You'll see evidence of the 19th and 20th century lumber boom in many of the towns on this 78-mile route. And, glassy-topped lakes bespeckle the landsc... Route 27 trudges through the western mountains of Maine in the Carrabassett River Valley forming a link between the United States and the neighboring province of Quebec, Canada. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. Clicking beneath each photo will take you directly to the Google Maps route with directions. The Blacks Woods Byway is located in the Washington and Hancock Counties of Maine. Scenic America is the only national nonprofit that helps citizens safeguard the scenic qualities of America’s roadways, countryside, towns, and cities. Scenic drive in New Hampshire: Fall foliage on the Kancamangus Highway near Lincoln 1. There’s so much to see and do in Maine! Starting in Canada, this 78-mile route gets its name from the immigration of French Canadian families to find work in Maine’s milltowns, such as Skowhegan and Waterville. Katahdin and Eagle Lake and then take a few side trips to places like Fort Kent Blockhouse, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and Aroostook State Park. You'll need a weekend for this, but it's worth it! ... you’ll see beaches, harbors, and lighthouses aplenty. This 60-mile route makes for a lovely 2-hour trip in chilly autumn temps for leaf peepin' or in the winter for views of snow covered trees. Route 27 trudges through the western mountains of Maine in the Carrabassett River Valley forming a link between the United States and the neighboring province of Quebec, Canada. This 29-mile route will take you through the only mainland portion of Acadia. Winding through the Berkshire Mountains, the most important stretch is thirty-seven miles between North Adams and Greenfield. To see the waterside hills glowing with leaves, drive the 59-mile Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway. Park Loop Road – Acadia National Park, Maine. The 40-mile Acadia All-American Road is so special that it’s been designated an All-American Road, considered the gold standard of scenic routes. Oh, and maybe to enjoy some of the attractions we’ve included along the way. In Van Buren, don’t miss the living histo… Part of Maine's scenic byway system, this 89-mile trip will take you through the North Woods. To request a listing, please fill out the form below and press "Submit.". Built in the 1880s, this famous road, known for its “million-dollar … The 60 Most Scenic Drives in America ... pass through the area as they migrate south for the winter. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com. You can hop on the road at Togue Pond in Baxter State Park then head towards East Millinocket. 2.5 hours to drive or a day to enjoy this Byway, 2.5 hours to drive and 8 or more hours to visit this Byway. Depending which season you make the trip, add a detour to Angel Falls, Coos Canyon, Rangeley Lakes State Park, Rangeley Logging Museum or Saddleback Mountain for skiing. The Scenic Byway is unique in that it connects with a New Hampshire Scenic Byway and passes through Grafton Notch State Park. Follow These eight miles showcase some of the most beautiful viewsheds in eastern Maine. Scenic drives to consider in Maine are listed below. Starting Location: Dickey, ME Ending Location: Fort Kent, ME Length: 31 miles Best Season to Drive: Spring, Summer, and Fall See this drive on Google Maps This trip through Saint John Valley near the Canadian border affords visitors the opportunity to become acquainted with Maine’s culture and history. In fact, some of New England's most vibrant fall foliage can be found in the mountains of Western Maine. Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway Length: 78 Miles, Travel Time: 3 Hours Maine’s historical and cultural past travels along Route 201, weaving its story through the area’s many down-home cities, towns, and villages from Skowhegan to the international border with Canada (passport required). In this post, I share with you a 7 days coastal Maine road trip itinerary that goes off the beaten path. While it’s prettiest in autumn during the fall foliage peak in New Hampshire, it can be visited during any season of the year. Make a day of it in the summer for picnics, hikes and swimming holes. Portland to Bar Harbor Scenic Drive (US-1). The best scenic drives in Maine, USA, have some of the most exquisite sights that New England has to offer. On the map associated with this trip, we've included a detour to Angel Falls. Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway, Route 113. Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Maine Area. And, if you’re into either skiing or... 3. Use our easy Lodging Search to find exactly the type of accommodation you are looking for at the right price. Get ready for some scenic drives! 02 OldCanadaRoadNational Scenic Byway | Kennebec and. trip ends in Kokadjo, a winter sports village considered the gateway to the North Maine woods. Explore Maine - Scenic Byways. Top Maine Scenic Drives: See reviews and photos of scenic drives in Maine, United States on Tripadvisor. Scenic drives are everywhere, and trying to select a handful of the best is like picking your favorite child. The Northeast is famous for road trips through gorgeous fall foliage, but autumn isn’t the only time to take a trip on one of these roads! Check out the others. Take a 52-mile joy ride through the central-western part of the state … The parks and forests provide many fall foliage vistas. How to Drive Economically : Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Portland to Bar Harbor Scenic Drive (US-1). Route 27 Scenic Byway. The state has also crowned 10 other routes as Maine Scenic Byways. This area also is famous for rolling hills lush with wild blueberries. The Kancamagus Highway is a beautiful scenic drive that makes one of the best fall foliage drives in New England. The byway runs between Standish and approximately Gilead. Other scenic drives in the state Here are three other scenic drives on the America’s Byways list for Maine. Enjoy the East Grand, Brackett and Deering Lakes before reaching the byway's high point near the top of Peekaboo Mountain. Covered Bridge Tour. The scenic Route 112 stretches 34 miles, and you can start your drive in Lincoln (with easy access to interstate 93), or in Conway. Maine is known for its scenic coastline, lighthouses, and the harvesting of lobster. Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: This 50-mile straight shot north connects Kingfield with Sugarloaf, Stratton and Eustis. If you read the sad story of the town of. The Byway climbs the slopes of Peekaboo Mountain, affording a spectacular view of Grand Lake and the western mountains of New Brunswick, Canada. This trip is a good one to make if you're using Bar Harbor as a base. Doug Kerr / Flickr. Before you leave, make sure you check health and safety regulations in any area you are traveling to, as well as the weather conditions. Rangeley: Find out what there is to do in this city along Glenn Highway. !! Starting in Canada, this 78-mile route gets its name from the immigration of French Canadian families to find work in Maine’s milltowns, such as Skowhegan and Waterville. Whether you want to see ocean vistas and charming harbor towns, streams meandering along winding back roads, rural farmland, stunning lakes, or majestic mountains, Maine has it all wrapped up into one state. It also has one of the oldest and best scenic byway programs in the nation, with four of the nation’s 150 national scenic byways. Smug with pride, the little village of Rangeley sits within a picturesque panorama.Beginning at Smalls Falls on Route 4, the Byway heads northward to the intersection of ... Schoodic Scenic Byway runs a tranquil course past hills and dales draped with blueberries and wildflowers. The route cuts through White Mountain National Forest and runs parallel to Ellis River to the 64-foot Glen Ellis Falls. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. New Hampshire Highway 15 from Glen to Wentworth is known as Three Rivers Scenic Drive. The Million Dollar View Scenic Byway lies in the southeastern most section of Aroostook County and northern Washington County near the Canadian Province of New Brunswick. Travelers that want to see the best of Portland Maine in less time shouldn't miss this guided tour where you're whisked to the city's top sights in just a couple hours. This is a popular fall foliage driving tour, but it’s stunning … From the day I first moved to Maine in the winter of 1970, the state has kept a special hold on me. Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the … The route begins just inland of the park on Route 3, in the mainland town of Trenton. The most northerly of Maine's scenic byways, State Route 11 follows the rolling hills between Portage and Fort Kent. We advocate for a Scenic America for all people and communities. It runs parallel to Route 1, trekking through postcard views of blueberry barrens, bare mountains and granite coastline. Scenic Drives from Bethel, Maine Embarking from the Bethel area in any direction provides you with views of mountains, lakes and rivers, and recreational opportunities. Explore Maine - Scenic Byways. In the midday sun, the sea's bright blue surface is studded with colorful lobster buoys. 21 miles (33 km) State Route 26 is located in the western mountain area of Maine on the New Hampshire border. Another great New England scenic drive is the Mohawk Trail along Route 2 running east-west across Massachusetts. And, it never loses its unspoiled New England character throughout its journey. Don’t worry about getting out of the car for anything other than taking in nature. Moose River Valley. Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Maine Scenic Drives: Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is just one of the scenic byways in Maine. You can send yourself an email as well. The end of one of the best... 2. It may be only 40 miles long, but it can take three hours to view all the sights offered by the Acadia All-American Road . In 1904, over 75,500,000 board feet of lumber was driven down the river to various mills in Eastern Maine by the East Branch Driving Company. Although most of Park Loop Road is typically closed by Dec 1 each year, two sections remain open, Ocean Drive and Jordan Pond Road.Scenic areas of Acadia are also visible and accessible from public roads that travel through and along the park. 1. Each season offers a marvel. History lessons aside, it’s a gorgeous stretch of Maine scenic roadways for a fall drive. Maine’s scenic byways are clustered in its most rural and remote regions, from the western mountains to the North Woods to Aroostook County to Down East. Visit the famous Artists' Covered Bridge over the Sunday River in Newry then on to the village of... Oxford Hills. New England Scenic Drives: Through the Mountains In part 2 of our 'New England Scenic Drives' blog series,our drive starts at the Atlantic coast then continues through Maine's rugged interior and New Hampshire's White Mountains to the rolling Green Mountains of Vermont. A scenic drive through Maine’s Kennebec Valley is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the views. The Byway loops into Acadia National Park where 47,000 acres of playground await. Always one of our favorites, this 52-mile route on State Routes 17, 16, and 4 surrounds Rangeley Lake and crosses the Appalachian Trail. Google Maps. Boasting one of the oldest Scenic Byway programs in the country, Maine offers travelers diverse landscapes such as the Western Mountains and the rugged Downeast coastline. This 202-mile route will take you across Idaho between Montana and … So, here are a few trips to take in Maine that will let you sit back and enjoy the ride. Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. 276 reviews. A beautiful beach in Acadia National Park. 1. 02 OldCanadaRoadNational Scenic Byway | Kennebec and. Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Maine? A bridge over the Carrabassett River in Maine. Tell us about your trip! The most well-known scenic drive in New Hampshire is famous for a reason. Travelers might catch a view of eagles and moose along the way. The Grindstone Trail The East Branch of the Penobscot is historically significant for river driving from the mid-1800’s until the early 1900’s. Some of the most exciting scenery in eastern Maine is found along Route 1, which runs for eight miles just outside the Canadian border. It treks along the Kennebec and Dead Rivers on Route 201 and the shores of Wyman Lake.The Byway runs past The Fork, a ... Beginning its twisted journey at Smalls Falls on Route 4, Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway meanders past mountains, lakes, and rivers. Hit the slopes at Wildcat Mountain Ski Area in the winter, or take a picturesque gondola ride in the warmer months. This Byway s... State Route 26 is located in the western mountain area of Maine on the New Hampshire border. The East Coast of Maine and Acadia National Park has some of the country’s best skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and views. Only the prettiest, most historic and most enjoyable drives in the country earn these titles. Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Maine? A Scenic Drive in Western Maine — 6 Comments phototrips on August 7, 2018 at 17:48 said: sounds like a great drive- and people worry about crowds… get your maps out and venture like Jeff onto roads less traveled. This 8-mile span of Route 1 is unforgettable. You can witness the gorgeous falls in the north west, roaring in the spring and frozen in the winter, or the beautiful Maine countryside in the summer and fall. All-American Road. 1.5 hours to drive or 8 hours to visit the Byway. This historic highway was opened in 1914, predating most of the more popular scenic drives in the US. Continue to the end and you'll be at the international border crossing in Coburn Gore. Continue on 1A to the Seacoast Science Center in scenic Odiorne State Park, open Saturday through Monday during the winter months. Much of this road is unpaved so make sure your car is in good shape before heading out. The Acadia Byway meanders along the rocky shores of Maine. Some nice side trips include The Hemlock Covered Bridge in Fryeburg, The Mountain Division rail trail, The Hiram Rail Museum and The Fryeburg Museum. Get ready for some scenic drives! This 37-mile trip between Portage and Fort Kent will lead you to some of the best that Northern Maine has to offer. You might just spot a red-tailed hawk hovering in flight or a rafter of wild turkeys in a field. Maine has four. Time-worn granite cliffs, forested hills and rolling mountains give way to sparkling Atlantic in island and ocean oriented Acadia National Park, a popular playground for paddlers, hikers and in winter, cross-country skiers. Park Loop Road – Acadia National Park, Maine. Use the box below to search our site for the information you need! Enjoy a Picnic by a Waterfall (or two) Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Maine? Schoodic Scenic Byway is the smallest of the four Maine America’s Byways —just 29 miles in length—and takes you through an unspoiled landscape along the “quiet” side of Acadia National Park and Frenchman’s Bay. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Maine on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. The 96-mile Golden Road was built by the Great Northern Paper Company and stretches from the St. Zacharie Quebec border crossing to the company's former mill in Millinocket. We'd love to have your business listed on our site. A Maine moose could even be hiding between the trees at the roadside curiously looking back. No other area of Maine is quite like this portion of Downeast Maine and Coastal Washington County. A series of small coastal fishing towns are revealed along the way as the fog lifts from the ocean spray. In 1904, over 75,500,000 board feet of lumber was driven down the river to various mills in Eastern Maine by the East Branch Driving Company. City lakes, lovely trees, and impressive homes are all in store for those who take this drive. Drive the Shores of Maine’s Largest Lake. Desert Island and Quarry Wharf. Best of all — and this is why it holds a special, beautiful place for thousands of visitors over the decades — its Lobster Shack with picnic tables lets the salt air wash over you while you savor the lobster that may have enticed you to Maine. This drive offers outstanding views of meadows, Eagle Lake, and Mount Katahdin. In this post, I share with you a 7 days coastal Maine road trip itinerary that goes off the beaten path. Here are the best scenic drives in the Northeast. Seems like a lot of work until you think about how they used to FLOAT the logs on the river to get them to the mill. New England is tops for scenic mountain summit drives that take you above the trees for an entirely different view of autumn's brilliant foliage or the lush greens of late spring and summer.. Best of all, you can arrive at the mountaintop fresh as a daisy in the comfort of your own vehicle. Visit Maine in the winter to experience Acadia in all of its beauty. Whether you’re moose-watching, leaf-peeping, lobster shack-hopping or simply craving a rural escape, these are 10 of the most beautiful scenic drives in Maine. The 27-mile Park Loop Road is the primary road around Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. Rangeley. Some nice sights along the way include Sugarloaf for skiing, Moose Alley for bowling and maybe even a few steps along the Appalachian Trail for hearty folks. Map of Schoodic National Scenic Byway. Maine, larger than the other New England states combined, is one big, beautiful place. You'll then get onto 11, followed by 159 until you make your way to the northern edge of Baxter at Matagamon. The Scenic Byway is unique in that it connects with a New Hampshire Scenic Byway and passes through Grafton Notch State Park. Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Click here to view all the guides avialable for Maine. Copyright © 1997 - 2021 The Go Travel Sites. A bridge over the Carrabassett River in Maine. Only the prettiest, most historic and most enjoyable drives in the country earn these titles. Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. Begin this route in Kingfield and follow the Carrabassett River for views of Mount Abraham and the Bigelow Range. These trips are fabulous any time of year, but make sure to get here during fall foliage time (usually early October). In fact, most of the area is working forest and Route 201 continues to be an important trade route between Canada and the US. There is an overall feeling of calm and serenity that one instantly gets upon embarking on any one of the drives mentioned in this article. Thank you! Take in majestic views of Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island along this drive. The cold North Atlantic waters of Downeast Maine are filled with lobster boats and the coast is lined with wooden piers, lighthouses and wildlife. 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