Home is great, but what's the use of living in a place like Maine if you don't get out and adventure once in a while. Whether it's a few miles down the road on a road you just happen to really enjoy, or a more adventurous route that takes a few hours or even days. The most important thing is that you get out there! Here are a few fun road trips in Maine that will take you through some of the most beautiful areas in Vacationland.
1. Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
One of more accessible routes, this 52-mile route on State Routes 17, 16, and 4 surrounds Rangeley Lake and crosses the Appalachian Trail. But, the reason to take the trip is the views over 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, Rangeley Logging Museum or Saddleback Mountain for skiing.
2. The Maine Lighthouse Road Trip
A bit of a journey, but this road trip is so Maine it can't be missed! From Whaleback to Bass Harbor, this nearly 8-hour drive will show you some of the most quintessential lighthouses in the state. Click here for more information including directions.
3. The Ultimate Maine Waterfalls Roadtrip!
If you've been a longtime reader, you know that this is one of our famous trips! Maine has more than 100 wonderful waterfalls, which exist in just about every county from York to Aroostook. This trip which will take you through the best of Western Maine, can is about five hours of drive time giving you the rest of the day to get out of the car and explore! Click here for the original article with directions!
4. The Katahdin Woods & Waters Maine Scenic Byway
This might be the newest road trip in Maine and it's so, so worth the wait! At only 89 miles, it's easily undertaken on a weekend day. Part of Maine's scenic byway system, the trip will take you through the North Woods. You can take the road at Togue Pond in Baxter State Park then head towards East Millinocket. Next head onto 11, then 159 until you make your way to the northern edge of Baxter at Matagamon. Click here for directions.
5. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway
At 125 Miles, this trip is a bit longer than the rest, so you'll want to start early. The good news is that starting in the morning means some great foggy views! The route begins in the community of Milbridge and heads eastward along the coast to Lubec. From here, you'll go towards Cobscook Bay and on to Eastport. If you choose this trip, you'll be treated to Maine's incredible wild blueberry barrens, coastal forests, and marshes. You'll have opportunities to stop and enjoy the many recreational trails that allow you to explore the land around you. Click here for more information including directions.
6. Million Dollar View Maine Scenic Byway
Don't have all weekend or even all day? Check out this short and sweet route! The 8-mile journey might give you some of the most breathtaking views of all those on this list! Enjoy the East Grand, Brackett and Deering Lakes before reaching the byway's high point near the top of Peekaboo Mountain. If you're looking for more, this route will ultimately lead you to Aroostook County or New Brunswick, Canada.
7. The State Route 27 Scenic Byway
This is another short one that will let you stop along the way for snacks and photos. This 50-mile straight shot north connects Kingfield with Sugarloaf, Stratton, and Eustis. Begin this route 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. Click here for the directions!
8. The Ultimate Terrifying Maine Road Trip
Maine can be a truly creepy place. With Stephen King counting himself as one of Maine’s native sons, it’s no wonder we have a reputation for horror. And while we can confidently say that Pennywise the Clown is not skulking through our sewers, the fact remains: sometimes truth actually is stranger than fiction. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to be your Tour Guide of Terror, planning a full-day road trip through some of Maine’s creepiest locales — from Down East to the edge of Aroostook. Click here for more information including directions.
For more ways to enjoy Maine, check out these 11 beautiful places throughout the state that you absolutely must see!
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