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, whether it’s a fall foliage road trip or a road trip to Maine’s prettiest waterfalls. 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, no matter the season! And don’t worry about getting out of the car for anything other than taking in nature; check out our notes for detours and additional attractions 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, and enjoy our picks for the top 10 scenic drives in Maine!

1. State Route 27 Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Maine 27, ME-27, Augusta, ME, USA
DenisTangneyJr/Getty
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.
2. Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, Route 201
Google Maps
Old Canada Road, Old Canada Rd, Bingham, ME 04920, 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. Whether you're itching to explore vibrant foliage in fall or craving some summer tubing, you'll find it along this scenic byway!
3. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Bold Coast Maine, 19 Main St, Milbridge, ME 04658, USA
OakleyOriginals / Flickr
The 125-mile Bold Coast Trail 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.
4. Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA
Cappi Thompson/Getty
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 of the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway 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.
5. The Katahdin Woods & Waters Maine Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Hauling Rd 1, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Chris Bennett/Getty
Part of northern Maine's scenic byway system, the 89-mile Katahdin Scenic Byway 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.

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6. The Golden Road Maine Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Golden Road, Golden Rd, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Jim Ross/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.
7. Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway, Route 113
Google Maps
Pequawket Trail, Standish, ME, USA
Thomas H. Mitchell/500px/Getty
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 Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway runs between Standish and approximately Gilead.
8. Fish River Maine Scenic Byway, Route 11
GoogleMaps
Fish River, Fort Kent, ME 04743, USA
Town of Fort Kent, Maine/Facebook
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.
9. Million Dollar View Maine Scenic Byway, US 1
Google Maps
New Brunswick 1, NB-1, Calais, ME, USA
Brett Binns/GoogleReviews
Maine's Milion Dollar View Scenic Byway is a true stunner, and this 8-mile span of Route 1 is absolutely unforgettable. It's the shortest drive 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.
10. Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Google Maps
Schoodic National Scenic Byway, 395 State St, Ellsworth, ME 04605, USA
Jerry Brown/GoogleReviews
This trip is especially great 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.

Have you taken a road trip down any of these scenic drives in Maine? Tell us about your journey! We love to hear from you. What are some of your favorite scenic drives in Maine?

While you’re out and about, this cute-as-a-button cottage in Bar Harbor is just minutes away from Acadia and a dreamy place to rest your head after a long drive.

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives in Maine

Tori Jane | September 12, 2021

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. Of course, these are just a few of our favorite beautiful, jaw-dropping places in Maine!

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 an awe-inspiring coastline.
  • 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.
  • The Grafton Notch Byway
  • Fish River Scenic Byway (also called State Route 11)
  • 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!  

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