Maine - Scenic Drives

Regional Foliage Reports

The Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce recommends 4 scenic drives:

Drive 1

A 92 mile route that will take travelers through Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island:

Begin in Ellsworth at City Hall on Main Street. Take Main Street to High Street (Route 3) east. Along Route 3, you'll pass several sites: The Acadia Animal Park after 5 miles, the Hancock County Airport after 8.1 miles, and the Mount Desert Narrows Bridge onto Thompson Island after 8.8 miles. Continuing on Route 3, The information area for Thompson Island is after 9 miles, Hulls Cove after 16.4 miles, and the entrance to Acadia National Park and the Visitor's Center at 17 miles.

Enter the park at the Visitor's Center entrance and take Park Loop Road, making a left on the road toward Sand Beach. This one-way road will continue, and travelers should take the turn-off to Sieur de Monts. Continue back on the Park Loop, eventually reaching Sand Beach, one of the few non-rocky beaches in Acadia. Along this route you will eventually come to Thunder Hole, the Otter Cliffs, and Otter Point. Continuing on the Park Loop, the road will travel past the Jordan Pond House and Bubble Pond, which sits at the base of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast north of Rio de Janeiro. Further on, Eagle Lake comes into view, and the Park Loop will meet the road to the summit of Cadillac Mountain on the right. Turn onto this road and enjoy the views on the way up and back down the mountain. After you come back down the mountain, make a right onto the Park loop, and then take a left into the Visitor's Center, finishing your trip on the Loop.

Take a right onto Route 233 west. Continue on Route 233 to Route 198. Make a right onto 198 and continue 2 miles to Route 102, where you'll take a left. A half mile down Route 102 is Somesville, the oldest settlement on Mount Desert Island. Continue on 102, and you'll encounter Echo Lake 2 miles later. After four more miles on Route 102, the road will take you into picturesque Southwest Harbor Village.

After driving through Southwest Harbor, make a left on Route 102A. Follow this scenic route into Seawall, and to the entrance to Acadia National Park. Enter the park here and follow the road for another 3 miles. At this point, take a left on the road to Bass Harbor Head Light, which features a walking trail to the rocky shoreline beneath the lighthouse. From the Light, continue a half mile back to Route 102 A, which leads into Bass Harbor Village. About 1 mile later, 102A meets Route 102 again. Make a left onto Route 102 and continue on for about 12 miles, where you'll make a left toward Somesville. This will take you into Town Hill. 2 miles after you reach Town Hill, pick up Route 3 west, which will take visitors back into Ellsworth.

Drive 2

A 67 mile trip through Acadia's coastal towns and the Schoodic section of Acadia National Park:

Begin your trip in Ellsworth, at City Hall on Main Street. Take U.S. Route 1 north. After nine miles you will enter the Village of Hancock, and at 10 miles you will cross the Hancock-Sullivan Bridge. The bridge crosses the Taunton River, offering good views of tidal currents.

Continue on Route 1 for another 1 1/2 miles to the Sullivan Harbor Scenic Turnout, offering views of Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay. The highway will take travelers into the town of Sullivan Harbor after another half mile, where it will meet Route 186. Make a right onto Route 186 and continue on to Winter Harbor. At the flag pole, make a left. Continue for one mile and make a right toward Schoodic Point.

1 1/2 miles further on is the Frazer Point picnic area, and the road becomes one-way. Continue on another 2 miles, and make a left on the road to Schoodic Head and Schoodic Point. After visiting the Point, return to the one-way road and continue on it. Along the way, travelers will pass Blueberry Hill and Popplestone Beach. The road will then enter Birch Harbor and meet Route 186.

Take a right on Route 186. After 1 mile, the road will enter Prospect Harbor, home to one of the last sardine canneries in Maine. After another 6 miles, 186 will intersect U.S. Route 1. Take a right onto Route 1 north, and then right again onto Chicken Mill Creek Road. Less than one mile down is the Bartlett Estate Winery. Continue on the road until it meets Route 1 again. Make a left on Route 1, and return to Ellsworth.

Drive 3

An 84 mile trip through Deer Isle and Stonington.

Begin your trip on Main Street in Ellsworth. Head west on Main Street, over the Union River to Route 172. Bear left past the Registry Building. Another 1/2 mile, at the top of the hill, travelers will pass the Colonel Black House. Continue for another 6 miles into the village of Surry, which sits at the head of Patten Bay. Stay on 172, traveling toward Blue Hill. One mile past the Blue Hill Fairgrounds 172 enters the village of Blue Hill and meets Route 15.

Turn onto Route 15 and continue straight through the village, and on for another 5 miles to the intersection with Route 176. Make a left at the junction with 176, which will have you continuing on Route 15. After 7 miles, you will reach Caterpillar Hill, featuring scenic views of the shoreline and islands. Stay on Route 15 into Sargentville, and at the stop sign in town make a right, remaining on Route 15, which will then cross the Eggemoggin Reach.

One mile after the bridge, travelers will cross the causeway to Deer Isle. After another 2 1/2 miles, the road will enter the village of Deer Isle, which features historic structures. Continue on the road, which will leave Deer Isle village and eventually enter Stonington. Stonington is a fishing town and quarry area. Drive along the main street, and make a right at the Opera House. At the Elementary School, bear left, continuing on the road to the village of Sunset.

A few miles after leaving Sunset, the road will reconverge with Route 15. Make a left onto Route 15, and continue over the Eggemoggin Reach and onto Route 175, which will take you into Sargentville. Continue on Route 175 through Brooklin and to Blue Hill Falls, which reverse in response to the tidal flows. At Route 172, make a right and continue on until you meet up with Route 15 again. Make a right at the junction, remaining on Route 172, passing once again through Blue Hill Village and back into Ellsworth.

Drive 4

A 79 mile trip to Castine and Penobscot Bay

From the center of Ellsworth, take Route 1 south. After 13 miles, you'll pass Toddy Pond, and 3 1/2 miles later cross the Orland River. 1/2 mile from the bridge, take a left onto Route 175, which will travel through Orland village and then southward along Penobscot Bay.

Eventually, Route 175 will meet Route 166. Continue straight onto Route 166. Approximately 2 miles later, take a right onto Route 166A, and then right again back onto Route 166. 2 miles after returning to Route 166, you will reach Castine, home to many historic buildings and the Maine Maritime Academy. After leaving Castine on Route 166, make a right on Route 199, which heads toward Penobscot.

3 1/2 miles later, 199 will meet Route 175. Continue straight onto Route 175 south, and through Penobscot Village, Brooksville, and eventually crossing the reversing falls on the Bagaduce River. One mile later, make a right onto Route 176. This rouad will continue on through the fishing villages of Smith Cove, Orcutt Harbor and Buck's Harbor.

Continue on 176 to the junction with Route 175. Go straight at the intersection, meeting Route 15 less than one mile later. Make a left onto Route 15 and continue on into Blue Hill. Along this route, Route 172 joins Route 15 before entering the town of Blue Hill. Stay on Route 172, continuing past Patten Bay and back into Ellsworth.

Drive 5

Route 193 between Cherryfield and Beddington is known as Cherryfield Woods Road. This scenic trip follows the Narraguagus River between the two towns.

Drive 6

In Beddington, travelers can pick up Route 9, also called "The Airline". Route 9 actually runs from Bangor to Calais. Along this route are scenic river and lake views.

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The State of Maine recommends these two regional drives:

The Northern Visit tour travels 214 miles through both Katahdin/Moosehead and Aroostook County, and takes 5 hours to complete.

This scenic trip features long stretches of unpopulated territory between towns. The route begins north of Bangor and ventures into the region known for Maine potatoes. Begin in Howland, and travel on Maine Route 6 east, through West Enfield, Lincoln, and into Lee. In Lee, pick up Route 168 north and travel to Winn. In Winn, take U.S. Route 2 northeast to Macwahoc, where you will take U.S. Route 2A into Haynesville. In Haynesville, travel southeast on the secondary road to Danforth, where you will intersect U.S. Route 1. Take Route 1 north into Houlton, picking up U.S. Route 2 west. Route 2 will lead into Smyrna Mills, where it intersects with Route 212. Take 212 west to Knowles Corner, picking up Route 11 south. Route 11 will travel through Patten to Sherman. In Sherman, pick up I-95 South to Medway (exit 56). From the exit, take Route 157 west to Route 116. Take Route 116 south through Chester and then back to Howland.

The County Circuit is 204 miles long, and requires 5 hours to complete.

This trip features a good look at Aroostook, covering a wide area. Travelers will see much of Maine's famous lumbering areas, as well as potato farms. Beginning in Presque Isle, take Route 163 west to into Ashland. At Route 11, head north through Eagle Lake and into Fort Kent. In Fort Kent Route 11 will intersect with U.S. Route 1. Take Route 1 east to Frenchville, where you will pick up Route 162 south. 162 travels along Long Lake and into Guerette. In Guerette, pick up Route 161 southeast into New Sweden, and then onto U.S. Route 1 again. Take U.S. Route 1 north into Van Buren. Pick up Route 1A south and travel into Limestone, where 1A meets Route 89. Take Route 89 west into Caribou. In Caribou, go south and east onto Route 161 to Fort Fairfield, where you will then head south on Route 1A into Mars Hill. In Mars Hill, pick up U.S. Route 1 north, which will take you back to Presque Isle.

Maine's Route 11 is designated the "Aroostook Scenic Highway," covering the route between Fort Kent and Portage.

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The Northern Visit tour travels 214 miles through both Katahdin/Moosehead and Aroostook County, and takes 5 hours to complete.

This scenic trip features long stretches of unpopulated territory between towns. The route begins north of Bangor and ventures into the region known for Maine potatoes. Begin in Howland, and travel on Maine Route 6 east, through West Enfield, Lincoln, and into Lee. In Lee, pick up Route 168 north and travel to Winn. In Winn, take U.S. Route 2 northeast to Macwahoc, where you will take U.S. Route 2A into Haynesville. In Haynesville, travel southeast on the secondary road to Danforth, where you will intersect U.S. Route 1. Take Route 1 north into Houlton, picking up U.S. Route 2 west. Route 2 will lead into Smyrna Mills, where it intersects with Route 212. Take 212 west to Knowles Corner, picking up Route 11 south. Route 11 will travel through Patten to Sherman. In Sherman, pick up I-95 South to Medway (exit 56). From the exit, take Route 157 west to Route 116. Take Route 116 south through Chester and then back to Howland.

The Moosehead Trip is 210 miles long and takes 5 1/4 hours to complete.

This trip takes travelers north from Skowhegan up toward Jackman, and down past Moosehead lake. On the way, you will pass Moosehead Lake, Moxie Falls and Mount Kineo. Particularly scenic segments of the trip are Route 201 between Solon and West Forks, and Route 6 and 15 between Jackman and Rockwood.

Beginning in Skowhegan, take U.S. Route 201 north through Bingham and up to near Jackman, where you will intersect Route 15. Procede on Route 15 south and east through Greenville and then on to Dover - Foxcroft. There you will pick up Route 7 south to Newport. In Newport, take Rouite 2 west into Palmyra, where you will then take Route 151 west to Athens. In Athens, take Route 150 south, which will return to Skowhegan.

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The following three drives go through parts of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys, and are suggested by the State of Maine.

The Ski Scene covers a portion of Kennebec, measuring 132 miles and taking about 3 1/2 hours to complete.

Begin your drive in Farmington, the entryway to Maine's ski country. This route will take you past some of the major ski resort areas, whose mountains should be aflame in fall colors. From Farmington, take U.S. Route 2 into Wilton, where you will pick up Route 156. Take Route 156 northwest into Weld, then head north on Route 142. When 142 meets Route 4, take Route 4 northwest into Rangeley, where you will pick up Route 16 east. Stay on Route 16 through Kingfield and then into North Anson. In North Anson, take U.S. Route 201A south into Norridgewock, where you'll pick up U.S. Route 2 back to Farmington.

The Moosehead Trip is 210 miles long and takes 5 1/4 hours to complete.

This trip takes travelers north from Skowhegan up toward Jackman, and down past Moosehead lake. On the way, you will pass Moosehead Lake, Moxie Falls and Mount Kineo. Particularly scenic segments of the trip are Route 201 between Solon and West Forks, and Route 6 and 15 between Jackman and Rockwood.

Beginning in Skowhegan, take U.S. Route 201 north through Bingham and up to near Jackman, where you will intersect Route 15. Procede on Route 15 south and east through Greenville and then on to Dover - Foxcroft. There you will pick up Route 7 south to Newport. In Newport, take Rouite 2 west into Palmyra, where you will then take Route 151 west to Athens. In Athens, take Route 150 south, which will return to Skowhegan.

The Belgrade Drive is 126 miles long, and takes 3 hours to complete.

Beginning in Augusta, Maine's capital, this trip winds through the Winthrop Lakes region and the Belgrade Lakes region of the state.

From Augusta, take U.S. Route 201 south into Richmond Corner, where you will pick up Route 197 west. Take Route 197 into Litchfield Corner, and then follow a secondary road north toward Litchfield and Route 126. Head west on Route 126. Near Sabattus it will intersect with Route 132. Take Route 132 north into Monmouth, and then pick up Route 135 east. Stay on Route 135 until it runs into U.S. Route 202. Take U.S. Route 202 west into Winthrop, then north on Route 41. When Route 41 meets Route 133, take Route 133 north, which will travel through Wayne and toward Livermore Falls. Go east on Route 17 to Kents Hill, and once there pick up Route 41 north into Mount Vernon. On a secondary road you will then go east, bearing left at the fire station. Continue straight on the road until it reaches Route 27. Make a left on Route 27 and follow it to Rome Corner. In Rome Corner, pick up Route 225 east, to Route 8. Take Route 8 south to Route 27, then continue on Route 27 south back to Augusta.

The State of Maine has designated Route 201 between Solon and Caratunk as a scenic highway. The road is also known as "The Arnold Trail."

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The Ski Scene covers a portion of the Western Lakes and Mountains, measuring 132 miles and taking about 3 1/2 hours to complete.

Begin your drive in Farmington, the entryway to Maine's ski country. This route will take you past some of the major ski resort areas, whose mountains should be aflame in fall colors. From Farmington, take U.S. Route 2 into Wilton, where you will pick up Route 156. Take Route 156 northwest into Weld, then head north on Route 142. When 142 meets Route 4, take Route 4 northwest into Rangeley, where you will pick up Route 16 east. Stay on Route 16 through Kingfield and then into North Anson. In North Anson, take U.S. Route 201A south into Norridgewock, where you'll pick up U.S. Route 2 back to Farmington.

The Southern Circle Drive is a short 85 miles long, and takes two hours to complete.

This trip will take visitors through the Southern corner of Maine, known for its historic sites and apple orchards. Begin in Sanford, and take U.S. Route 202 east through Alfred, then into Hollis Center. In Hollis Center, pick up Route 35 north and continue on that road into Standish. In Standish take Route 25 West, which goes through Kezar Falls, and into Porter. Route 25 will intersect Route 160 in Porter. Take Route 160 south to Limerick, then pick up Route 11 south back to Sanford.

The Western Loop is 130 miles and takes 3 1/4 hours to complete.

This tour begins in Fryeburg on U.S. Route 302. Take 302 east through Bridgton and into Naples. In Naples pick up Route 35 north to Harrison, where it intersects with Route 117. Take Route 117 north. Near Norway, pick up Route 118 west. Approximately one mile after taking the highway, go north on a local road, which follows the western bank of Lake Pennesseewassee, and then heads into Greenwood. In Greenwood, take Route 219 east to Route 26, then north on Route 26 into Bethel. In Bethel, pick up U.S. Route 2 west, which will take you into Gilead. In Gilead take Route 113 south into Stow, then go east on a local road which travels the west shore of Lake Kezar into North Lovell. In North Lovell, follow Route 5 south back into Fryeburg.

The Mountain Tour is 108 miles long, and takes 2 1/2 hours to complete.

This tour goes deep into the heart of Maine's mountainous region. Sites include Screw Auger Falls, Moose Cave, Mother Walker Falls, Grafton State Park and the Appalachian Trail.

Begin your drive in Rumford, taking U.S. Route 2 west into Newry. Pick up Route 26 north and procede over the New Hampshire border to Errol. In Errol, take Route 16, back into Maine and to the town of Oquossoc. In Oquossoc, take Route 4 west to Route 17, then 17 south into Mexico. In Mexico, pick up U.S. Route 2 west, which will take you across the bridge back into Rumford.

Camden Hills State Park
280 Belfast Road
Camden, ME  04843
Phone: 207-236-3109

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This scenic park is located at the foot of Mount Battie, and is 5,000 acres. Visitors to this camp will enjoy the trails for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobilers. Of particular interest is the view from the summit of Mount Battie, 900 feet above sea level. Trails and a drive lead to the summit. A public campsite is available.

Fort Point State Park
Searsport, ME
Phone: 207-941-4014

This historic site features areas for picnicking and fishing, in addition to a scenic drive.

The Coastal Outing is 141 miles long and takes three and one-half hours to complete:

(This trip passes along scenic shoreline, through quaint fishing villages, and to the top of Mount Battie.)

Begin in Wiscasset, and take U.S. Route 1 east into Newcastle. In Newcastle, pick up Route 130 south, which will travel through New Harbor and on to Pemaquid Point. After stopping at Pemaquid Point State Park, travel back on 130 into New Harbor and onto Route 32 north. Take Route 32 north into Waldoboro, and make a right on Main Street. When you reach Route 220, head south into Friendship, and in Friendship take Route 97 north and east through Cushing and into Thomaston. In Thomaston, take U.S. Route 1 north which will wind its way through Rockland and into Camden.

Once in Camden, take the drive up to the top of Mount Battie and enjoy the panoramic view of Penobscot Bay. Head back to U.S. Route 1 and continue on to Lincolnville. In Lincolnville, take Route 173 west into Lincolnville Center, where you will pick up Route 235 South. Continue on 235 into Hope, and then take Route 105 north to Route 131, which merges with 105. Continue south on 105 and 131, and drive through Appleton, then pick up Route 17. Take Route 17 west to Stickney Corner, then Route 220 south to Route 126. Take 126 southwest into Jefferson, where you will pick up Route 213 southwest, and then Route 215. Take Route 215 northwest to Route 194, and Route 194 northwest into Head Tide. Once in Head Tide, bear left to cross the river on a local road. On the other side, get on Route 218 south, which will take you back to Wiscasset.

Long Sands Beach
Route 1A
York, ME  03903

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A long, narrow beach near Cape Neddick. A two-mile scenic drive parallels the beach. A handicapped-accessible beach area and bathhouse is provided. Parking available. Dogs allowed.

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