Our goal at Only in Maine is to provide you with some great ways to continue to love Vacationland. Sometimes, that’s simply a funny reminder of why Mainers are so incredibly awesome. Other days, it’s a list of secret little hidden gems we think you’ll love. But, our favorite thing to do in Maine just might be road trips. From waterfalls and natural wonders, fall foliage to holiday lights, today we’re sharing the very best road trips in Maine.

These epic road trips bring you to all of the best parts of Maine — from the most scenic byways to the creepiest, most haunted spots. Let’s go for a drive!

Note: To see the exact directions for each of these road trips, click the link in each description.

1. The Ultimate Maine Waterfalls Road Trip
Jack Haskell / Flickr
Google Maps
Plentiful and impressive, Maine has over 100 significant waterfalls, which exist in just about every county from York to Aroostook. This Western Maine focused waterfall road trip can be completed in about five hours of drive time. This will give you the rest of the day to hike, explore, stop for photos at the side of the road, and (most importantly) replenish the snack supply at one of Maine's charming local stores. We’ve even included stops for lunch and dinner at some must-visit local spots. Click here for the exact Google Map directions.
2. The Maine Natural Wonders Road Trip
Mike Cempa / Flickr
Google Maps
Maine’s natural wonders are, arguably, the best in New England. We’ve got waterfalls that seemingly defy gravity, thunderous caves and rocks that are suspended on the edges of a cliff, and even a big, sandy desert. If you’re from Maine, you’re probably familiar with most of these wonderful natural features. But, have you ever thought about visiting them all in one weekend? If you’re one of the ambitious ones and want to be seriously impressed, take this road trip to see some of Maine’s best natural wonders. Click here for the exact Google Map directions.
3. The Gems Of Route 26 Road Trip
Norway Brewing Company / Facebook
Google Maps
Despite being a humble state highway, Route 26 will take you through the most scenic countryside and landscape in all of Maine. Even better, this byway features lots of fun culture, history, and nature stops along the way. It's short, thoroughly entertaining, and can totally be done in a day. (Although, we’ve added a really cool spot to stay overnight to give yourself a destination.) Click here for the exact Google Map directions.
4. The State Route 27 Scenic Byway
Axel Drainville / Flickr
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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 some good, old-fashioned trekking along the Appalachian Trail for extra ambitious road trippers. Click here for the exact Google Map directions.
5. The Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip
smilla4 / Flickr

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Google Maps
Maine is undeniably beautiful at any time of year, but we tend to be a bit more partial to the fall. When the leaves begin showing us their vibrant autumn colors, it’s time to hit the road and see some of the best examples of Maine fall foliage. You won't be disappointed! Click here for the exact Google Map directions.
6. The Ultimate Terrifying Maine Road Trip
Lawrence Whittemore / Flickr
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Maybe it’s the mist that rolls in off the Atlantic. Or the mystery of what lurks in the vastness of the Great North Woods. Whatever it is, Maine can be a downright creepy place. With Stephen King counting himself as one of Maine’s natives 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. Buckle up and hit the road -- if you dare. Click here for the exact Google Map directions.
7. The Katahdin Woods & Waters Maine Scenic Byway
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Google Maps
Part of Maine's scenic byway system, this 89-mile trip will take you through the ultra-beautiful North Woods. You can hop on the road at Togue Pond in Baxter State Park, then head towards East Millinocket. You'll then get onto 11, followed by 159 until you make your way to the northern edge of Baxter at Matagamon. Don't worry -- we have a full itinerary here !
8. The Christmas Lights Road Trip
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Google Maps
The Maine coast is a true wonder any time of year, but there’s something about Christmastime that makes it truly magical. With millions of twinkling fairy lights burning bright to show you the way, our festive coastal road trip takes you up iconic Route 1, through several, Hallmark-movie-level adorable small towns and Main Streets, and into some of the season’s most festive and brilliant holiday light displays. It's the best way to end your year of the best road trips in Maine! Click here for the exact Google Map directions.
9. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway
OakleyOriginals / Flickr
Google Maps
This 125-mile route is one of the most robust on the list and will take you to places you've heard of, but may have never visited. You'll need to set aside an entire weekend for this road trip, but it's so worth it! No other area of Maine is quite like this portion of Downeast Maine and Coastal Washington County.

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 the exact Google Map directions.
Gas up the tank and hit the road!
Cappi Thompson/Moment Collection via Getty Images
No matter where you go, you can't go wrong with any of these memorable road trips in Maine.

Enjoy The Pine Tree State in all its sweeping, scenic glory with these epic Maine road trips. And if you’re more of a roadside attraction kind of adventurer, you have to check out these 16 Bizarre Roadside Attractions in Maine!

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More to Explore

Best Road Trips In Maine

Sarah | January 27, 2021

What are some fun roadside attractions in Maine?

In addition to Maine's beautiful scenery and landscape, there are some truly amazing roadside attractions. For starters, there's Lenny the Moose, a 1,700 pound milk chocolate moose that has been turning heads at the Len Libby chocolate store 1997. And if you're into larger-than-life attractions, the L.L. Bean Bootmobile is truly a sight to see. It's like the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile, but a giant boot.

What's the most scenic byway in Maine?

We are partial to the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway because it really showcases Maine's diverse geography and sweeping scenery. This 52-mile route on State Routes 17, 16, and 4 surrounds Rangeley Lake and crosses the Appalachian Trail. The most memorable part is, perhaps, the view of 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.

What are some unique museums in Maine?

Maine’s got no shortage of beautiful things to see. Impressive waterfalls? Check! Quiet winding roads? Got those, too! But, what some people don’t realize is that Maine also has a quirky side. Maine has a seashell museum. There's an umbrella cover (yes, you read that right) museum. The state even has a blueberry-shaped attraction devoted entirely to -- you've guessed it -- wild blueberries. Maine's been keepin' it weird before keepin' it weird was a thing! And we're here for it.

 

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