The 7 Best Backroads In Maine For A Long Scenic Drive

Maine is well-known for its many rural areas and natural beauty. While people from larger states might think our swaths of rural land make us less-than-desirable, we think this makes us better! In fact, there aren't a lot of places that will allow you to jump in the car and experience the beauty of rural America as easily as Maine. Lucky for us, we have plenty of backroads that allow us to do that. If you want to see the best of Maine, or you simply need to clear your head, you'll love these drives!

1. Stratton Road (State Road 16)

This stunner is about 26 miles running from Stratton to Oquossoc in Franklin County. While the surroundings are gorgeous, it can be a little bumpy. But, it's worth it if you time your ride just right. A late afternoon or early evening trip will show you a moose or two!

2. Route 27

This 50-mile Northern route connects Kingfield with Sugarloaf, Stratton and Eustis. Begin in Kingfield and follow the Carrabassett River for 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.

3. Route 201, The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway

This 78-mile route will show you evidence of the 19th and 20th century lumber boom in many of the towns along the way. In fact, most of the area is working forest and Route 201 continues to be an important trade route between Canada and the US. As you pass through these beautiful small towns, make sure to see one of the oldest, continually operating summer music theaters in the US, the Lakewood Theater in Madison.

4. Routes 17, 16 and 4, The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway

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 or The Rangeley Logging Museum.

5. State Road 6

The 62 mile stretch running from Lincoln to Vanceboro in Penobscot and Washington Counties will take you through the rolling hills of Eastern Maine. Even better, it's shorter and faster than taking I-95! The drive runs through woods with lakes, streams and rolling hills.

6. Route 11, The Katahdin Woods & Waters Maine Scenic Byway

Part of Maine's scenic byway system, this 89-mile trip is another one that will take you through the North Woods. On this trip you'll go from Baxter State Park to Millinocket where you'll hop onto Route 11 to Medway. Here you'll head North on Route 11, eventually following Route 159 to the northern boundary of Baxter State Park at Matagamon. You can access the byway from Exit 244 in Medway and Exit 264 in Sherman if you're traveling on I-95.

7. Route 113, The Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway

This 60-mile route makes for a lovely 2-hour trip. We love it in the summer when you can make a day of it and take a picnic, do some hiking and check out the local swimming holes. The byway runs between Standish and Fryeburg.

If you prefer your drives to have a destination, check out this fun road trip to some of Maine's most lovely small towns.