Published in 1999 from work created in 1997, the US Geological Survey’s “Rangeley” presents one of western Maine’s most evocative lake-and-mountain landscapes in precise topographical form. As a provisional map, it carries a special documentary character: a working portrait of terrain and settlement issued before the full polish of a final series sheet, yet rich in the measured detail for which the USGS is renowned. The map centers on Rangeley and the surrounding plantation country, where roads, trails, watercourses, ponds, and contours combine to describe a region shaped by glacial basins, forested ridges, and long traditions of outdoor travel. Its closely drawn elevation lines reveal the drama behind the scenery, translating Maine’s rugged interior into a disciplined cartographic language.

Rangeley Lake anchors the composition, with Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Cupsuptic Lake extending the watery geography that has long defined this part of Franklin County. These broad, irregular lakes form part of the celebrated Rangeley Lakes region, historically associated with fishing camps, sporting lodges, timber routes, and summer retreats. Oquossoc appears near the meeting of roads and waters, a small but important settlement in the recreational and social life of the region. The Mooselookmeguntic River, Long Pond, Gull Pond, Mountain Pond, and numerous unnamed ponds and wetlands add to the map’s sense of abundance. Through these features, the sheet captures not merely a place, but an ecological network of drainage, shorelines, islands, and forest margins.

The surrounding relief gives the map much of its visual force. Bald Mountain and Hay Mountain rise near the lakes, while Saddleback Mountain, one of Maine’s notable peaks, signals the proximity of the Appalachian high country. The contour lines articulate slopes, saddles, ridgelines, and basins with an almost architectural clarity, allowing the viewer to understand how settlement and travel are governed by terrain. Mingo Spring, Upper Dam, and the scattered ponds tucked among the hills suggest the subtle interplay of water and elevation that characterizes Maine’s western mountains. Rather than presenting the landscape as picturesque abstraction, the USGS renders it as a navigable, measurable environment—beautiful precisely because it is so carefully observed.

Human geography threads through the wilderness setting with quiet significance. Rangeley, West Rangeley, Dallas Plantation, and Rangeley Plantation appear amid the lakes and uplands, marking a settlement pattern shaped by resource use, recreation, and access to water. State Route 4 provides a key corridor through the region, linking communities and scenic destinations while following the logic imposed by lakeshores and mountain passes. Trails and paths spread across the sheet, hinting at hunting routes, hiking approaches, snowmobile corridors, fishing access, and the enduring culture of movement through the North Woods. Even places such as Gilead, appearing within the wider geographic context, evoke the broader network of Maine’s interior communities and routes.

As a late twentieth-century topographical record, “Rangeley” offers a fascinating historical snapshot of a landscape in transition between traditional rural use and modern conservation, recreation, and development pressures. The map preserves the geography of shorelines, roads, named features, and landforms at a particular moment, making it valuable for understanding how the Rangeley area’s built and natural environments were documented at the close of the 1990s. Its provisional status adds an appealing layer of cartographic history, reminding us that maps are not static declarations but evolving interpretations of place. In its disciplined contours and dense naming, the sheet captures western Maine’s rare combination of remoteness, accessibility, grandeur, and intimate local detail.

Cities, towns and places on this map

• Rangeley
• Rangeley Lake
• Mooselookmeguntic Lake
• Cupsuptic Lake
• Mooselookmeguntic River
• Oquossoc
• Dallas Plantation
• Rangeley Plantation
• Bald Mountain
• Hay Mountain
• Long Pond
• Upper Dam
• Saddleback Mountain
• Mountain Pond
• Gull Pond
• Gilead
• Mingo Spring
• West Rangeley
• State Route 4
• Trails and paths throughout the area
• Several unnamed ponds and hills

Historical context & cartographic details

• Map name: Rangeley
• Published by the US Geological Survey, the U.S. agency responsible for national mapping and geographic surveying.
• Created in 1997 and published in 1999.
• Classified as a provisional map, meaning it may not have undergone the full review or completion process of a final map.
• Focuses on the populated area of Rangeley, Maine, and its surrounding geographical features.
• Uses detailed topographical representation, including contour lines to show elevation changes and terrain character.
• Depicts a varied landscape of elevations, water bodies, and landforms typical of western Maine.
• Serves as a historical reference for understanding land use, settlement patterns, natural resources, and environmental change in the Rangeley area.

Looking for a particular place? Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, ask our workshop to check before you order.

Detailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

Where personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. See personalised map examples.

Every piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.

With its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of rare old and vintage maps to discover another place, period or style.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.