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🚗 13 Scenic Drives in Maine You Must Experience — Lakes, Coasts & Foliage Wonders

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 52 minutes ago
  • 5 min read

Scenic Drives in Maine You Must Experience — Lakes, Coasts & Foliage Wonders

Discover “Billboard-Free” Scenic Drives in Maine: 13 Unforgettable Road Trips

Maine — Vacationland — invites you to trade digital screens for real-life escapades along winding, billboard-free roads. Each turn reveals rugged coastline, majestic lakes, whispering forests, and postcard-ready views that will rekindle your sense of wonder. Experience these scenic drives in Maine, adventure awaits


Why Maine’s Scenic Drives Captivate Travelers

Whether you're chasing fall leaf glow, coastal cliffs, or cultural treasures, Maine’s scenic drives offer immersive escape. As one of only four U.S. states that bans roadside billboards, Maine keeps the views ‘pure Maine,’ uninterrupted by ads Travel + Discover Maine. From historic byways to hidden trails, here are 13 drives that let you truly experience the state’s soul:


1. Blackwoods Scenic Byway (Route 182)

  • Region: Downeast | Length: 12.5 mi | Time: ~30 min

  • Venture beyond the car: hike Tunk Mountain, explore Sprague Falls Preserve, or paddle to the Boar’s Nest Campground. Rumor has it, the foggy road hides a ghostly traveler named Catherine Travel + Discover Maine.


2. St. John Valley Cultural & Fish River Byway (Route 11)

  • Region: Aroostook County | Length: 137 mi | Time: 1–2 days

  • A fusion of Acadian culture and natural beauty, this drive features historic villages, savory ployes and poutine, and access to Allagash Wilderness Waterway adventures Travel + Discover Maine.


3. Grafton Notch Scenic Byway (Route 26)

  • Region: Mountains & Lakes | Length: 21 mi | Time: ~3 hr

  • Dramatic waterfalls, glacial caverns, and rugged landscapes await. Perfect in spring for rushing waters or autumn for foliage overload Travel + Discover Maine.


4. Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway

  • Region: Maine Highlands | Length: ca. 88 mi

  • The road skirts Baxter State Park and the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument offering dark skies, wilderness access, and a front-row seat to Maine’s highest peak, Mount Katahdin Travel + Discover Maine & Visit Maine.


5. Million Dollar View Byway (Route 1)

  • Region: Aroostook County | Length: 8 mi | Time: <30 minutes

  • Two vantage points include sweeping views over Grand Lake and distant Katahdin. Extend your trip with local fishing, lakeside stays, or a cross-border can’t-miss Travel + Discover Maine.


6. Moosehead Lake Scenic (Route 6)

  • Region: Highlands | Length: 59 mi | Time: ~2 hr

  • Cruise around shape-shifting Moosehead Lake by boat, hike Mount Kineo, or sip maple syrup at Sawyer’s Farm. Bonus: summertime foliage cruises and scenic parks enrich the ride Travel + Discover Maine & Visit-maine.com.


7. Pequawket Trail (Route 113)

  • Region: Lakes & Mountains | Length: 60 mi | Time: 1–2 hr

  • This route threads through Evans Notch into White Mountain National Forest. Must-hikes include Bickford Slides waterfalls and scenic summits like Blueberry Mountain Travel + Discover Maine.


8. State Route 27

  • Region: Lakes & Mountains | Length: 55 mi | Time: ~1.5 hr

  • Trace Benedict Arnold’s historic route through pine forests, rolling rivers, and ski-country charm near Sugarloaf. Hungry? Trails End Steakhouse awaits Travel + Discover Maine & Visit Maine.


9. The Bold Coast

  • Region: Far Downeast | Length: 125 mi | Time: ~3 hr

  • Wild blueberries, rugged cliffs, and Easternmost U.S. charm define this route. Whale sightings and Roosevel t Campobello International Park are key highlights Travel + Discover Maine & The Washington Post.


10. Old Canada Road Scenic Byway (Route 201)

  • Region: Kennebec Valley | Length: ~78 mi

  • Deep forests, wildlife, waterfalls, and small-town nostalgia orbit this historic path to Canada Visit Maine & Wikipedia.


11. Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway

  • Region: Lakes & Mountains | Length: approx. 35–36 mi

  • Lakes, mountain ridges, snowmobiling, skiing and the famous “Height of Land” vista make this drive an all-season gem Visit Maine & Wikipedia.


12. Schoodic National Scenic Byway

  • Region: Downeast (Acadia) | Length: 29 mi | Time: ~1 hr

  • The tranquil side of Acadia: one-lane roads, coastal views, and the iconic Schoodic Point. Don’t forget the Pet Sematary filming site along the way

    Travel + Discover Maine & Visit Maine.


13. Acadia All-American Road

  • Region: Downeast | Length: 40 mi | Time: ~3 hr

  • Begin in Ellsworth, circle Mount Desert Island, and pass Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain (reservation required May–October), and take the free Island Explorer shuttle for a relaxed ride Visit Maine.


Planning Your Scenic Road Trip: Pro Tips

  • Fall Foliage: Peak colors sweep from north (late September–early October) to south (mid-to-late October) Maine.

  • Road Conditions: For trip safety and updates, check 511maine.gov or dial 5-1-1 Maine.

  • Visitor Centers: Info and local tips at centers in Calais and Fryeburg, or call 1-888-624-6345 Maine Tourism.

  • Official Info & Guides: Maine Office of Tourism (VisitMaine.com) offers everything from Scenic Byways details to ordering free travel guides

    Visit Maine+2


Contact & Resources

  • Maine Office of TourismAddress:

59 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04330

  • Phone: 1-888-624-6345 (TTY: 1-877-624-6331)

  • Email & Resources: Visit VisitMaine.com, especially the Tours & Sightseeing and Scenic Byways sections Visit Maine+2


The Scenic Itinerary of a Lifetime Awaits

From haunted pine-shrouded byways and remote highlands to cultural panoramas and oceanic edges, Maine’s 13 scenic drives promise authentic escapes for every kind of traveler. Whether you're chasing foliage flames or the first light of day, this state delivers with heart, history, and hugs of natural wonder.


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









Maine’s 13 scenic drives promise authentic escapes for every kind of traveler.

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