Because of the abundance of hiking trails in the area, it is also a wonderful place to snowshoe.  Practically anyone can snowshoe safely, with very little practice.

Snowshoes are recommended if you want to hike on ungroomed trails during the winter months or in the spring at higher elevations.  Snowshoes work best when you are trying to walk in at least 6 inches of snow.

Snowshoes can be rented in Rangeley at various shops: The Alpine Shop, Rangeley Region Sport Shop,  and River's Edge Sport Shop.  Most of those are hi-tech aluminum or graphite.  Traditional wood and webbing are available from many second-hand shops as well as from sporting goods shops.  If the snow is very deep and soft, one may consider also using ski poles for balance.

Places good to try out snowshoes are areas that have no snowmobile traffic.  Groomed cross-country ski trails should be avoided if there isn't room alongside the track. Although many hiking trails double in the winter as snowmobile trails, there are still many good places in the Rangeley area for novice snowshoers.  The Trails at Orgonon are open for snowshoeing. They even have some child-size snowshoes to lend.  You should call ahead.  Some of the new Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust Trails on the western shore of Mooselookmeguntic/Cupsuptic may be excellent for extended hikes. More info can be had by calling their office @ 207-864-7311. Saddleback Mountain  sometimes has ungroomed trails that may be used with their permission. And expert snowshoers frequent many of the area mountains and the Appalachian Trail.

If you get a chance to try out this almost forgotten winter pleasure and find you really enjoy it, you may want to look into some winter camping classes with the Rangeley Recreation Department.