Posted in Maine Nature May 14, 2022 by

Hop In Your Car And Take Rangeley Lakes Byway For An Incredible 35-Mile Scenic Drive In Maine

The freedom of the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway offers opportunity, fun and…well, freedom! That’s why we love road trips so much. Over the years we’ve given you quite a few fun ones. From covered bridges to ice cream shops, you can turn just about anything into a fun-filled road trip through Maine. But sometimes you don’t necessarily need a destination. Today we’re exploring a wonderful scenic byway in Maine that will allow you to experience the state’s nature and views.

Visit Google Maps for full directions from your own starting point.

Google Maps
Of all the scenic drives in Maine, those along the coast tend to get the most attention. But there are some hidden inland that are just as magnificent. Perhaps even better!
dougtone / Flickr
A great example is the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, which takes intrepid travelers on Routes 17, 16 and 4. In addition to peace and tranquility, the views are simply stunning. We also love that the trip offers some fun side trips for those with a little more time.
dougtone / Flickr
Your trip begins southwest of West Central Franklin. Make your way to the intersection of Maine Route 17 and Main Rd. From the intersection, you'll continue northwest on Route 17 towards Route 4 in Oquossoc.
Google Maps
The first portion of this scenic drive in ME travels Routes 17 and 4, wrapping around Rangeley Lake. You’ll be following the ridgeline of the mountains while also dipping into the rolling hills and valleys of the region.
dougtone / Flickr
One of the biggest highlights of the trip is the scenic overlook at the Height of Land on Route 17. From here you can see for miles across Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
loonyhiker / Flickr
Even without any stops, this drive is worth doing. It’s beautiful, peaceful and the scenery can’t be beat. Especially when you do it during the autumn to see fall foliage.
dougtone / Flickr
But, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to make this a real adventure.
binkley27 / Flickr
Angel Falls is a great first stop. Plan on taking the 45-minute forest hike leading to a classic Maine waterfall.
binkley27 / Flickr
And, check out at least one or two of the lakes in the area.
dennisredfield / Flickr
If you’re a history buff and have the time, consider stopping at the Wilhelm Reich Museum in Rangeley.
Wilhelm Reich Museum / Facebook
Reich was an Austrian-born physician-scientist who studied with Freud in the 1920s. He fled Germany in the 1930s and soon after, began studying what he said was a life energy called "orgone." His lab and home are called "Orgonon" and now house The Wilhelm Reich Museum. The area is a historic site and nature preserve comprised of 175 acres of fields and woodland, a system of trails, a Conference Center, and the Orgone Energy Observatory.
And lastly, make one last stop to see Coos Canyon. You won’t even need to get out of the car since this beauty is visible just off of Route 17.
christine4nier / Flickr
You’ll soon make your way onto Route 4 heading towards the Smalls Falls Rest Area. This is where the byway officially ends.

This beautiful road trip proves just how special inland Maine is.

The Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway is short enough to complete in an afternoon but long enough to make it feel like an adventure. Have you taken the best scenic drive in Maine? If so, let us know your favorite stops along the way!

For some road trip adventures on a more rural scale check out the 7 best backroads in Maine for a long scenic drive.

Do you have a favorite scenic drive in Maine? Tell us about it on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.

Address: Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway

May 19, 2022
Katie Lawrence

What is the best scenic drive in Maine?

It’s impossible to name just one best scenic drive in Maine – the Pine Tree State is a nature lover’s dream, and there are so many different roads that lead through our coastal and forest landscapes. If we had to pick, however, one of our favorites is definitely the Bold Coast Scenic Byway. This lovely, 125-mile route leads through beautiful Washington County, skirting along the coastline from Milbridge to Eastport. Some of the most noteworthy sights on the trip include Maine’s iconic blueberry barrens, coastal forests, and marshes. There are also plenty of hiking trails, so you can get out and stretch your legs while getting up close and personal with the gorgeous surroundings.

What’s the most beautiful hike in Maine?

Much like our scenic drives, Maine also has so many incredible hiking trails that it’s hard to choose a favorite. Moxie Falls is definitely one of our top contenders for the most beautiful hike in Maine, though! At only two miles round-trip, this low-key trail leads to one of the highest waterfalls in the state, cascading 90 feet down a rocky hillside.

Does Maine have any natural wonders?

We’re firm believers that Maine is the most beautiful state in the U.S. – and we aren’t just saying that because we happen to call this special place home. One of our favorite natural wonders in Maine is Acadia National Park, the only national park in the entirety of New England. This wondrous destination boasts hikes along the coast, scenic lighthouses, and one of the most biodiverse landscapes you’ll ever have the privilege of exploring.

Address: Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USA