This Gorgeous Scenic Byway Offers One Of The Least-Crowded Coastal Road Trips In Maine

Despite being a rather small state, Maine has significant tourism draws. From quaint and colorful small towns to one of the most popular national parks in America, the northernmost part of the continental U.S. is not exactly a hidden gem. However, there are still ways to take in Maine's beautiful scenery with less crowds. Acadia National Park is a crown jewel of sorts for Maine, but if you want to venture into more untouched parts of the coastline, take a road trip on the Schoodic National Scenic Byway. 

This route covers the mainland coast of Maine, including a lesser-visited part of Acadia National Park on the Schoodic Peninsula. Start the scenic byway journey in Hancock to check out the nearby Tidal Falls Preserve. Aside from the falls, this preserve is teeming with wildlife. As the tides recede, you might see starfish in tide pools and multiple coastal birds like blue herons, eagles, and kingfishers. Remember to view wildlife from a distance, however. Charge your road-tripping batteries at the relaxing picnic area here, too.

From Hancock, stay on U.S. Route 1 to Gordon's Wharf. Here, you can watch lobster boats arrive and depart, get perfect views of Taunton Bay, and learn about the area's granite and shipping industries that date back to the 1880s. To visit a house from this era, drive further southeast on U.S. Route 1 to find the Old Town House Museum. Inside, you'll see artifacts from daily life in the late 19th century, along with indigenous items from local tribes. Use the contact form on the museum website to make an appointment.

To make your way into the Schoodic Peninsula, switch to U.S. Route 186 heading south. This leads to Winter Harbor. As you enjoy more coastal views and lobster boats, take your pick from the town's local restaurants like Chases and The Treehouse Seaside Grill. Seafood is obviously on the menu at both of these eateries. If you want to take a short detour from your Schoodic National Scenic Byway road trip, take a ferry to Bar Harbor, one of America's best small towns by the iconic Acadia National Park. Ferry rides only take around 45 minutes, making Bar Harbor an easy day trip.

Take Schoodic Loop Road to continue south on the Schoodic Peninsula. You will soon reach the section of Acadia National Park on this peninsula. Some of the park's most popular attributes are on Mount Desert Island to the west, drawing in tourists by the busload. However, those who choose to visit Acadia via the Schoodic Peninsula will be rewarded with a more secluded experience and plenty of hiking trails through forests and rocky terrain. Use Mountain Road to access many of these trails. The peninsula's biggest highlight is the incredible Schoodic Point (pictured above), one of the most beautiful places in America's state and national parks. It is located at the most southern point on the peninsula and should not be missed.

Finish the Schoodic National Scenic Byway at Prospect Harbor. Unwind from your long road trip journey at one of the town's nearby lodging options, like Elsa's Inn on the Harbor Bed & Breakfast or Acadia's Oceanside Meadows Inn. Both offer coastal views and historic settings.