When visiting Maine, it does not take long to acknowledge the beauty of the nature surrounding you. Many people enjoy viewing the scenery that Maine has to offer from the comfort of their own vehicles. But which routes provide the best scenic drives in the state? You’re about to find out. Whether you are visiting the Maine coast of the Western lakes and mountains, there is sure to be a scenic drive to fit your needs. All of the scenic drives listed below are in order of length, from shortest to longest.
Acadia National Park Scenic Drive- 27 miles
Access from: Bar Harbor, ME
This scenic drive is not only the shortest, but is a true favorite among visitors of this beautiful state. The Acadia National Park Scenic Drive is a 27 mile long loop which allows viewers to experience the sights of mountains filled covered with glaciers as well as the rocky coastline of Acadia. This scenic drive allows you to view the best areas of Acadia National Park, which is undoubtedly the most famous portion of the Maine coastline. This National Park consists of almost 40,000 acres on what is known as Mount Desert Island and is a spectacular crossroad where the mountains and the forests touch the ocean. Cadillac Mountain is not only the highpoint of Acadia National Park, but is also the highest point along the seaboard of the east and is in fact the place where the sunrise first appears in the U.S. The biology of this area is also amazing. The diversity of this area is astounding to those who visit because it has everything from typical northern forested areas as well as more temperate forests within. Artic tundra can also be found within this amazing park on all of the high points and truly adds to the unique experience of being in this area.
Grafton Notch Scenic Drive- 37 miles
Access from: Bethel, ME
Near the border of Maine and New Hampshire, this 37 mile long scenic drive takes you through the rugged area of Grafton Notch which is located in the Mahoosuc Range. This drive starts out in Bethel, Maine but will end in Errol, New Hampshire and allows drivers to experience the deep and glacier ridden area of Grafton Notch which is the northern portion of an extension of the White Mountains. This drive offers views that are secluded, going through the backcountry including numerous high points such as Old Speck Mountain. At 4,180 feet tall, it is the third highest point in Maine. There are many sights to see in this area and along the way, you can stop at various places such as Grafton Notch State Park, Screw Auger Falls, Table Rock, and Moose Cave Gorge just to name a few.
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Drive- 84 miles
Access from: Rangeley, ME
An obvious favorite among those who visit Maine, the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Drive consists of an 84 mile long loop which takes you through breathtaking mountains and allows for numerous views of the lakes of this region. You will also be able to experience the great river canyons that are in this area and along the Androscoggin River. This area is populated by few people and is just filled with beautiful landscapes including mountain vistas, rivers, gorges, ponds, and lakes. From this drive, you will be able to access Mount Blue State Park, Smalls Falls, Rangeley Lake, Coos Canyon, and Tumbledown Mountain.
Baxter State Park Scenic Drive- 94 miles
Access from: Millinocket, ME
An extremely peaceful drive, this scenic route takes you through back roads around both Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest point. Mount Katahdin is the centerpiece to the fabulous Baxter State Park. Baxter State Park is in fact the fourth largest state preserve within the country and stretches across the North Woods region of Maine which is quite possibly the most beautiful region in the state. The state park takes up a little more than 200,000 acres and covers about 314 miles. For those interested in seeing nature at its purest and finest, this is the drive for you. It is filled with moose, bear, and deer. This drive also provides you with views of ponds, brooks, waterfalls, and numerous other natural and beautiful scenic views.
Mid-Coast Scenic Drive- 123 miles
Access from: Wiscasset, ME
For those looking for more coastal type views, this is a great choice. This scenic drive takes you along several peninsulas going into the ocean on the Mid-Coast of Maine. It is a peaceful seaside drive with beautiful landscapes filled with small fishing villages and cabins. There are also several hidden beaches along this drive as well as lighthouses and views of literally hundreds of islands in the sea. The views of the rocky peninsulas and rivers and bays are truly a sight to see. For those in this area, you will be provided with opportunities to visit the Maine Maritime Museum, Basin Cove Falls, Morse Mountain, and Salt Bay.
Moosehead Lake-Kennebec River Scenic Drive- 125 miles
Access from: Rockwood, ME
One of the more popular areas in the northern portion of the state, the Moosehead Lake region provides great scenic views. On this drive you will also be provided with views of Moose River Valley and Kennebec Valley. This part of Maine involves landscapes filled with numerous lakes and pools and rivers that flow over and through boulders, mountains, forests, and rocky hills. Maine consists of at least 17 million acres of forest, and is considered to be the most heavily forested state in the country. This area helps to build this image for its visitors in the sense that 90% of the land in this region is forest. This drive will allow for great views of Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead Lake as well as many mountains and river valleys. It is the best scenic drive in this general area which does not force you to travel on dirt roads. Among the views you can see on this drive are: Moosehead Lake, Mount Kineo, Kennebec River, Moose River Valley, Big Squaw Mountain, and Lily Bay State Park.
Sunrise Coast Scenic Drive- 134 miles
Access from: Harrington, ME
This 134 mile long drive takes you along the rocky coastline of Maine and will lead to West Quoddy Head, which is the most eastern section of the U.S. This drive along Maine’s coastal rim is beautiful at sunrise and is defined by beautiful lined rocks along the sea. From this area, you will be able to access Acadia National Park, Burnham Tavern Museum, Great Wass Island, Quoddy Head State Park, and Cobscook Bay State Park.
Southern Maine Ramble- 140 miles
Access from: Standish, ME
Views of the Saco River are prevalent along this scenic drive through Southern Maine. The Saco River travels from the White Mountains of New Hampshire, through Maine and into the sea. For those who are willing to take this long drive, there are beautiful sights to see, especially in the fall when you can experience foliage at its best. Otherwise, just the drive along Saco River and Sebago Lake can be rewarding. For more adventurous types, you should consider canoeing the Saco River as a stop along the way. It is quite beautiful.
Reference:
Green, S. M. Scenic Driving New England. Falcon Publishing.
