7 Great Road Trips to Take in Maine

The great American road trip has become a staple of travelers from every corner of the United States for decades. The country's vast size, impressive interstate system, and freedom to roam from state to state without restrictions have made it a family's go-to vacation idea. The US is made for road trips because of its expansive territory, dramatic climate changes, memorable national parks, and glistening ocean views on both coastlines. One state that embodies all these reasons for a great road trip is Maine.

While the state is known for its leaf-watching in the fall, it has so much more to offer. With beautiful, rocky coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean, national parks to roam, and small towns to pass through that provide the freshest seafood in the country, Maine should be at the top of anyone's road trip list.

Acadia National Park: Bangor to Otter Cliff Overlook

A good place to start is one of Maine's largest cities, Bangor. Although it's not as traditionally big compared to some other states' larger cities, Bangor has 30,000 residents and is a good base for this road trip. Head south from Bangor on Highway 1A, driving through the Branch Lake Public Forest. Don't forget to visit the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound to enjoy some of Maine's unforgettable seafood before taking Bar Harbor Road across the Mt. Desert Narrows.

Once across, follow 102 South, then head east via 3 to 233 before heading back south on Park Loop Road. You will drive through the heart of Acadia National Park, stopping at Bubble Rock on one of the park's most popular hiking trails. After your hike, continue south to the Atlantic Ocean and Otter Cliff Overlook.

Highway 1: Brunswick to Lubec, Maine

This three-hour-plus drive is dotted with scenic small coastal towns with classic historical architecture throughout the eastern seaboard. Brunswick, one of the more well-known university towns in Maine, is your starting point.

The first stop isn't far away in Bath, where you can take in the shipbuilding history and several shipyards. Follow the highway north to Camden, where you will come across the perfect summer getaway town, but don't forget to visit their museums. Finally, Machias can be your final side adventure before Lubec, as you visit the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse with an unforgettable view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Old Canada Road: Augusta to The Forks

The coastal parts of Maine aren't the only memorable drives the state has to offer. Start off in the capital, Augusta, and head straight north on Old Canada Road to north central Maine, where The Forks is located.

This historic road recreates the travel routes of times gone by when travelers headed to Quebec through Maine. Known for its unforgettable colors during the fall, this route is popular most of the year. Cut through vast forests and farmlands and trace the Kennebec River. You'll also find unique stops, like the Million Dollar Birdhouse Wall north of Moscow, or if you have time and the desire of an adrenaline junkie, you can go white water rafting at Three Rivers Whitewater.

Moosehead Lake Drive

This drive is located in the north-central part of Maine. You can begin in the town of Greenville on the south side of the lake and drive around the edge of Moosehead Lake, the state's largest lake. Driving this loop means enjoying can't-miss scenery year-round. Whether it's seeing boats cruising around the lake, spotting seaplanes landing on the lake's southside, or just enjoying the dramatic landscapes of the forest surrounding the area.

Lily Bay State Park is located on the eastern side of Moosehead and offers access for just six dollars, where you can take in wildlife along part of your memorable drive.

Portland to Cape Elizabeth

While it's only a twenty-minute drive from Portland to Cape Elizabeth, it is the ultimate in convenience since the state's largest airport is located in Portland.

Also, there is no shortage of places to drive to and visit in this area. Crescent Beach State Park is nearby to visit, while Two Lights State Park is a rocky coastline you can visit in the summertime to enjoy waves crashing into the rocky head. For more inquisitive fun, there is a spooky cemetery or the Trundy Point Reserve for an easier hiking trail.

Million Dollar View

You didn't think we could make a list of the seven great road trips in Maine without mentioning a stretch of road called the "Million Dollar View," did you?

Located on the earlier-mentioned Route 1, this separate stretch of road in eastern Maine hugs the Canadian border. You won't see any coastal views on this section of Route 1; instead, you may find wildlife, including bears, deer, eagles, and moose. Start in Calais and head north on Route 1 while enjoying landmarks like Peekaboo Mountain and the Chiputneticook chain of lakes. You'll also find scenic turnouts that overlook New Brunswick, Canada.

Lewiston to Kennebunkport

Start in one of the more populated cities in Maine, Lewiston. From there, head south on Interstate 95 for a scenic drive southwest through Portland to the resort town of Kennebunkport. Before reaching your location, stop at the Maine Classic Car Museum, just south of Biddeford.

Known for its beaches, Kennebunkport has more than just strolls in the sand. Stop by the Seashore Trolley Museum and visit Rugola Lobster Tours, where you can see what it's like to be a hands-on Lobsterman. However, when you decide to walk the beaches, you can admire the classic New England architecture of beach homes overlooking the ocean.

Maine has built itself a reputation as one of the top vacation spots in the Northeast, and for good reason. With so many diverse geographic regions, ranging from mountains and forests to oceans and beaches, it also creates an unforgettable road trip.

While you can drive through bustling resort towns like Kennebunkport, you can also find yourself lost in the wilderness of The Forks or Peekaboo Mountain. Yes, Maine is still a must-see during the fall foliage, but you'd be surprised what you can find year-round.