This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Maine Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
Maine’s natural wonders are, arguably, the best in New England. We’ve got waterfalls that go backward, thunderous caves, and rocks that are suspended on the edge of a cliff. If you’re from Maine, you’re probably familiar with most of these wonderful natural features. But, have you ever thought about visiting them in one weekend? If you’re one of the ambitious ones and want to be seriously impressed, take this road trip to see some of Maine’s best natural wonders. And, because we know you’ll need some sustenance along the way, we’ve thrown in a few extra stops as well. Read on for the full route and descriptions and click here for the exact directions through Google Maps. This is one of the best road trips in Maine!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
This curiosity has been welcoming guests since 1925. Now offering a campsite, tours, and various museums, it's worth the trip if only to take photos next to the giant camel. Note: Camels are not at all indigenous to the area. How did this place come to be? The land was farmed by the Tuttle family beginning in 1797, but one thing led to another and someone forgot to rotate the potato crops, then must have forgotten about the sheep who overgrazed the place.
All of this led to soil erosion which revealed the glacial silt beneath that eventually took over the entire farm. There's even a house that's covered in sand that, if cleared, would just become covered in sand again by the land. Tuttle family, this is why you can't have nice things. Just kidding. Thanks for the cool desert. It is definitely a natural wonder of Maine now. Visit the Desert of Maine website for more information.
Address: 95 Desert Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
Stop #2: Tumbledown Mountain isn't necessarily a natural wonder, but we love it and it's on the way to the next stop, which is!
To break up the trip a little bit, make a stop at Tumbledown Mountain in Weld located in Franklin County. It's not the tallest mountain in Maine, but exploring the area will provide some incredible views, beautiful plants, and even a near-summit pond. The area is best for moderate to advanced hikers, but as with any hike, caution should be exercised to hike safely. If you're taking this road trip because you prefer to be shuttled around, you can always just stop and take in the greenery before continuing on your merry way. You can head to AllTrails for more information on Tumbledown Mountain Trail.
Address: Tumbledown Mountain, West Central Franklin, ME 04285
Stop #3: Next, you'll be heading to the majestic Height of Land near Rangeley.
The phrase "height of land" refers to the division between two watersheds. This one, off of Route 17 near Rangeley, is a picture taker's paradise that features an incredible view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Read more about Height of Land in our full coverage.
Address: ME-17, Roxbury, ME 04275
Stop #4: Flagstaff Lake is wonderful and acts as a way to break up the long trip to your next destination.
While its beautiful surface is enough to make it a destination, the sad story of the ghost town that once existed here is even more compelling. Under the waters lies the remnants of the plantation town that was flooded by the Central Maine Power Company in the 1950s. You can read more about the story behind Flagstaff Lake in our previous coverage.
Stop #5: The Grand Canyon of the East, Gulf Hagas, is your next stop.
You can take in the views via an 8.6-mile looped hike that takes about 8 hours. But, since this is only Stop #5 and we've got much more to see, there are other hiking options nearby that bring you close to the falls without quite so much effort. Remember to bring your bathing suit, you'll love the swimming here! Learn more about Gulf Hagas on the Visit Maine website.
Stop #6: Goodnight! Give The Shirlie House B&B in Millinocket a shot.
This lovely historic home in Millinocket will be an easy jumping off point to see Mount Katahdin in the morning. Visit them online by clicking here.
Address: 193 Central St Millinocket, ME 04462
Stop #7: In the morning, gaze up at the view of Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park.
While we don't expect you to climb the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, we do recommend exploring Baxter or simply gazing up at it. Katahdin's name was given by the Penobscot Indians and means “The Greatest Mountain." It serves as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, but can be hiked on its own in about 10 hours. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's an incredible wonder we can call our own. Visit the Baxter State Park website for more information.
Stop #8: Don't forget breakfast at The Appalachian Trail Cafe in Millinocket.
If you've been to this Maine classic before, you know this is the place where you'll get some of the best classic, comfort fare that the Appalachian Trail Cafe has been serving up to locals and thru-hikers for years. Visit the Appalachian Trail Cafe Facebook page for more information.
Address: 210 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462
Stop #9: Next, you're headed to the interesting Reversing Falls in West Pembroke.
The Reversing Falls (also called "Cobscook Falls") are formed as a result of a large rock ledge that makes it impossible for the water to move smoothly. During the incoming tide, this underwater activity creates a crazy waterfall, along with whirlpools and surprisingly high swells. But, the real phenomenon is during the outgoing tide.
When the tide heads in the opposite direction, the movement of the water goes over the treacherous area in the reverse direction, creating what appears to be a waterfall that moves opposite of the current. Perhaps as interesting as the falls themselves is how calm the area looks when the tide is not moving. It's as if the water holds a secret, only available to those watching in the right place at the right time. Read our full coverage to learn more about Reversing Falls.
Address: Reversing Falls Rd, Pembroke, ME 04666
Stop #10: Time for some eats at The Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant in Machias.
Sure, there are plenty of places you could stop as you get closer to Acadia, but we recommend something with local flavor. The Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant is a family establishment, through and through. Friendly and efficient staff serve up one of the best meals you'll have in Washington County. The second day of this weekend road trip will put you in town on Sunday, just in time for brunch! We highly recommend having anything with blueberries in the name. Visit The Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant website for more information.
Address: 78 Main St, Machias, ME 04654
Stop #11: And now, onto the teetering Bubble Rock at Jordan Pond.
Bubble Rock is one of the most unbelievable natural wonders we have in Maine. This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock. It's actually a "glacial erratic" left by ice age activity a very, very long time ago. By analyzing the type of granite within the rock, geologists have been able to discern that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its precarious perch all the way from Lucerne, Maine - 30 miles (48 km) away! Read our full coverage on Bubble Rock for more information.
Address: Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660
Stop #12: Go out with a bang at Acadia's Thunder Hole.
We could certainly call the entirety of Acadia National Park a wonder of Maine, but a few places within this magnificent park stood out as special. Among them is Thunder Hole. The attraction gets its name from the booming noise made when air escapes from a sea cave after being trapped by the incoming tide. Check it out, but watch out for rogue waves!
Address: Tumbledown Mountain, West Central Franklin, ME 04285, USA
Address: Maine 17, ME-17, Roxbury, ME, USA
Address: Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA
Address: Gulf Hagas Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04414, USA
Address: 193 Central St, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Address: Mount Katahdin, Mt Katahdin, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04462, USA
Address: 210 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Address: Reversing Falls Park, Reversing Falls Rd, Pembroke, ME 04666, USA
Address: 78 Main St, Machias, ME 04654, USA
Address: Park Loop Road, Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Address: Thunder Hole, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips In Maine
July 07, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some other road trips I can take in Maine?
From road trips that lead to the most beautiful waterfalls to the gems of Route 26, the state route scenic byway, and the Bold Coast scenic byway, Maine is an excellent state for some of the best road trips in the northeast. Visit our compilation post on the best road trips you can take in Maine for some other ideas.
What are some of the most beautiful places in Maine?
Aside from the places listed in the road trip above, Maine has other numerous beautiful sites you can visit. Coos Canyon in Byron is a breathtaking spot with many falls, beautiful green water, and it also happens to be one of the best swimming holes in Maine. Lighthouses are part of what the state is known for and there are many gorgeous ones around the state like Portland Breakwater Lighthouse at Bug Light Park. It’s only 26 feet high but it is still a lovely structure to see. You can learn about additional beautiful places in our post, These 18 Beautiful Places In Maine Are The Most Scenic In The State.
What are some of the most unique things to do in Maine?
Maine is a unique place and with that comes plenty of unique things to see and do! Head to Biddeford Pool, a scenic village just 40 minutes from Portland. Explore the shops, restaurants, and a gorgeous beach for a perfect day away. You can also check out some fun and unique things to do for free in this post, like visit Wild Blueberry Land for all things blueberry!
Address: 54 Maine St, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
Address: Desert of Maine, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Tumbledown Mountain, West Central Franklin, ME 04285, USA
Address: Maine 17, ME-17, Roxbury, ME, USA
Address: Flagstaff Lake, Maine, USA
Address: Gulf Hagas Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04414, USA
Address: 193 Central St, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Address: Mount Katahdin, Mt Katahdin, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04462, USA
Address: 210 Penobscot Ave, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
Address: Reversing Falls Park, Reversing Falls Rd, Pembroke, ME 04666, USA
Address: 78 Main St, Machias, ME 04654, USA
Address: Park Loop Road, Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Address: Thunder Hole, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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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.
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