Are You Bold Enough? A Scenic Weekend road trip Beyond Acadia
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Too many Maine visitors make it to Acadia National Park and never go beyond the Downeast destination that draws in three million people a year. Deeper Downeast, there’s the Bold Coast Scenic Byway that is free from traffic, with views that live up to the name along the way.
In less than four hours, you can explore destinations like Columbia Falls, Jonesport, the Cutler Coast, Lubec, and Eastport. During the drive, you’ll see the World’s Largest Lobster Trap, numerous lighthouses, the Easternmost Point in the United States, and the famed dynamic coastline that drew you to Maine in the first place.
What Is the Bold Coast Scenic Byway?
The Bold Coast Scenic Byway officially runs between Millbridge and Easport, weaving through about 147 miles. The route overlaps at many points with Route 1, but takes scenic detours you won’t regret.
Depending on how long you want the road trip to go, there are natural turnaround points along the way. Some choose to take the Bold Coast Scenic Highway as far as Calais. If you take that route, you can also hop on Route 9 to return to Bangor on the shortcut known as “The Airline” road.
First Leg of the Bold Coast Scenic Byway: Millbridge to Jonesport
Drive Distance: 28 Miles
The Bold Coast Scenic Highway’s southernmost terminus is in Millbridge, near where the Narraguagus River meets Narraguagus Bay. If you’ve ever had Wyman’s wild blueberries, Millbridge is the home base for the parent company, Jasper Wyman & Son. Millbridge also offers cruises leading to puffin, lobster, and lighthouse tours.
From there, the Bold Coast Scenic Byway takes you to Cherryfield. This small town offers antique shopping, wild blueberry barrens, and organic farms to explore.
Once you get to Columbia Falls, you have several options to explore after viewing the raging waters of the Pleasant River that earned the town its name:
- Wreaths Across America Museum
- Wild Blueberry Land
- Pleasant River Drive In
- Ruggles House History House Museum (c. 1818)
You’ll leave Route 1 to head south on State Route 187 toward Jonesport. As a working waterfront, guests get to see one of the largest lobster fleets in Maine and a museum showcasing what was once the World’s Largest Sardine Factory. More adventure awaits beyond the bridge to Beals Island and Great Wass Island Preserve.
Second Leg of the Bold Coast Scenic Byway: Jonesport to Machias
Drive Distance: 21 Miles
As you work your way back up the peninsula to leave Jonesport, consider a stop at Sandy River Beach with views of the Roque Island Archipelago just offshore. You’ll eventually reconnect with Route 1 and head toward Machias through the region known as the Blueberry Belt. If you’re taking this trip in August, plan around the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival.
If you’ve read our article about the best state parks of Maine, you’ll know that Roque Bluffs State Park is worth the side trip from Machias. If you stick to Route 1, Machias translates from Wabanake as “Bad Little Falls,” and that’s why we recommend stopping at Bad Little Falls Park to see the churn of the Machias River. Feeling “bold” on your Bold Coast Scenic Byway trip? Try paddling the river with Sunrise Canoe and Kayak.
History buffs will want to visit the historic Burnham Tavern Museum, as it’s a location where decisions were made that led to the American Revolution. A quick side trip to Fort O’Brien State Historic Site takes you to the first naval battle site of the Revolution.
Go a little further toward Machiasport to reach Jasper Beach, a hidden gem where the stones “sing” as the water ripples through. Be sure to look for sea glass while you’re there.
Third Leg of the Bold Coast Scenic Byway: The Cutler Coast
Drive Distance: 27 Miles
From East Machias, you’ll follow the Bold Coast Scenic Byway down Route 191 toward the Cutler Coast. One of the best seafaring options is a puffin tour with the Bold Coast Charter Company, which takes you to the largest puffin colony off Maine’s coastline.
To see the Bold Coast up close, head to the Cutler Coast Public Land, covering more than 12,000 acres of woodlands, wild blueberry barrens, and headlands that soar hundreds of feet into the air. With 10 miles of trails, you can explore everything from the shoreline to peak whale-watching sites to a handful of remote campsites.
Looking for a shorter hike to the headlands? Boot Head, Eastern Nubble, or Bog Brooke Cove might be more your style.
Fourth Leg of the Bold Coast Scenic Byway: Lubec to Eastport
Drive Distance: 40 Miles
Route 191 will take you to Route 189 in West Lubec, where you’ll have to make a travel decision. Turn right, and you’re heading toward Lubec. A west turn will get you on your way to Eastport. Can’t decide? Let’s look at what lies ahead with both turns.
It’s important to note that while Lubec and Eastport are just two miles apart as the crow flies, the drive between the two is nearly 40 miles. While they sit across the same body of water, they’re separated by Passamaquoddy Bay, with no bridge connecting the two. You have to drive around the bay to visit both.
Bold Coast Scenic Byway Stop: Lubec
Look toward Lubec for a variety of scenic spots, including the road route to Campobello Island in Canada (you brought your passport, right?).
Another popular Lubec stop is Quoddy Head State Park, where the candy-cane striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse sits at the Easternmost Point in the United States. The park also has trails through woods and shoreline and scenic vistas, and the trail wraps around to one of our favorite secret beaches of Maine.
On your way to the town of Lubec, we suggest stopping at Mowry Beach. You get in some quality beach time, but at low tide, you’ll see a submerged ancient forest. Once you’re in downtown Lubec, consider stops at:
- McCurdy Smokehouse Museum: Explore the history of the fishing industry on the Bay of Fundy.
- Lost Fishermen’s Memorial: Honoring those who lost their lives in the Downeast waters.
- Downeast Charter Boat Tours: Whale watching tours and cruises past Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool on this side of the planet.
Ready to keep going? Consider taking a tour of the Quoddy Loop!
As you start the trek back to visit Easport, you have a side trip option to North Lubec, where you can explore Klondike Mountain Preserve, with 360° views from 150 feet up, and Cobscook Shores‘ property on Black Duck Cove to get a closer look at the waterfront.
Bold Coast Scenic Byway Stop: Eastport
You’ll backtrack on Route 189 until you reach Route 1 again. You’ll have a chance to stop at Cobscook Bay State Park, covering nearly 900 acres surrounded by water on three sides. You’ll also find part of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge here.
Route 1 takes you through Dennysville and Pembroke until you reach Perry, when you’ll head seven miles south on State Route 190 toward Eastport. Looking for another scenic stop along the way? From Pembroke, head south to Reversing Falls Park to see the dramatic shift in tide and water flow direction.
Once you’re in town, explore the working waterfront, pose for a picture with the Easport Fisherman Statue, visit the Tides Institute & Museum of Art, wander the working museum of Raye’s Mustard Mill, or choose one of the cruises that leave from the dock.
Outdoor adventurers should add Shackford Head State Park to the Bold Coast Scenic Byway itinerary. Beachgoers should choose the Broad Cove Trail, while peak baggers need to wrangle the Shackford Head Overlook Trail.
Fifth Leg of the Bold Coast Scenic Byway: Eastport to Calais
Drive Distance: 28 Miles
If you’re taking the Bold Coast Scenic Byway up to Calais, you have some exciting stops along the way. National Park lovers should know that while Saint Croix Island International Historic Site falls under the National Park Service, the island isn’t accessible. It’s more of a roadside stop with views of the island, but you’ll get a lesson in history about the settlement that popped up there in the early 1600s.
Next up on the Route 1 trip to Calais is what I consider one of the best views on this stretch of coastline — Devil’s Head. The summit is 340 feet high, and you get great views of St. Croix Island and the powerful bay between the United States and Canada.
Park in downtown Calais and walk the 1.5-mile Waterfront Walkway, lined with kiosks for a history lesson along the path. Learn about the ancestral history of this land at the Wabanaki Cultural Center. For 17th century history, especially for those interested in the medical field, Dr. Job Holmes Cottage & Museum is a must-see.
Calais is also home to the largest section of Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge under the watchful eye of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This is a great opportunity to spot a moose, bear, or many other animals by land and in the sky. Even if you’re not up for a wilderness hike, there is a Wildlife Viewing Station just off Route 1.
You’ve still got that passport with you, right? Head across the river to St. Stephen to visit the Chocolate Museum at the Ganong candy factory landmark.
If you’re ready to wrap up the Bold Coast Scenic Byway road trip, a reminder that you can make a beeline to Bangor in the 95-mile drive on Route 9 or backtrack on the Byway to revisit your favorite spots.
Is the Bold Coast Scenic Byway Worth It?
One of the bonuses of taking the Bold Coast Scenic Byway is that you’ll drive some of the least-traveled roads on the Maine coastline. You’ll experience the insane tidal changes as you near the Bay of Fundy. Plus, some of the best whale watching tours depart from this region. Then there’s the option to expand your trip to Canada.
You can also explore this region on the Downeast Sunrise Trail, an off-road option that spans 87 miles. The trail follows an old railroad corridor, with four seasons of sights by bicycle, horse, skis, ATVs, or even dog sled!
We also encourage you to explore the Downeast Coastal Conservancy trails sprinkled throughout this region. These preserved spaces include 15 public access areas, 7,000 acres of land, and 72 miles of stunning shoreline.
With so many side trips, special events, and unique sites, the real question is: Why wouldn’t you want to take the Bold Coast Scenic Byway?