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Scenic Drives in Maine
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Year-round (Peak: Fall foliage late September-mid October)

Scenic Drives in Maine

Maine’s scenic byways traverse landscapes ranging from rocky coastlines to mountain passes to vast northern forests. Whether you’re chasing fall foliage or simply exploring, these routes deliver memorable drives.

Designated National Scenic Byways

Acadia All-American Road: The 40-mile route includes the famous Park Loop Road with Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, and Cadillac Mountain summit. Allow at least half a day; a full day is better.

Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway: Route 201 follows the Kennebec River corridor from Solon to the Canadian border. Historic Arnold Trail markers, Moxie Falls access, and remote North Woods scenery.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway: Route 17 from Rumford to Oquossoc climbs to Height of Land overlook, arguably Maine’s finest roadside viewpoint. Sweeping vistas across Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the western mountains.

Schoodic National Scenic Byway: The quieter side of Acadia. Route 186 loops through Winter Harbor and around Schoodic Peninsula with ocean views and far fewer crowds than Mount Desert Island.

Classic Maine Drives

Grafton Notch (Route 26): Mountain scenery and waterfalls between Bethel and Upton. Stop at Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls, and the Appalachian Trail crossing.

Route 1 Down East: From Ellsworth to Calais, this route passes through blueberry barrens, fishing villages, and increasingly remote coastline. Allow time for detours to Schoodic, Jonesport, and Lubec.

Airline Road (Route 9): The direct route from Bangor to Calais crosses the blueberry barrens of Washington County. Best in August when the barrens turn crimson.

Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway: Route 11 from Medway north offers views of Katahdin and access to the national monument.

Fall Foliage Routes

  • Best for Early Color (late Sept): Rangeley, Grafton Notch, Baxter State Park region
  • Peak Season (early Oct): Camden Hills, Belgrade Lakes, Western Mountains
  • Late Season (mid-Oct): Midcoast, Southern Maine coast, Acadia

Tips for the Drive

  • Gas Up: Remote areas of Aroostook, Washington County, and the North Woods have limited services.
  • Moose Alert: Most active at dawn and dusk. Collisions are serious—slow down in posted zones.
  • Cell Service: Spotty to nonexistent in much of western and northern Maine. Download maps offline.
  • Timing: Sunrise from Cadillac Mountain requires very early starts in summer. Sunset viewpoints are less crowded.

Highlights & Species

Acadia Park Loop Road
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Old Canada Road
Schoodic Scenic Byway
Grafton Notch

Pro Tips

  • !

    Plan fall foliage trips for weekdays to avoid peak weekend traffic on popular routes.

  • !

    Fill up on gas before remote stretches—stations can be 50+ miles apart in the North Woods.

  • !

    Watch for moose, especially at dawn and dusk on roads through forested areas.

  • !

    Many scenic byways have designated pullouts—use them for photos rather than stopping in travel lanes.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is peak foliage in Maine?

Foliage typically peaks in northern Maine and the mountains in late September, moving south and toward the coast through mid-October. Coastal areas often peak last due to moderating ocean temperatures.

Are Maine's scenic roads drivable in winter?

Most are, but expect winter driving conditions. Some mountain roads like the Grafton Notch portion of Route 26 can be challenging. The Park Loop Road in Acadia is partially closed in winter.

What's the most scenic drive for first-time visitors?

The Acadia Park Loop Road offers the most concentrated scenery—ocean views, mountains, and classic Maine coastline in a 27-mile loop. For foliage, Route 17 through Rangeley is hard to beat.

Best Regions

Know the Laws

Make sure you have the proper licenses and know the current regulations before you go.

View Official Rules