook faces west, which makes it a reliable sunset stop. Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust purchased the 512-acre parcel bordering the overlook to keep that sightline intact for the long term, so what you see from the pull-off today is protected land.
The parking area handles motorcycles without any fuss, and there are interpretive panels at the platform — including one about the Appalachian Trail, which crosses Route 17 nearby. Fall foliage draws the biggest crowds, but the view holds up across seasons whenever the sky cooperates. Aim for a clear day; the lake and the distant peaks require visibility to pay off.
Route 17 approaching from the south is a continuously curved, lightly traveled climb with constant elevation change — the overlook sits at the apex and frames the payoff. Zero hiking required; park, walk ten steps, and you're looking at the whole Rangeley Lakes region.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.