Enjoy A Scenic Drive Along Maine's 6 Most Beautiful Backroads
By Michelle|Published March 30, 2022
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Some of the best adventures in Maine can be had almost by mistake. While it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that a good time needs lots of planning and effort, spending time in Maine will remind you that life can truly be simple and fun at the same time. A perfect example is time spent on the best backroads in Maine. From north to south, east to west there are roads just begging for you to take a scenic drive. These are some of our favorites!
1. Route 113, The Pequawket Trail Maine Scenic Byway
This 60-mile drive should take about two hours and that means there's no good reason to skip it, if you ask us! The route goes from Fryeburg to Standish and features forest, swimming holes and lots of fun places to picnic when the weather is nice.
This backroad might be one of the more well-known routes here in Maine for good reason. This road, located up north is about 50 miles and connects Kingfield with Stratton, Sugarloaf and Eustis. We recommend you start the drive in Kingfield then follow the Carrabassett River to take in the gorgeous views of Mount Abraham and the Bigelow Range. If you take the route to the end, you'll find yourself at the Coburn Gore international border crossing.
Head to Franklin County to find this 26-mile stretch of road. The journey will take you from Stratton to Oquossoc (or the other way around!) and you'll love every moment. The scenery is worth the bumpy drive and, depending on the time of year, you're likely to spot a moose.
You can start this drive in Lincoln heading towards Vanceboro located in Penobscot and Washington Counties. The trip is about 62 miles and runs through the hills of eastern Maine. For those who appreciate efficiency, this road is faster than if you were to take I-95 between the two towns.
5. Route 11 / The Katahdin Woods & Waters Maine Scenic Byway
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Hauling Rd 1, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
We're not sure if this truly counts as "backroad," but it's too lovely to leave off the list. The 89-mile trip runs right through the North Woods and travels from Baxter State Park to Millinocket where the trip moves onto Route 11 towards Medway. From here the journey goes north on Route 11 following Route 159 to the northern section of Baxter State Park at Matagamon.
6. Old Canada Road Scenic Byway / Route 201
Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, 356 Main St, Bingham, ME 04920, USA
This trip will take you through small towns over the course of 78 beautiful miles. We love that there is a ton of history as you'll see evidence of Maine's 19th and 20th-century lumber boom.
7. Routes 17, 16 and 4, The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
This might just be the most beautiful drive in all of Maine. The 52-mile route travels not one, not two, but three roads all along Rangeley Lake. There's a lot to marvel at along the way, but we especially love the view of Mooselookmeguntic Lake at the Height of Land.
What are some of your picks for the best backroads in Maine? Share them with us so we can check them out! If you prefer your drives to come with some intrigue we’ve got some fun options. If you’re not interested, then make sure you don’t drive on these 6 haunted streets in Maine or you may regret it!
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