Maine, where rugged coastlines meet serene forests, offers some of the most picturesque and remote motorcycle routes in the country. In this edition of our Best Roads to Ride series, we’re exploring the Pine Tree State’s finest rides. Whether you’re a fan of mountain views, coastal drives, or quiet backroads, Maine has something special in store for you.
1. Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway
Distance: 95 miles
Highlights: Mountain views, lakefront scenery, historic charm
The Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway winds through western Maine’s mountains and lakes, offering stunning rural scenery. This route is a great option for riders who want to escape the modern urban sprawls to ride through a mix of untamed nature and small New England villages. The road winds its way through this northern reach of the Appalachian Mountains, which provides great elevation changes and sweeping corners to keep you engaged throughout the ride. Stop off at one of the many hiking trails or explore Rangely Lake.
Start this ride in the small town of Dixfield and head north out of town on Weld Street/ME-142. The road begins to climb out of the river valley and through forests until you reach the town of Carthage. After crossing the Webb River, ME-142 jogs east before heading back north. After riding past Webb Lake, the road will begin to wind a bit more with great sweeping corners. At the intersection of ME-142 and ME-4, take a left to head west on ME-4. This stretch provides even more winding corners through the forests and small towns until you reach the shores of Rangely Lake.
In the town of Rangely, continue on ME-4/ME-16 to cruise along the top of the lake. In Oquossoc, head south on ME-17 to ride down the western side of the lake. The first portion of ME-17 offers great sweeping corners through higher elevation forest. Then the road drops down to follow the Swift River, offering even more twisties and views of the small rushing water. As you enter into the town of Mexico, you will then merge onto US-2 to end your ride back in Dixfield.
2. Park Loop Road & Cadillac Mountain
Distance: 35 miles
Highlights: Acadia National Park, mountain roads, shoreline roads
Located on Mount Desert Island, this loop takes you through a portion Acadia National Park, one of Maine’s crown jewels. The ride features dense forests, stunning coastal views, and even a climb to a 1,530-foot mountain. The diversity of this ride makes it a standout. Plus, the scenery at the top of Cadillac Mountain is unrivaled as you look out over Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.
We’ll begin this ride in Bar Harbor. Head southwest out of town on Eagle Lake Road. Then take a right on Cadillac Entrance Road and then a quick left on to Paradise Hill Road to head south. Paradise Hill Road will then merge with Park Loop Road. This narrow two-lane winds its way through a tunnel of trees as you head through a portion of Acadia. Take a left on Cadillac Summit Road to begin your climb of the mountain. Along the way you’ll pass through several switchbacks and pass by a few overlooks pull off areas. At the summit you will find awesome overlooks to take in the coast and the entirety of Acadia.
Back on your bike, head back down Cadillac Summit Road and take a left back on to Park Loop Road. Soon, you will be riding along rocky outcroppings that overlook Jordan Pond. You will then begin to wind your way to the coast near Hunters Head. After riding along the coastline, the road then begins to head back into the forested area of the park and along the mountain sides. Finish the loop back where you entered to head back towards Bar Habor.
3. Northern Route 201
Distance: 50 miles
Highlights: Kennebec River Valley, mountain views, wildlife sightings
Dubbed “Old Canada Road,” Route 201 is etched into the foothills of western Maine, closely hugging the Kennebec River. This route boasts stunning views of the river valley and the mountains beyond. Keep an eye out for moose, deer, and other wildlife, especially in the second half of the ride. It’s a peaceful, scenic journey perfect for nature enthusiasts. Our chosen stretch is from Bingham to Jackman, but you can push past and reach the Canadian border if you want to say hello to our neighbors to the north.
Beginning in Bingham, start heading north on US-201. You’ll immediately cross Austin Stream as you head out of town. Just outside of town, you will begin to ride along Wyman Lake and then along Kennebec River. The river will constantly peak in and out of view as the road follows it north. In the town of Forks, you’ll leave the Kennebec behind and head further into the remote forest. Lake Parlin is your next view of water as the road cuts through the rocky forested mountain terrain. And finally, the ride ends as you reenter a bit of civilization in the town of Jackman.
4. Vinalhaven Island
Distance: 25 miles on the island
Highlights: Ocean vistas, island charm, lobster culture
Start your adventure with a ferry ride to Vinalhaven Island, cruising past smaller islands and scenic wind turbines. Once on the island, the paved loop offers a glimpse into Maine’s lobster-fishing culture, with houses adorned by stacked lobster pots and boats dotting the yards. The combination of ocean views and rustic charm makes this a unique riding experience. This is a short ride, but there are plenty of spur roads that you can explore to see more of the island. Some of these are unpaved but are often in decent condition. ADV bikes still may be the best choice to explore these, though.
After exiting the ferry, take a right on to Main Street to ride through town. As you exit town, the road becomes Pequot Road. After a while, you will encounter a Y in the road. Take a left on to Round The Island Road. After some sweeping corners, you will then begin to head back south by merging on Haven Road, which begomes Dog Town Road after you pass by Carvers Pond. Take a left on Sands Road to end back at the Ferry.
5. Acadia National Park
Distance: 22 miles
Highlights: Rocky coastline, mountain lakes, foggy vistas
Acadia National Park is a motorcyclist’s dream, with winding roads that take you along majestic shores and rocky coastlines. Ride to the mountain tops for panoramic views of expansive lakes below. On misty days, the fog creeps up the hillsides, adding an ethereal touch to the ride. This destination is a must for anyone visiting Maine.
Starting in Bar Harbor, head south on ME-3. This will take you on a more inland stretch of Acadia than our Park Loop Road ride. After passing through Seal Harbor, the road heads to the coast, which you’ll ride along for a bit before heading back north. The road will cut back through the forest and along the shore of Upper Hadlock Pond and eventually Somes Sound. Take a right on to Eagle Lake Road to head back toward Bar Harbor.
Maine’s roads offer a perfect mix of coastal beauty, mountainous terrain, and dense forests. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness of Acadia or cruising along the Kennebec River, every route promises an unforgettable journey. Which of these Maine roads will you tackle first? Let us know in the comments and also shout out any roads that we missed.
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1 comment
Be sure not to miss the Seal Cove antique museum. It features brass era automobiles and vintage motorcycles. Inexpensive and only 2 – 3 hours to see everything. If you ask nicely, they may even let you in to view ongoing restoration projects. Go here while your better half is shopping in Bar Harbor. Try the Buffalo chicken sandwich at the Thirsty Whale too. Excellent!