Experience The Best Of Maine's Mountain Views And Cute Small Towns On This Road Trip

Maine is one of the least-visited states in America, which makes it something of an enigma for most. We all know the stereotypical images: rugged seascapes, fall colors, pretty coastal towns and villages, photogenic lighthouses, a healthy dose of rural charm, and some of the best lobster rolls in the United States. But what is it really like on the ground? As with any place, the best way to dispel the clichés is to load up the car and take a road trip to see it for yourself. Tucked away in the far northeast corner of the country beside the Canadian border, the Pine Tree State has some gorgeous routes that will give you a real sense of the landscape, the people, and the culture. The beautiful New England coast often grabs most of the attention, but a journey inland will also give you a rewarding glimpse of Maine's scenic farmlands, mountains, and small town life.

There are several routes you can choose, but one of the best ways to explore the interior of Maine is by taking a pleasant drive along U.S. Route 2. The highway spans the United States in several sections, running along the far north of the country for 2,643 miles from Washington on the Pacific Coast, dipping in and out of Canada, and ending on the Atlantic shores of Maine. You only need to pick up a short section of this epic road to get a flavor of the best the state has to offer.

This New England road trip route isn't particularly demanding, and you can knock it out in less than four hours if you really motor, but why would you want to do that? There are plenty of lovely and interesting spots to visit along the 190-mile stretch if you plan to make the most of it. The trip starts off on Mount Desert Island at Bar Harbor, voted America's Best Small Town in 2024 by U.S. News. It's a picturesque spot that attracts outdoor lovers seeking the beauty of Acadia National Park, while the town keeps visitors happy with its relaxed atmosphere, leisurely strolls, and excellent cuisine. You are spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants to try out the rightly-famous Maine lobster, but Bar Harbor also offers Irish pubs, an upscale Cuban restaurant, and several delightful vegetarian cafés.

Moving inland, the first leg of the trip takes you to Bangor, Maine's third-largest city, where you will pick up U.S. Route 2 for the rest of the journey. It's worth sticking around for a while, however, if only to check out the famous giant statue of Paul Bunyan and take a few snaps outside Stephen King's old mansion or the drain that inspired Pennywise's lair in "It." Culture vultures can enjoy more highbrow art at the Zillman Art Museum or the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. If you are planning an overnight stay, there are several cozy inns and a decent range of places to eat.

The bulk of the road trip will take you on a meandering drive through the verdant heart of Maine, passing many cute little towns along the way. Check out Newport on the banks of Sebastiancook Lake, a placid spot popular with anglers; Pittsfield, home of the Central Maine Egg Festival; and Skowhegan, with its charming historic downtown and the oldest continually-running agricultural state fair in the United States. Farmington is also worth a slight detour for another pitstop. The small college town is a haven for artistic types, and it is a popular base camp for exploring the area all year round. The downtown area has quaint shops to browse and a few nice places for refreshments before you carry on towards the Western Mountains along the border with New Hampshire.

This is perhaps the prettiest part of the journey. Newry and Bethel are two more places along the way you'll want to stop off at, two lovely little towns surrounded by woods, rivers, trails, and ski resorts, which might come in handy if you are visiting in winter. In the distance, you'll see the rolling backdrop of White Mountain National Forest as you carry on towards Gilead, the final stop on the trip. This is a place where you can really get out and enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings. Be sure to check out Rattlesnake Pool and Screw Auger Falls before you head onwards, happy in the knowledge that you've seen some of the best of New England.