The Stunning Maine Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America
Anyone who’s spent time in Maine knows that one of the things that makes it special is the landscape. Whether you love the coast or the mountains, hopping in the car for some reflection means some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you’re looking for ways to take it all in, consider one of our absolute favorite scenic drives in Maine! Before you set off be sure to check out our customized map for full directions and to help you along your amazing scenic journey.
The beautiful Bold Coast Scenic Byway offers 125 miles of some of Maine's most beautiful scenery. Plan to spend at least three hours enjoying this drive, and be ready to stop at some of our favorite attractions along the way. You can even take the journey slow and break it up over two or three days if you would like, because there is so much to do you might want to give yourself a little more time.
Try to start bright and early in the town of Millbridge, where you'll want to make sure the car is packed with Maine's favorite treat, the whoopie pie! When we say packed, we mean load that baby up with our favorite state treat!
Now that you've got enough sustenance for the journey, continue north on US 1 along the Narraguagus River. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway is beautiful right from the start, as this portion will prove. Who doesn't love reflective water that mirrors the stunning landscape around it?
Depending on the time of year you may start passing the telltale red fields of blueberry fields. This incredible field of red is what happens in the autumn to blueberry fields, and the results are fascinating and beautiful.
That means you're in Cherryfield, which is next on the journey along the Bold Coast Scenic Byway. This is a beautiful town and worth making the visit in the fall to see those classic Maine blueberry views. While you won't hug the coast for this part of the drive, the inland views are quintessentially Maine and include lots of historic homes.
If you love the quirky side of the state, you'll love that the Bold Coast Scenic Byway runs straight through Columbia Falls, which means a visit to Wild Blueberry Land!
You can learn more about why we think you'll want to make time for a stop here by checking out this incredible blueberry-themed place.
Wild Blueberry Land, 1067 US-1, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, USA
Next, we turn back to the coast when Route 187 heads towards Jonesport. Make sure to get out of the car if you can to check out beaches like this one no matter the season.
This small fishing village offers some of the best small-town Maine vibes. We all know by traveling up and down the coast that these little towns are the idyllic backbone of our state.
From here, you'll wind your way back to Route 1 and towards Roque Bluffs State along Englishman Bay. This 270-acre beauty is one of the best places to take in the landscape on your journey.
Next, you'll drive through Machias, the site of the Revolutionary War's first battle. Don't forget to stop and see the waterfall in the center of the town.
Next, it's onto Eastport by following Route 189. Along the way be sure to take in the views of Cobscook Bay. You can take a detour to check out one of Maine's natural wonders Reversing Falls, where the water appears to flow backwards.
And finally, after one of the most beautiful drives you'll ever take in New England you'll come to Eastport. This charming town offers lots to see and do, so be sure to stick around a little bit. And then, when you've soaked it all up simply turn around and head back the same way you came to catch anything you might have missed along the way.
What are some of your favorite scenic drives in Maine? Let us know in the comments below!
Another one of our favorite ways to enjoy the scenery of the state is by hitting the road to take in some of the nature. This waterfall road trip in Maine will take you to spectacular places!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Road Trips in Maine
May 05, 2023
Chris Dodge
What are the best road trips to take in Maine?
If you’ve been wondering, “Where are the scenic drives near me in Maine?” - don’t fret! Here are a few of our favorite road trips you can take to the most beautiful places in Maine:
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. 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. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
