Coos Canyon, Rangeley: Address, Phone Number, Coos Canyon Reviews: 4.5/5
Coos Canyon
Coos Canyon
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
15 within 3 miles
Gatch's Food and Spirits
6
69 ft
Dick's Restaurant
25
0.3 mi$ • American • Diner
Frosty Delite Ice Cream Shop
13
0.4 miDessert
Dunkin'
2
0.4 miBakeries • Cafe
Subway
5
0.4 miAmerican
Chamberlain's
6
0.4 mi
Pizza Hut
5
0.4 miPizza
Rumford House of Pizza
26
0.6 mi$ • Italian • American • Pizza
JoJo's
1
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe
Far East Restaurant
30
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
82 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
18
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
3
adventurer1234
Forest Park, OH515 contributions
Great roadside park with picnic tables next to Coos Canyon. Best to see the 32 foot high gorge from the bridge. Rocks lining the canyon have uniquely carved lines in them due to erosion over the years. The waterfall has a 15-foot total drop in cascades.
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily F
10 contributions
This spot is beautiful and so much fun to explore. We did a 5 waterfall day trip (Snow Falls, Screw Auger, Rumford Falls, Coos Canyon, and Smalls Falls) and this was my favorite spot! We took beautiful pictures here and climbed around the rocks. The water was low so it felt safe to do so, although I don't know that it is always safe, use good judgment. It looked like you could go swimming in part of it. The park was small but well maintained. Even my cousin's wheelchair got around the area without much assistance (there was a part that she needed assistance over some uneven terrain). Definitely go to the bridge and take pictures, it is a gorgeous view.
Written June 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeremy L
Montpelier, VT107 contributions
I first visited Coos Canyon about 30 years ago. It has remained one of my favorite places on earth, and I've driven considerable distances to visit on several occasions. Great swimming, great for photos, wonderful picnic spot, and always kind people.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diane F
Putnam, CT5 contributions
So many loud, obnoxious campers here, playing loud Rap music all night long, shooting off fireworks, yelling, with no consideration whatsoever for other campers. The campground management does nothing to manage or control the situation. Quiet hours are a joke. In addition, there is a huge logging operation ongoing opposite the campground. Loud logging trucks travel right next to the campground starting at 3 am! Avoid this place at all costs!
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
osufan71
LEWISTON2 contributions
Coos Canyon picnic area is closed at this time. They are repairing the bridge, so you don't really have access to the area. We were told it was going to be under construction until June 30, 2022. We parked along the road, and we had our picnic sitting on the rocks down by the Swift River. We will go back later this summer as it is truly a beautiful area.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Miknamrok
Cornish Maine142 contributions
Way back in the olden days when this place didn't have anything built on it or near it it was probably a sacred spot of native people. (conjecture) The gorge is undeniably beautiful. We drove a long way today thinking we would walk through the woods to get there and have a peaceful picnic at the water's edge.
It is right off a very busy road, crowded with picnicing famiies and swimming children which was wholesome enough, but the obknoxous roar of ATV vehicles was constant. We walked around a little, had our picnic and left. The place had the potential of being a restorative place of beauty but it was just too crowded and had no peacefulness. If you like to climb on rocks you'd probably love it. The waterhole looked clean and fun to play in. I was looking for something different and felt disappointed. If you're looking for fun and ATV trails you'll probably enjoy it. If you want nature's grandeur in silence don't come here.
I don't like loud exciting places but some people do. So hence the review.
It is right off a very busy road, crowded with picnicing famiies and swimming children which was wholesome enough, but the obknoxous roar of ATV vehicles was constant. We walked around a little, had our picnic and left. The place had the potential of being a restorative place of beauty but it was just too crowded and had no peacefulness. If you like to climb on rocks you'd probably love it. The waterhole looked clean and fun to play in. I was looking for something different and felt disappointed. If you're looking for fun and ATV trails you'll probably enjoy it. If you want nature's grandeur in silence don't come here.
I don't like loud exciting places but some people do. So hence the review.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Annette T
1 contribution
Friends
The canyon is pretty but overall area was disappointing. Kind of a “hole in wall” kind of stop. We were road tripping throughout New England and were anticipating beautiful area for both here and Height of Land. Both were disappointing and the road to get here was terrible. Just did not feel either location was worth a long drive in poor roads. If you have extra time it is ok but if tight for time I would Skip both.
Written October 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ottersRus
Miami, FL2,589 contributions
Friends
Coos Caynon is about 35 minute drive outside of Rangeley on Rt 17. You can't miss the place. It is on the right driving southbound. My son and I visited Coos to do some panning for gold. Not knowing what we were doing, we took a short 20 minute class to learn the technique of panning. From there, we were instructed that 3 miles of river were available for our use. This turned out to be a all day adventure. My son did not want to leave nor did I. Although we didn't find any gold of value, we found lots of fools gold and tons of fun. Don't worry. You don't have to bring anything but a towel because if you going to pan for gold you will get wet.
For approximately $30 you can get the equipment needed for two people to spend the day on the river. Part of that thirty is a deposit that is refundable when return the equipment. If you are in this area, this is a great way to experience something new and fun as well as spend time outdoors.
For approximately $30 you can get the equipment needed for two people to spend the day on the river. Part of that thirty is a deposit that is refundable when return the equipment. If you are in this area, this is a great way to experience something new and fun as well as spend time outdoors.
Written September 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Guide29710399633
Surry, ME24 contributions
Family
Love the experience and the Coos Canyon gift shop had people to give us a class on how to do it!! we had so much fun as a family trying our luck in the Swift River.
Written May 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chairduck
Brooktondale, NY420 contributions
Couples
My wife and I went here specifically for the gold-panning, as part of a little geology-themed drive up and down New England. The views were nice and the people were (mostly) friendly, but...
Well, here's the dirty secret about gold-panning: It's boring. It's super, super boring.
There weren't a lot of people around when we visited, which meant that, after renting our pans and receiving a quick training session at the gift shop, we were able to pick out a nice, private part of the river to plop ourselves down on. It's exciting at first, but you have to go into it with the expectation that you're never, ever going to find anything—and once you accept that, you're just sifting through dirt for an hour. It was fun to take pictures and be able to say I've been gold-panning, but the novelty wore off quickly for me and it's not something I'll feel the need to do again.
Bonus points for being legit gold-panning though, and not one of those places where they just drop the gold in for you to find.
Well, here's the dirty secret about gold-panning: It's boring. It's super, super boring.
There weren't a lot of people around when we visited, which meant that, after renting our pans and receiving a quick training session at the gift shop, we were able to pick out a nice, private part of the river to plop ourselves down on. It's exciting at first, but you have to go into it with the expectation that you're never, ever going to find anything—and once you accept that, you're just sifting through dirt for an hour. It was fun to take pictures and be able to say I've been gold-panning, but the novelty wore off quickly for me and it's not something I'll feel the need to do again.
Bonus points for being legit gold-panning though, and not one of those places where they just drop the gold in for you to find.
Written June 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl C
5 contributions
Are dogs allowed
jbunnyBoston
Barnstable, MA117 contributions
Yes, it’s a small area and we often seen dogs there including our two. I suggest a leash however since it’s a canyon with steep drop offs as well as swift water.
Linda W
Saint Albans, WV5 contributions
Is there a hike required to view? Or can you park close to Coos Canyon? Traveling with someone with limited mobility.
Kathleen S
Pittsburgh, PA18 contributions
I am so sorry for my delayed reply - I am not on here very often.... But to answer your question no hike is required. You can see a lot of the beauty from the parking lot / picnic area / bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coos Canyon
- Hotels near Coos Canyon:
- (0.57 mi) Sunnyside home near Sunday River, Black Mountain, Lakes, Rivers and Hikes
- (0.51 mi) Hotel Rumford
- (0.62 mi) Charming Home Near Sunday River & Other Ski Areas
- (0.67 mi) Best Western Plus Rumford Falls
- (1.63 mi) Boardwalk Inn
- Restaurants near Coos Canyon:
- (0.01 mi) Gatch's Food and Spirits
- (0.30 mi) Dick's Restaurant
- (0.40 mi) Frosty Delite Ice Cream Shop
- (0.37 mi) Dunkin'
- (0.41 mi) Subway
- Attractions near Coos Canyon:
- (0.51 mi) 49 Franklin - Mystic Theater
- (0.48 mi) Hoodwinked
- (0.51 mi) Hotel Rumford
- (0.54 mi) Rumford Falls
- (3.68 mi) Black Mountain of Maine