Some of the best of Maine is seen from the road. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the scenic drives we recommend – from Acadia’s famous loop to the wild Bold Coast, matched to the kind of scenery you want.
The best scenic drives in Maine are the Park Loop Road in Acadia, Route 1 along the coast, Route 17 to the Height of Land near Rangeley, the Bold Coast Downeast, Route 201 to Jackman, the Pemaquid peninsula, and Grafton Notch near Bethel. The Park Loop Road is the best overall, Route 1 the classic coastal drive, and Route 17 the best mountain view. Each is covered below.
1. The Park Loop Road (Acadia)
The Park Loop Road (Acadia) is the best scenic drive in Maine. This 27-mile loop through Acadia National Park takes in Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond, and the summit road up Cadillac Mountain. No other drive packs this much dramatic coastal scenery into a single loop.
2. Route 1 Along the Coast
Route 1 Along the Coast is the classic Maine coastal drive. US Route 1 runs the length of the Maine coast, from the southern beaches through Camden, Rockland, and Belfast up to Downeast. It is the quintessential Maine road trip – working harbors, lobster shacks, and ocean views the whole way. Slow and often crowded in summer, but that is the point.
3. Route 17 to the Height of Land (Rangeley)
Route 17 to the Height of Land (Rangeley) is the best mountain-and-lake drive. The Height of Land overlook on Route 17 near Rangeley delivers what many consider the single finest view in New England – a sweeping panorama over Mooselookmeguntic Lake to the western mountains. Spectacular any season, unforgettable in fall.
4. The Bold Coast (Route 191, Downeast)
The Bold Coast (Route 191, Downeast) is the best remote coastal drive. Far Downeast near Cutler and Lubec, Route 191 traces a wild, rugged, uncrowded coastline of cliffs and spruce – the Maine coast as it was before tourism. Ends near West Quoddy Head, the easternmost point in the US.
5. Route 201 (Old Canada Road) to Jackman
Route 201 (Old Canada Road) to Jackman is the best north-woods drive. This National Scenic Byway climbs through the western mountains and North Woods toward the Quebec border, following the Kennebec River past Wyman Lake with almost no traffic. Vast, wild, and beautiful.
6. Pemaquid Point Peninsula
Pemaquid Point Peninsula is the best short coastal drive. The drive down the Pemaquid peninsula (Route 130) ends at one of Maine’s most beautiful lighthouses, perched on dramatic striated rock ledges. A perfect half-day scenic loop off Route 1.
7. Grafton Notch (Route 26, Bethel)
Grafton Notch (Route 26, Bethel) is the best western-mountains drive. Route 26 through Grafton Notch State Park near Bethel passes waterfalls, gorges, and mountain views – Screw Auger Falls and Old Speck frame one of the prettiest mountain drives in the state.
Best Scenic Drives in Maine: FAQ
What is the most scenic drive in Maine?
The Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park is the most scenic drive in Maine – a 27-mile loop past Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and up Cadillac Mountain. Route 1 along the coast and Route 17 to the Height of Land near Rangeley are the next most scenic.
What is the best coastal drive in Maine?
US Route 1 is the classic Maine coastal drive, running the length of the coast through Camden, Rockland, and Belfast. For a wilder, more remote coastal drive, Route 191 along the Bold Coast Downeast is unmatched.
What is the best fall foliage drive in Maine?
Route 17 to the Height of Land near Rangeley is the best fall foliage drive in Maine, with sweeping mountain-and-lake views. See our Maine fall foliage drives guide for the full seasonal routes and timing.
Planning a longer trip? See our one-week Maine road trip itinerary, our Downeast road trip, and our best things to do in Maine. MaineGuide.com has been Maine’s resource guide since 1995.
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