Autumn Vistas on the Scenic Byways of the DownEast & Acadia Region
Region: DownEast & Acadia
Activities: Leaf-peeping, Sightseeing, Touring
If you’re looking for a great drive during leaf-peeping season, turn your wheels towards the DownEast & Acadia region. The area includes five spectacular scenic roadways – two created by the federal government, three by the state.
Touring Acadia National Park
Acadia All-American Road
The Acadia All-American Road, the first of two federal scenic roadways in the region, rolls through the heart of Acadia National Park. The 40-mile route starts on Route 3, crosses from the mainland onto Mount Desert Island, and links up with the park’s Loop Road, with access to park favorites such as Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs and Jordan Pond.
Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Schoodic National Scenic Byway, the region’s second federal scenic roadway, includes the mainland section of Acadia National Park and the Schoodic Peninsula. For many fans of the park, this is a favorite spot, with its less-crowded coast, charming towns and working harbors. As it rolls by Frenchman Bay—with its views back towards Mt. Desert Island and the rest of the park—the 29-mile byway stretches down the peninsula and links to the towns of Winter Harbor and Prospect Harbor.
Heading Farther DownEast
Blackwoods Scenic Byway
The Blackwoods Scenic Byway is 12.5 miles long and follows a quiet stretch of Route 182, linking the small, rural towns of Cherryfield and Franklin. Between them, the road meanders by blueberry barrens, several lakes and through wilds sections of Maine Public Reserve Land.
Bold Coast Scenic Byway
At 125 miles, The Bold Coast Scenic Byway is the longest in the region. It starts its rambles at Milbridge in the southwest and moves north east up the coast, passing towns including Cherryfield, Columbia Falls, Jonesport & Jonesboro, Machias and Cutler before ending at the far DownEast communities of Lubec and Eastport. Travelers can visit nearby destinations including the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, Roque Bluffs State Park, the Bold Coast Trails at Cutler Coast Public Reserve Land, Cobscook Bay State Park and Quoddy Head State Park.
Million Dollar View Scenic Byway
The Million Dollar View Scenic Byway may be only eight miles long, but the vistas are priceless. On this short segment of Route 1, enjoy unparalleled views of the Chiputneticook lakes, including East Grand, Brackett and Deering. Look beyond for glimpses of Katahdin, Maine’s biggest mountain, in the distance, as well as views of New Brunswick across the nearby border.
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