The best way to see a state is to drive through its back roads. We are huge believers in hitting the road to experience all Maine has to offer. Sometimes, it’s the journey itself that’s worth the accolades. So, here are a few of the best scenic drives in Maine that allow you to sit back and enjoy the ride. Don’t worry about getting out of the car for anything other than taking in nature. Oh, and maybe to enjoy some of the attractions we’ve included along the way. For these routes, you can leave the GPS at home. Clicking beneath each photo will take you directly to the Google Maps route with directions. Have fun!
Google Maps
- State Route 27 Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Alex Drainville / Flickr This 50-mile straight-shot north connects Kingfield with Sugarloaf, Stratton, and Eustis. Begin this route in Kingfield and follow the Carrabassett River for impeccable views of Mount Abraham and the Bigelow Range. Continue to the end and you’ll be at the international border crossing in Coburn Gore. 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. If you read the sad story of the town of Flagstaff you might want to stop by for a look at what now stands in its place. Maine 27, ME-27, Augusta, ME, USA
- Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, Route 201
Google Maps
C Hanchey / Flickr Choose this road trip if you’re a history buff or if you have a love of adventure, including the desire for a quick rafting trip along the way. You’ll see evidence of the 19th and 20th-century lumber boom in many of the towns on this 78-mile route. In fact, most of the area is working forest and Route 201 continues to be an important trade route between Canada and the US. Learn more about this byway here! Old Canada Road, Old Canada Rd, Bingham, ME 04920, USA
- The Bold Coast Scenic Byway
Google Maps
OakleyOriginals / Flickr This 125-mile route is one of the most robust on the list and will take you to places you’ve heard of, but may have never visited. You’ll need a weekend for this, but it’s worth it! No other area of Maine is quite like this portion of Downeast Maine and Coastal Washington County.
The route begins in the community of Milbridge and heads eastward along the coast to Lubec. From here, you’ll go towards Cobscook Bay and on to Eastport. If you choose this trip, you’ll be treated to Maine’s incredible wild blueberry barrens, coastal forests and marshes. You’ll have opportunities to stop and enjoy the many recreational trails that allow you to explore the land around you. Click here to learn more! Bold Coast Maine, 19 Main St, Milbridge, ME 04658, USA
- Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Rob Albright / Flickr Always one of our favorites, this 52-mile route on State Routes 17, 16, and 4 surrounds Rangeley Lake and crosses the Appalachian Trail. The most memorable part is, perhaps, the view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake at the Height of Land. 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. On the map associated with this trip, we’ve included a detour to Angel Falls. Get all the details about this route here. Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA
- The Katahdin Woods & Waters Maine Scenic Byway
Google Maps
thepiper351 / Flickr Part of Maine’s scenic byway system, this 89-mile trip will take you through the North Woods. You can hop on the road at Togue Pond in Baxter State Park then head towards East Millinocket. You’ll then get onto 11, followed by 159 until you make your way to the northern edge of Baxter at Matagamon. Click here to learn about this amazing, relatively-new Maine byway. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Hauling Rd 1, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
- The Golden Road Maine Scenic Byway
Google Maps
NatureLifePhoto / Flickr 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. 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. Much of this road is unpaved so make sure your car is in good shape before heading out. Look forward to some awesome views of Katahdin on the way. Begin the drive in Millinocket, head to Ambajejus Lake, then Greenville, and on to Seboomook Lake. Lastly, you’ll be heading towards the Saint-Zacharie border crossing. Click here to learn more! Golden Road, Golden Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
- Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway, Route 113
Google Maps
Doug Kerr / Flickr 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. Make a day of it in the summer for picnics, hikes, and swimming holes. Throughout the trip along the Saco River and the Mountain Division Rail, you’ll pass sustainable working farms, artisans, and pure nature. The byway runs between Standish and approximately Gilead. Get all the info about this byway here. Pequawket Trail, Steep Falls, ME, USA
- Fish River Maine Scenic Byway, Route 11
Google Maps
Jack Heddon / Flickr This 37-mile trip between Portage and Fort Kent will lead you to some of the best that Northern Maine has to offer. Take in the views of natural landscapes, including Mt. 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. Click here to learn more about this breathtaking byway! Fish River, Fort Kent, ME 04743, USA
- Million Dollar View Maine Scenic Byway, US 1
Google Maps
duluoz cats / Flickr This 8-mile span of Route 1 is unforgettable. It’s the shortest on this list, but might give you some of the most breathtaking views of all. Enjoy the East Grand, Brackett and Deering Lakes before reaching the byway’s high point near the top of Peekaboo Mountain. While the official route is only a quick 8-miler on US 1, it’s lovely to keep on going towards Orient, which is what is reflected in this map. Click here to learn more! New Brunswick 1, NB-1, Calais, ME, USA
- Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Google Maps
John C. Chu / Flickr This trip is a good one to make if you’re using Bar Harbor as a base. Make your way to Hancock and jump onto US1. This 29-mile route will take you through the only mainland portion of Acadia. Along the shoreline, there are plenty of beautiful lighthouses and nature, as well as views of Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island. Along the way, make time to stop at the variety of places on the National Historic Register. Read more about this exciting region here! Schoodic National Scenic Byway, 395 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Have you been on any of these roads? Tell us about your trip! We love to hear from you. Plus, if you’ve got a road trip you’d love to tell us about, please do using this form.
Google Maps
Alex Drainville / Flickr
This 50-mile straight-shot north connects Kingfield with Sugarloaf, Stratton, and Eustis. Begin this route in Kingfield and follow the Carrabassett River for impeccable views of Mount Abraham and the Bigelow Range. Continue to the end and you’ll be at the international border crossing in Coburn Gore. 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. If you read the sad story of the town of Flagstaff you might want to stop by for a look at what now stands in its place.
Maine 27, ME-27, Augusta, ME, USA
C Hanchey / Flickr
Choose this road trip if you’re a history buff or if you have a love of adventure, including the desire for a quick rafting trip along the way. You’ll see evidence of the 19th and 20th-century lumber boom in many of the towns on this 78-mile route. In fact, most of the area is working forest and Route 201 continues to be an important trade route between Canada and the US. Learn more about this byway here!
Old Canada Road, Old Canada Rd, Bingham, ME 04920, USA
OakleyOriginals / Flickr
This 125-mile route is one of the most robust on the list and will take you to places you’ve heard of, but may have never visited. You’ll need a weekend for this, but it’s worth it! No other area of Maine is quite like this portion of Downeast Maine and Coastal Washington County.
The route begins in the community of Milbridge and heads eastward along the coast to Lubec. From here, you’ll go towards Cobscook Bay and on to Eastport. If you choose this trip, you’ll be treated to Maine’s incredible wild blueberry barrens, coastal forests and marshes. You’ll have opportunities to stop and enjoy the many recreational trails that allow you to explore the land around you. Click here to learn more!
Bold Coast Maine, 19 Main St, Milbridge, ME 04658, USA
Rob Albright / Flickr
Always one of our favorites, this 52-mile route on State Routes 17, 16, and 4 surrounds Rangeley Lake and crosses the Appalachian Trail. The most memorable part is, perhaps, the view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake at the Height of Land. 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. On the map associated with this trip, we’ve included a detour to Angel Falls. Get all the details about this route here.
Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA
thepiper351 / Flickr
Part of Maine’s scenic byway system, this 89-mile trip will take you through the North Woods. You can hop on the road at Togue Pond in Baxter State Park then head towards East Millinocket. You’ll then get onto 11, followed by 159 until you make your way to the northern edge of Baxter at Matagamon. Click here to learn about this amazing, relatively-new Maine byway.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Hauling Rd 1, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
NatureLifePhoto / Flickr
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. 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. Much of this road is unpaved so make sure your car is in good shape before heading out. Look forward to some awesome views of Katahdin on the way. Begin the drive in Millinocket, head to Ambajejus Lake, then Greenville, and on to Seboomook Lake. Lastly, you’ll be heading towards the Saint-Zacharie border crossing. Click here to learn more!
Golden Road, Golden Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Doug Kerr / Flickr
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. Make a day of it in the summer for picnics, hikes, and swimming holes. Throughout the trip along the Saco River and the Mountain Division Rail, you’ll pass sustainable working farms, artisans, and pure nature. The byway runs between Standish and approximately Gilead. Get all the info about this byway here.
Pequawket Trail, Steep Falls, ME, USA
Jack Heddon / Flickr
This 37-mile trip between Portage and Fort Kent will lead you to some of the best that Northern Maine has to offer. Take in the views of natural landscapes, including Mt. 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. Click here to learn more about this breathtaking byway!
Fish River, Fort Kent, ME 04743, USA
duluoz cats / Flickr
This 8-mile span of Route 1 is unforgettable. It’s the shortest on this list, but might give you some of the most breathtaking views of all. Enjoy the East Grand, Brackett and Deering Lakes before reaching the byway’s high point near the top of Peekaboo Mountain. While the official route is only a quick 8-miler on US 1, it’s lovely to keep on going towards Orient, which is what is reflected in this map. Click here to learn more!
New Brunswick 1, NB-1, Calais, ME, USA
John C. Chu / Flickr
This trip is a good one to make if you’re using Bar Harbor as a base. Make your way to Hancock and jump onto US1. This 29-mile route will take you through the only mainland portion of Acadia. Along the shoreline, there are plenty of beautiful lighthouses and nature, as well as views of Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island. Along the way, make time to stop at the variety of places on the National Historic Register. Read more about this exciting region here!
Schoodic National Scenic Byway, 395 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives in Maine September 12, 2021 Tori Jane What are the most beautiful places in Maine? Maine is one of those lucky states that just seem to be stunningly beautiful no matter where you look. Of course, it’s almost impossible to simply list every single beautiful place – after all, the state is filled with those! However, some of our favorite beautiful places in Maine include Two Lights State Park, in Cape Elizabeth, which is home to some of the most incredible coastal views in the entire country. In Rangeley, you’ll find Height of Land, which is an incredibly scenic little town often labeled the “best winter town” in Maine. You’ll also want to see places like Acadia National Park, or any of Maine’s 32 state parks (and/or four national parks) will do, too. For more of our favorite beautiful, jaw-dropping places in Maine, check out this article! Where can I go on scenic road trips in Maine? In a few words: plenty of places! Maine is a wonderful state for those who appreciate a good scenic road trip. Some examples of this state’s top-notch beautiful drives include State Route 11, which follows incredible rolling hills and awe-inspiring coastline, and the Maine Lighthouse Drive is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Trust us when we say you’ll want to have a good camera for that one! And then, there’s always Route 1, which begins in Danforth and extends through to New Brunswick, Canada. It’s an incredible route to take when you’ve got the time and would like to see incredible views of some of Maine’s most beautiful lakes, hills, and more. Which scenic Maine byways should I add to my bucket list? There are a ton and a half of scenic Maine byways you need to add to that bucket list ASAP! There are a lot – too many to mention – but some of our favorites include the beautiful Acadia Byway, through Bar Harbor, which is an incredible coastal drive featuring lots of old-growth forest. The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway extends from Solon to the Canadian border, with lots of overlooks involving rolling hills and pristine lakes. Other impressive ones include the Grafton Notch Byway, Fish River Scenic Byway (also called State Route 11), and Route 113, otherwise known as Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway. There are lots more, but those are an excellent start. Hop in the car and get ready for adventure, because Maine holds plenty!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Scenic Drives in Maine
September 12, 2021
Tori Jane
What are the most beautiful places in Maine? Maine is one of those lucky states that just seem to be stunningly beautiful no matter where you look. Of course, it’s almost impossible to simply list every single beautiful place – after all, the state is filled with those! However, some of our favorite beautiful places in Maine include Two Lights State Park, in Cape Elizabeth, which is home to some of the most incredible coastal views in the entire country. In Rangeley, you’ll find Height of Land, which is an incredibly scenic little town often labeled the “best winter town” in Maine. You’ll also want to see places like Acadia National Park, or any of Maine’s 32 state parks (and/or four national parks) will do, too. For more of our favorite beautiful, jaw-dropping places in Maine, check out this article! Where can I go on scenic road trips in Maine? In a few words: plenty of places! Maine is a wonderful state for those who appreciate a good scenic road trip. Some examples of this state’s top-notch beautiful drives include State Route 11, which follows incredible rolling hills and awe-inspiring coastline, and the Maine Lighthouse Drive is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Trust us when we say you’ll want to have a good camera for that one! And then, there’s always Route 1, which begins in Danforth and extends through to New Brunswick, Canada. It’s an incredible route to take when you’ve got the time and would like to see incredible views of some of Maine’s most beautiful lakes, hills, and more. Which scenic Maine byways should I add to my bucket list? There are a ton and a half of scenic Maine byways you need to add to that bucket list ASAP! There are a lot – too many to mention – but some of our favorites include the beautiful Acadia Byway, through Bar Harbor, which is an incredible coastal drive featuring lots of old-growth forest. The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway extends from Solon to the Canadian border, with lots of overlooks involving rolling hills and pristine lakes. Other impressive ones include the Grafton Notch Byway, Fish River Scenic Byway (also called State Route 11), and Route 113, otherwise known as Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway. There are lots more, but those are an excellent start. Hop in the car and get ready for adventure, because Maine holds plenty!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maine is one of those lucky states that just seem to be stunningly beautiful no matter where you look. Of course, it’s almost impossible to simply list every single beautiful place – after all, the state is filled with those! However, some of our favorite beautiful places in Maine include Two Lights State Park, in Cape Elizabeth, which is home to some of the most incredible coastal views in the entire country. In Rangeley, you’ll find Height of Land, which is an incredibly scenic little town often labeled the “best winter town” in Maine. You’ll also want to see places like Acadia National Park, or any of Maine’s 32 state parks (and/or four national parks) will do, too. For more of our favorite beautiful, jaw-dropping places in Maine, check out this article!
Where can I go on scenic road trips in Maine?
In a few words: plenty of places! Maine is a wonderful state for those who appreciate a good scenic road trip. Some examples of this state’s top-notch beautiful drives include State Route 11, which follows incredible rolling hills and awe-inspiring coastline, and the Maine Lighthouse Drive is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Trust us when we say you’ll want to have a good camera for that one! And then, there’s always Route 1, which begins in Danforth and extends through to New Brunswick, Canada. It’s an incredible route to take when you’ve got the time and would like to see incredible views of some of Maine’s most beautiful lakes, hills, and more.
Which scenic Maine byways should I add to my bucket list?
There are a ton and a half of scenic Maine byways you need to add to that bucket list ASAP! There are a lot – too many to mention – but some of our favorites include the beautiful Acadia Byway, through Bar Harbor, which is an incredible coastal drive featuring lots of old-growth forest. The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway extends from Solon to the Canadian border, with lots of overlooks involving rolling hills and pristine lakes. Other impressive ones include the Grafton Notch Byway, Fish River Scenic Byway (also called State Route 11), and Route 113, otherwise known as Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway. There are lots more, but those are an excellent start. Hop in the car and get ready for adventure, because Maine holds plenty!
