The 2,848-foot-high Quill Hill is located off Oddy's Road on ME 16 between Rangeley and Stratton, Maine. Boasting some of the best views of the mountains and landscape around northwestern Maine, there is a four-mile-long dirt road that leads from ME 16 to the summit. The drive is expected to take 12 minutes to get to the top. Once at the summit, you can encounter breathtaking views, hike, or even have a picnic. In fact, this may be the only scenic overlook that I know of that includes a wood-fired grill for your use. At the summit of Quill Hill, you can spot area landmarks such as the Rangeley Lakes, Saddleback Mountain, West and East Kennebago Mountains, Flagstaff Lake, and Mount Bigelow. Interpretive signs are in place to tell you the story of Quill Hill and what you can see in the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you can even see into the border mountains of Canada. Quill Hill is the only mountain in Maine with a 360-degree view accessible by foot, automobile, bicycle, OHV, and motorcycle, and it includes a 4,000-foot accessible wheelchair path between the two scenic views.
The road up to the summit of Quill Hill is the labor of love of the late Adrian Brochu, a Quebec native who spent most of his life in Maine and had a successful career in the lumber industry. Starting from 2010 until his death in 2019, Brochu built the road, trails, and overlook around Quill Hill, allowing public access for all to enjoy what he felt was one of the best views in Maine. While Brochu has since passed away, the land around Quill Hill has been permanently protected, allowing the public to continue to enjoy the scenic views for years to come. Thankfully, Brochu had the foresight that everyone should be able to enjoy visiting Quill Hill, and I think that is a great legacy to leave behind.
Access to Quill Hill is by donation and the road is open for auto traffic from late May through the middle of October, and accessible by hiking or skiing the rest of the year. I visited during the middle of the week on an overcast day in September, so Quill Hill was quiet, but I imagine it can be a bit busier during weekends and during the peak of the summer months. In a region that is full of great scenic vistas, such as the Height of Land near Rangeley, Quill Hill has great views that are not to be missed.
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| Already most of the way up Quill Hill. The road up to the summit is dirt and gravel, but can be easily navigable by any motor vehicle. There are also signs telling you how close you are to the top. |
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| The top of Quill Hill is that way. |
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| West and East Kennebago Mountains, looking west. Kennebago Lake is in view as well. |
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| Looking towards Rangeley. |
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| The road up Quill Hill goes right to the top. |
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| Flagstaff Lake. |
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| Unfortunately, the clouds were starting to settle in. By the time I got down the mountain and into Rangeley, Maine, it was raining hard. |
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| Starting my descent down the mountain. |
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| Adrian Brochu, the man who worked to bring the great views from Quill Hill to the public. |
How to Get There:
Sources and Links:
Quill Hill - Breathtaking 360° Views
GlaszArt - Visiting Quill Hill in the Rangeley Area of Maine During the Fall
Walking With Dogs in Greater Newburyport - Quill Hill at Rangeley, Maine
The Nature Conservancy - Critical 13,640-Acre Section of Western Maine Protected
Ethan Allen Institute - The Story of Quill Hill
New England Fall Foliage - A View from Quill Hill in Maine
Maine By Foot - Quill Hill, Near Rangeley
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