8 Great Road Trips to Take in Maine
Maine has a wild kind of road-trip rhythm shaped by rocky coastlines and mountain roads and historic harbor towns. Its scenic routes reveal the state's many sides with lighthouse views along US Route 1 and remote coastal stretches on the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway plus rugged backcountry near the North Maine Woods. Road trippers can chase ocean overlooks and wildlife sightings at a pace that leaves room for discovery. Buckle up and fuel up for Maine's most unforgettable drives where every bend offers a new glimpse of the state. The eight routes ahead suit weekend explorers and long-haul adventurers alike.
Acadia All-American
The 40-mile Acadia All-American Road offers a premier road trip through Maine's rugged coastline. The route is known as the "gold standard" because it circles through Mount Desert Island and connects coastline, cliffs, and forests around the 27-mile Park Loop Road at Acadia National Park. It also features the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard at Cadillac Mountain and runs past coastal towns and historic sites such as the Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts and the Jordan Pond House.
Bold Coast National Scenic Byway
For those who want a laid-back road trip, the Bold Coast offers a more remote experience with quiet backdrops and rural towns. It runs a stripped-down version of Maine's coastline, free of summer crowds. The Bold Coast National Scenic Byway stretches 147 miles along the coast between Milbridge and Calais through Washington County. The route offers coastal views and sea cliffs, with stops at West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec, the easternmost point in the contiguous US.
US Route 1
This route is among the most popular for planning Maine road trips. Maine's US Route 1 spans over 500 miles and combines rugged beauty with authentic New England culture and a deep seafood tradition. It also runs through small towns such as Camden, Kennebunk, and Rockland.
Meanwhile, the coastal scenery offers views of more than 60 of Maine's lighthouses, such as Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth and Nubble Light in York. The route has many clam shacks and lobster shops, like The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport and Red's Eats in Wiscasset. US Route 1 is a defining ride along Maine's coast, which is longer than California's thanks to the rocky inlets and coves along its edge.
North Maine Woods
For a rugged North Maine Woods drive, use Greenville as the gateway and follow Lily Bay Road north along Moosehead Lake to Kokadjo. Then continue on Greenville Road toward the Ripogenus Lake area and connect with the Golden Road, the private logging road that runs west from the Millinocket area into the North Maine Woods. This circuit route links the Moosehead Lake region with the forested backcountry west of Baxter State Park and offers access to remote ponds, campsites, fishing areas, and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
For those who crave an off-grid adventure, this area offers the chance to disconnect and explore a forest landscape shaped by nature. Road trippers can travel for hours without seeing another vehicle and there is no cell service or internet in sight. Because of this, emergency services are not easily accessible, so drivers should plan fuel and supplies before heading in.
Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway
This route combines American history with the rugged beauty of the North Woods. Stretching 78 miles between Solon and the Canadian border, it follows the path of Benedict Arnold's 1775 expedition to Quebec. The byway also runs along Maine's upper Kennebec Valley and the Kennebec River, offering views of the state's signature forests and mountains. The stretch around Jackman is ideal for moose spotting, particularly at dawn or dusk.
Schoodic National Scenic Byway
This route is known as the quieter part of Acadia National Park, set along the Schoodic Peninsula. It delivers wide views of Winter Harbor and its granite shores. The Schoodic National Scenic Byway runs a serene and raw alternative to the busier parts of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. Stretching 29 miles along the peninsula, this route also runs past authentic fishing villages, granite coastlines, and mainland mountain views.
Maine High Peaks Scenic Byway
This route offers an approximate 50-mile drive through the Western Maine Mountains, while the full State Route 27 corridor extends about 154 miles between the Atlantic coastline and the high peaks near the Quebec border. One of the best sections is the Maine High Peaks Scenic Byway, which follows 50 miles between Kingfield and Coburn Gore at the border of the Canadian province of Quebec. Hikers and skiers alike flock to Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers year-round activities such as golf, downhill skiing, scenic walks, and challenging climbs.
Roosevelt Trail (US Route 302)
US Route 302 is another name for the Roosevelt Trail. It runs one of the most diverse road trip experiences in the state, taking in coastal citylines and calm lake regions plus the rugged peaks of the White Mountains. This route is also a fine choice for fall foliage drives, sometimes called the "tunnel of foliage" stretch by locals. It runs a 53-mile drive between Portland and Fryeburg that passes through Sebago Lake before reaching the White Mountains. Start with the Portland Head Light or Old Port to sample some of the city's award-winning cuisine before hitting the road.
Explore Maine
Whether it is busy beaches or quiet coastal views, Maine offers unforgettable road adventures. Across Bar Harbor and the North Woods, each region along these roads gives residents and tourists the opportunity to explore the beauty of New England. Many of these roads sit along the mountains and the coastline, and they also offer chances to drop into the towns along the way. Planning various road trips throughout the year delivers adventures and thrills at every bend.
