Name: Range Pond State Park
Location: 26 State Park Road, Poland, ME 04274
Activities: Boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, playground, swimming, nature watching, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting, snowshoeing
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Hours: 9:00a.m.-sunset
Season: Year-round
Camping: No
Fees: Yes
A short drive from Interstate 95, Range Pond State Park is a family-friendly Maine State Park located in Southern Maine. The forested trails, shaded picnic areas, updated playgrounds, and a sandy beach offer a full day of outdoor fun for adventurers of all ages.
In this blog post, I will share everything you need to know before visiting Range Pond State Park—including what to pack for your visit, driving directions, parking and restroom information, park activities, the best time to visit, as well as several insider tips for visiting the park and the best nearby eats.
About Range Pond State Park
Range Pond State Park is located on the eastern shore of Lower Range Pond. The park was established in 1965 when the Maine State Park and Recreation Commission purchased more than 500 acres of land from Hiram Ricker and Sons (the family who founded Poland Spring bottled water and opened the nearby Poland Spring Resort).
Preparing to Visit Range Pond State Park
Check the weather forecast to ensure safe conditions
Research trail information and conditions
Pack all the Maine hiking essentials, such as water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit
Wear season-appropriate footwear and clothing
If bringing a pup, be sure to pack their leash and poop bags
Directions, Parking, and Restroom Information for Range Pond State Park
Driving Directions
For driving directions for Range Pond State Park, click here.
Parking
There are four large, dirt parking lots in the park. Even on busy days, there should be plenty of parking available.
Restroom Information
Flush toilets are available in the Summer months and pit toilets are available for visitors to use in the off season.
Park Rules for Range Pond State Park
Leave no trace in the park—carry out everything you carried in
Dogs are allowed, but must be on-leash at all times
Please stay on marked trails and refrain from picking flowers or any other vegetation
Do not feed any animals you find in the park.
Motorized boats are limited to 10 horsepower motors
Fishing is permitted in the Summer and Winter
Hiking trails are multi-use (walking, biking, horseback riding)
Range Pond State Park Activities
Swimming
The park has a crescent-shaped, sandy beach perfect for wading, floating, and swimming. The majority of the dedicated swimming area is shallow, making it ideal for younger kids. Picnic tables and grills are scattered along the shoreline and there are usually lifeguards on duty in the Summer months.
Boating + Fishing
Range Pond is a popular spot for Summer boat fishing and Winter ice fishing. The pond is home to brook trout, brown trout, large and smallmouth bass. Boats with motors under 10 horsepower are permitted on the pond.
Biking Trails
Single track mountain biking trails are located on the East end of the park. Both mountain bikes and fat tire bikes are allowed in the park. Parking can be found across the road from the park entrance gate. These trails are multi-use, so you may encounter a fellow hiker or someone riding horseback.
Hiking Trails
Old Fields Trail (1.5 miles, easy)
The Old Field Trail is a flat, wide trail that begins near the parking lots and gently winds through mixed-growth forest.
Brook Trail (1.5 miles, easy)
The Brook Trail is an easy loop trail that features a bridge crossing, a few small inclines, and some uneven terrain.
Railbed Trail (1 mile, easy)
The Railbed Trail follows a carriage road alongside a former railroad bed that once transported visitors to the railroad station in Poland.
Old Camp Trail (2 miles, easy)
A popular walking trail that follows the shoreline of Range Pond.
Playgrounds
There are two playgrounds located in the park, the larger playground (with three slides!) is situated between the Old Fields Trail and Old Camp Trail and the other is located near the beach.
Insider Tips for Visiting Range Pond State Park
Best nearby eats:
Breakfast: Daddy O’s Diner, Poland
Lunch/Dinner: Nonesuch River Brewing, Poland
Dessert: Bresca & The Honeybee for sweet treats, Poland Spring Resort for Gifford’s Ice Cream
For a quieter park experience, try visiting the park mid-week
The best time to visit: every season is beautiful at this park—but I love it most during peak foliage season (mid to late October).
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Maine State Park information and tips? You can find them all here.
Want more Maine travel inspiration? Follow MyMaine on Instagram!
If you love spending time outdoors in Maine, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page (or click here) and subscribe to my e-mail list! By doing so, you’ll be the first to receive all of my latest and greatest outdoorsy Maine content straight to your inbox! And I solemnly swear that I won’t sell your e-mail to spammers or scammers living in their parent’s basement.
With love,
My Maine
