Sandy River Ponds

Body of Water: Sandy River Ponds, Rangeley Maine [Map 19, A1]

Directions:  From intersecton of South Shore Road and Rt. 4 in Rangely, drive south on Rt. 4 for 4.5 miles and slow down.... the boat launch will be on the left in about 0.2 miles.  It is easy to miss.  

***Note... this parking lot feels like it drops off the side of the road, Rt. 4.  It is a steep drop and can be tough when pulling out back onto Rt 4.  Rt 4 can be busy with big trucks.. so be careful when leaving!! 

Parking: This is a dirt lot, room for 3-4 vehicles. 

Launch:  You have to walk a ways down onto the water, I recommend a cart.  To get to the water there are a few steep, tall stairs.  Remember to keep an eye on where the launch is.  It can blend in pretty easily! 

Fees:  None

Bathroom:  None

Wildlife: Loons, ducks, heron, deer

Notes: This is a nice hidden spot.  I assume when water levels are high it is possible to go between all of the ponds.  While I was here the water levels were low-ish and I was not able to move between all four ponds.  I was able to move between two of them. 

These ponds are small but don't be deceived by their size.  There is a lot to explore and see. 

The morning was pretty hazy.  The sky and light were cool as the dreariness lifted.  

On the far side of the pond there was a small island with this sign.  

The edges of the pond had lots of lily pads. 

This was us trying to get to the pond above where we were.  But... we were blocked.  I think if the water was higher this would have been easy! 

Looking down the other way of the pond...

 I was SO excited to see a baby loon in its parents' back!  I had never seen that before!  (Hence all the pics!)

Spotted this heron well hidden. 

This was the connection to the lowest pond.  It was too shallow to paddle through but maybe next time! 

On my way back to the launch I watched the loons again.  

I Loved seeing this baby strutting its stuff! 

It was a great morning paddle.  Sandy River Ponds are small, but had a lot to offer! 

On my way  back to the campground I stopped and checked out Smalls Falls!  It was really pretty!  

My friend and I returned here later in the day and sat in the pool for a bit.  It was pretty and the water was sooo nice and cool!