Maine Scenic Byways: Take a Drive

With one of the oldest scenic byway programs in the U.S., it’s no wonder Maine is home to seven byways that have earned a federal designation as a National Scenic Byway or All-American Road. These are routes that boast historic significance, cultural highlights, recreational opportunities and beautiful landscapes. From rugged coastlines, pine forests and shimmering lakes to charming towns and mountain destinations, here’s where to take scenic drives in Maine.

Schoodic National Scenic Byway

One of the scenic coastal drives in Maine, Schoodic National Scenic Byway explores the quieter, less-developed side of Acadia National Park and its neighboring communities, including Hancock, Sullivan, Winter Harbor and Prospect Village. Visitors drive the 29-mile route through small fishing towns, sheltered harbors and dramatic coastline. For family-friendly exploration, check out the Kids Quest stops along the way.

Bold Coast National Scenic Byway

Bold Coast National Scenic Byway features a 125-mile route that invites visitors to explore the culture, history, wildlife and rugged, unspoiled beauty of coastal Downeast Maine. The byway extends from Milbridge northeasterly through coastal villages to Lubec, then skirts the coastline of Cobscook Bay to Eastport. The scenic-drive route winds its way along the coast, passing classic Maine scenery like wild blueberry barrens; abundant farmland; tidal marshes and bays; and rivers, streams and lakes.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway offers many locations for outdoor fun, including golfing, boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, skiing and snowmobiling. The 35-mile route winds past clear lakes and tree-covered mountains. The Height of Land on Route 17 is a picturesque overlook with some of the best views in Maine.

Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway

Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway travels 78 miles along Route 201 through Maine forests from Solon to the Canadian border. Towns such as Bingham and Jackman offer relaxing places to stop. Some of the most beautiful places in Maine for spectacular fall foliage, abundant moose and other wildlife make for enjoyable touring.

Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway

Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway begins at the southern entrance of Baxter State Park and winds its way through Millinocket along Route 11 and the Penobscot River to Patten, ending at Baxter State Park’s northern entrance at Grand Lake Matagamon. This Maine scenic byway’s highlights include boating, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking trails and wildlife.

St. John Valley Cultural Byway/Fish River Scenic Byway

The St. John Valley Cultural Byway/Fish River Scenic Byway is a 134-mile roadway situated at the northeastern point of Maine along the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Québec. It was formed by combining the state’s first scenic byway, the Fish River Byway, and the St. John Valley Byway, Maine’s first cultural byway. The byway is rich with Maine’s Acadian heritage and culture. Along the St. John Valley Cultural segment, travelers enjoy a captivating journey in a pastoral river valley as they wind through small towns, fertile fields and deep forests between Dickey and Hamlin. The Fish River portion of the byway traverses the rolling lands between the lake towns of Fort Kent and Portage. The landscape provides travelers with unparalleled views of wildflower meadows, Eagle Lake and Portage Lake.

Acadia All-American Road

When it comes to scenic drives in Maine, the 40-mile Acadia All-American Road is so special that it’s been designated an All-American Road, considered the gold standard of byways. The Maine coastal drive begins on Route 3 on the mainland before moving onto Mount Desert Island and through the town of Bar Harbor. From there, it rolls into the primary section of Acadia National Park.

State-Designated Maine Scenic Byways

In addition to federal scenic routes, there are six picturesque state byways as well. These scenic roads in Maine are:

• Blackwoods Scenic Byway (Route 182)
• High Peaks Scenic Byway (Route 27)
• Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway
• Grafton Notch Scenic Byway
• Million Dollar View Scenic Byway (Route 1)
• Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway (Route 113)