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Maine Scenic Byways

The U.S. Department of Transportation has designated four America's Byways in Maine.  As there are only 125 designated roads nationwide, Maine has far more than its share of the total, a testament to the beauty and other resources of the state.  Indeed, to qualify as an America's Byway, at least one of six "intrinsic criteria" must be satisfied: These are: (1) archaeological, (2) cultural, (3) historic, (4) natural, (5) recreational and (6) scenic.

Of the 125 designated byways, just a few have been awarded special recognition as "All-American Roads."  These are "destinations unto themselves" satisfying multiple intrinsic criteria.  Acadia Byway (listed below) is one of them.

The four America's Byways in Maine are as follows: Acadia Byway (see purchasable guide below), Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway and Schoodic Scenic Byway.  Online maps, area information, area resources (camping, restaurants and more) are identified.  For a free printed map call 1-800-4byways, i.e., 1-800-429-9297.  Allow 4 weeks for delivery.  We ordered a map and it arrived well within the stated timeframe.  However, the map "snippets" were rather small, as all 96 byways are included in one map.  A separate, larger map for each byway would be more useful.

Though not designated an "America's Byway" by the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are additional byway routes in Maine that have been identified by the DOT:  State Route 11, Blackwoods Byway, State Route 26, State Route 27 and U.S. Route 1.

Maine Byway Guides

Acadia's Park Loop Road 

Titled "Park Loop Road - A Guide to Acadia National Park's Scenic Byway," this book has breathtaking photographs and helpful information about Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.  Recommended for anyone interested in Acadia geology, nature, wildlife and photography.