Rec Rangers build bridges, blaze trails across western Maine

RANGELEY HIGHLANDER • September 10, 2026

From new aluminum bridges at Mosher Hill Falls to hundreds of feet of rebuilt bog bridging, a seasonal trail crew spent the summer improving outdoor recreation sites across western Maine. The Rec Ranger program, led by High Peaks Alliance, uses a full-time seasonal crew to complete trail maintenance and public-access projects for High Peaks Alliance, Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust and Maine Huts & Trails. The 2026 crew worked for 12 weeks, with each organization receiving about three weeks of dedicated trail work. The crew improved more than 17 miles of trails, rehabilitated about 940 feet of bog bridging, installed or repaired multiple bridges and footbridges, built a stone staircase, installed a kiosk and roadside signs and created new trail connections.