Maine, a wild coastal state just an hour from Boston, offers dramatic coastal scenery, fresh lobster, hiking, and charming New England towns. With direct flights to Boston, it is an ideal fly-drive adventure.
Into the Wild
Everywhere you turn, there's a different view: mountain scenery, wildflower meadows, blazing sunrises, heritage lighthouses, pine-clad islands, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and dense forest. Maine is forged by nature.
Acadia National Park offers stunning hiking and cycling trails along historic carriage roads. Summit Cadillac Mountain to witness the first sunrise of continental USA. Explore the Park Loop Road on Mount Desert Island and the less-explored Schoodic Peninsula. In the Kennebec Valley or Maine Highlands, go on a moose safari, whale-watch in summer, spot puffins, or venture to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to see black bears, Canada lynx, and hundreds of bird species.
Small Towns, Big Buzz
Portland has a friendly small-town feel with a scenic harbour, culture, fabulous food, and waterfront charm. Bath is rich in ship-building history with gorgeous mansions. Bethel is a quintessential New England mountain village, while Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park.
Catch of the Day
Follow the Maine Oyster Trail to slurp raw seafood from the shell, hopping between 150 different oyster farms. 80 per cent of America's lobster is sourced in Maine waters. Grab a lobster roll at a shack or enjoy fine dining. Head out with a local fisherman to help with the catch, then warm up with clam chowder. Maine also has a booming farm-to-table scene, farmers' markets, craft ale breweries, local cider, and distilleries.
The Ultimate Drive
Maine has the oldest network of scenic byways in the US. Here are favourites:
Acadia All-American Road
This 40-mile route starts on the mainland, winds through Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, and ends in Acadia National Park. Hire a kayak or take a boat trip to spot seals and porpoises, or explore granite mountains and fir-lined lakes.
Old Canada Road
This 78-mile route towards the Canadian border is best for wildlife. Start at Robbins Hill Scenic Lookout and head north, looking for moose, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles. Hike to Moxie Falls, the highest waterfall in Maine. Travel to Quebec or turn in Jackman for a drive to Moosehead Lake.
Schoodic National Scenic Byway
At 29 miles, this route offers sweeping coastal views through sheltered harbours and fishing towns with dramatic cliffs, white clapboard homes, and heritage lighthouses. Stop for a lobster roll on a rocky outcrop.
Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
This 35-mile stretch through western mountains and lakes holds the most picturesque view. Park and hike the Appalachian Trail, or drive to the Height of Land for a panorama of lakes, mountains, and forests. In autumn, leaves blaze red and gold. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, and snowmobiling. Saddleback is Maine's third-largest ski area.
Wild, welcoming, and easy to reach, Maine is the ideal fly-drive adventure, oozing New England charm and serving up sensational seafood alongside dreamy scenic views.
