Rangeley held its tenth annual Trail Town Festival over Labor Day weekend, attracting hundreds of visitors to one of the Maine’s High Peaks region’s A.T. Communities. There are now 51 towns along the Appalachian Trail, in 12 states, that have achieved this designation. These towns and cities are assets for everyone who uses the A.T., providing food, supplies, recreation, history, volunteer opportunities and so much more. There are many benefits for communities who join, including access to educational resources, national and regional recognition of tourism programs, and opportunities for grant funding.

Rangeley holds the annual Trail Town Festival to celebrate not only the A.T. but all the conservation and recreation elements that contribute to the region’s identity. The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust annually attends and distributes free maps, information about trails, and more, but there are dozens of vendors and other organizations around to make it a truly special experience. There’s music, guest speakers, games for kids, and of course…thru hikers. At the end of the day there’s an ice cream eating contest so they can head back to the trail fattened up for the last leg of their journey to Katahdin. There’s also a kids version of the contest so they don’t feel left out!

Check the festival info page next year for info about attending!