Hiking Frenchman’s Hole - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Frenchman’s Hole: trails, map and practical info

Western Mountains • Maine

4.3 Appreciated by 20 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2 km
Elevation
61 ft
Duration
30min

In Maine's Western Mountains near Rangeley, this easy 1.6 km trail rewards hikers with a dramatic waterfall and pristine swimming hole—just 30 minutes of walking for maximum payoff. Minimal effort, spectacular granite scenery.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Frenchman’s Hole? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Planning Your Visit

The round trip typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour of actual hiking, though this timing assumes you're moving efficiently rather than lingering to enjoy the destination. Factor in additional time if you plan to swim, eat lunch, or explore the area thoroughly. The relatively short duration makes this an excellent choice for morning or afternoon outings rather than full-day adventures.

Note: Web sources describe the walking distance as approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) each way, making the total approach distance closer to the stated 1.6 km round trip.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Sunday River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
GPS coordinates
44.5108339, -70.9188029
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The Frenchman's Hole trails are located in the town of Rangeley, Maine. To get to the start of the trails, take Route 4 north from Rangeley and turn left onto Moose Alley. The entrance to the trails will be on the right.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.5108339, -70.9188029
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.3
18 Reviews
D
David
Mar 14, 2026
Excellent choice for families with older kids who want to experience Maine's Western Mountains without committing to a long hike. The trail is well-marked and the 30-minute timeframe is spot-on. Yes, you'll pay for parking and access, but the peaceful forest setting and manageable 61m climb make it worthwhile for a quick nature escape.
D
David
Mar 14, 2026
Short and sweet hiking option near Rangeley. The trail covers 1.6 kilometers with a gentle 61-meter climb that most people can handle easily. We finished in about half an hour without rushing. The paid access model is somewhat frustrating, especially for such a brief hike, but it's still worth it for a quick nature fix.
J
Jennifer
Jan 8, 2026
Great winter trail option near Rangeley! The 1.6 km loop was perfect for snowshoeing, and the moderate 61m elevation gain kept things interesting. Trail conditions were excellent despite the snow. Only downside is the no-dogs policy, which meant leaving our pup at home. The access fees are reasonable considering the trail maintenance quality.
E
Emma
Jan 8, 2026
Absolutely loved this easy trail near Rangeley! At just 1.6 km, it's perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quick nature walk. The 61m elevation change is barely noticeable, making it ideal for families with young children. The winter scenery was stunning, and the trail was well-maintained even in snow. Worth every penny of the entrance fee for such a peaceful experience.
J
Jennifer
Jan 8, 2026
Absolutely loved this easy trail near Rangeley! The 1.6 km loop took us exactly 30 minutes and offered beautiful scenery throughout. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a gentle workout. The trail conditions were excellent even in winter. Yes, there are fees involved, but the experience was worth every penny. Highly recommend for a peaceful nature walk in the Western Mountains.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
61.00 m
30min
No
No
Frenchman's Hole trail is 1.6 km in length. This relatively short distance makes it a perfect choice for a quick outdoor adventure or for those looking for a less strenuous hike.
Yes, Frenchman's Hole trail is rated as Easy difficulty, making it very suitable for beginners and hikers of all skill levels. The short distance of 1.6 km and moderate elevation gain of 61 m provide a manageable challenge for those new to hiking.
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Update : June 2026