Anyone who’s spent time in Maine knows that one of the things that makes it special is the landscape. Whether you love the coast or the mountains, hopping in the car for some reflection means some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you’re looking for ways to take it all in, consider one of our absolute favorite drives in the state! Before you set off be sure to click here for full directions on Google Maps.
The beautiful Bold Coast Scenic Byway offers 125 miles of some of Maine’s most beautiful scenery. Plan to spend at least three hours enjoying this drive and be ready to stop at some of our favorite attractions along the way.
jimmykaw / Flickr
Try to start bright and early in the town of Millbridge where you’ll want to make sure the car is packed with Maine’s favorite treat, the whoopie pie!
David Casteel / Flickr Milbridge, ME, USA
Stop by the Milbridge House Restaurant to get some of the best.
The Milbridge House Restaurant / Facebook The Milbridge House Restaurant, 20 Main St, Milbridge, ME 04658, USA
A thing of beauty even without looking at the landscape!
management / TripAdvisor
Now that you’ve got enough sustenance for the journey, continue north on US 1 along the Narraguagus River. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway is beautiful right from the start, as this portion will prove.
jimmykaw / Flickr
Depending on the time of year you may start passing the telltale red fields of blueberry fields.
kenai / Flickr
That means you’re in Cherryfield, which is next on the journey along the Bold Coast Scenic Byway. This is a beautiful town and worth making the visit in the fall to see those classic Maine blueberry views. While you won’t hug the coast for this part of the drive, the inland views are quintessentially Maine and include lots of historic homes.
kenai / Flickr Cherryfield, ME 04622, USA
If you’re looking for a bit more of a journey, this is where you can detour along the 85-mile off-road Sunrise Trail.
cnewtoncom / Flickr
If you love the quirky side of the state you’ll love that the Bold Coast Scenic Byway runs straight through Columbia Falls, which means a visit to Wild Blueberry Land!
grassvalleylarry / Flickr You can learn more about why we think you’ll want to make time for a stop here by checking out this article. Wild Blueberry Land, 1067 US-1, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, USA
Next, we turn back to the coast when Route 187 heads towards Jonesport. Make sure to get out of the car if you can to check out beaches like this one no matter the season.
Kim Carpenter / Flickr
This small fishing village offers some of the best small-town Maine vibes.
rexblog / Flickr
From here, you’ll wind your way back to Route 1 and towards Roque Bluffs State along Englishman Bay. This 270-acre beauty is one of the best places to take in the landscape on your journey.
VW Beetle / Flickr
Next, you’ll drive through Machias, the site of the Revolutionary War’s first battle.
jasonevines / Flickr
Between Cutler and Lubec you’ll find the Cutler Coast Preserve where, if you have the time, you can enjoy miles of hiking trails and sweeping views.
VW Beetle / Flickr
Next, it’s onto Eastport by following Route 189. Along the way be sure to take in the views of Cobscook Bay.
binkley27 / Flickr
And finally, after one of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever take in New England you’ll come to Eastport. The easternmost town in the United States offers lots to see and do, so be sure to stick around a little bit. And then, when you’ve soaked it all up simply turn around and head back the same way you came to catch anything you might have missed along the way.
dougtone / Flickr
What are some of your favorite drives through Maine? Let us know in the comments!
jimmykaw / Flickr
David Casteel / Flickr
Milbridge, ME, USA
The Milbridge House Restaurant / Facebook
The Milbridge House Restaurant, 20 Main St, Milbridge, ME 04658, USA
management / TripAdvisor
kenai / Flickr
Cherryfield, ME 04622, USA
cnewtoncom / Flickr
grassvalleylarry / Flickr
You can learn more about why we think you’ll want to make time for a stop here by checking out this article.
Wild Blueberry Land, 1067 US-1, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, USA
Kim Carpenter / Flickr
rexblog / Flickr
VW Beetle / Flickr
jasonevines / Flickr
binkley27 / Flickr
dougtone / Flickr
Another one of our favorite ways to enjoy the scenery of the state is by hitting the road to take in some of the nature. This waterfall road trip in Maine will take you to spectacular places!
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