Maine Drives:
The Schoodic Scenic Byway
By Lill Hawkins
Maine is famous for its seacoast, for lobsters, lighthouses and beaches. Many
people drive up US RT 95 to RT 1 and through Portland, Freeport and Old
Orchard Beach.
While this is a great way to see the coast and visit the factory outlets in
Freeport and Kittery, there's much more to Maine than you can see from the
highway or busy RT 1. Off many of the exits, just a few miles from the
bustling outlets and busy highways, there are many lesser known roads that
will thrill sight-seekers.
One of the most spectacular scenic drives in Maine is the Schoodic Scenic
Byway, which starts in the town of Sullivan. If you look out over Sullivan
Harbor, you'll be able to see the famous "Reversing Falls" and Mount Desert
Island with its mountains in the distance. There are many scenic "turnouts"
on this route and at Long Cove there's even a picnic area with restrooms.
While you eat, you can look out over the cove and may even see a harbor
seal, lobster boats and many different sea birds.
The Porcupine Islands, Cadillac Mountain and Frenchman Bay appear as
you near The Schoodic Area Chamber of Commerce Information booth at
Mile 7, where you can get information on the area during the summer
months. And shortly after that, you'll turn right on RT 186, and head toward
the Schoodic Point Loop Rd of Acadia National Park, one of the most scenic
areas of the United States.
Before you reach it though, enjoy the views of the working waterfront in
Winter Harbor, where lobster boats and fishing boats still leave daily and
return with their catch. Park at the public pier and watch the action as the
boats are unloaded, equipment is mended and boats are maintained.
Its bold shoreline is covered with massive granite rocks, tumbling down to
the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Spray sometimes actually reaches the
road and care must be taken if you decide to walk on the rocks, although the
view is breathtaking and the salty air has an exhilarating tang you'll find
nowhere else.
Heading North again, you'll leave the Loop Road and head back toward
Gouldsboro, Birch Harbor and Prospect Harbor where the 27 mile long
Byway ends. From there, you can head to Ellsworth for a meal at one of the
many restaurants in the area, or stay at one of the many motels and hotels. Be
sure to make a reservation well in advance during the summer months,
because many people make this part of Maine their destination, and if
you've driven the Schoodic Scenic Byway, you know why.
About the author:
Lill Hawkins lives in Maine and writes about family life, home education
and being a WAHM at Hawkill Acres. Get the News From Hawkhill Acres:
A mostly humorous look at home schooling, writing and being a WAHM,
whose mantra is "I'm a willow; I can bend."
For hotels and motels in Maine, click here
For B&B/Inns in Maine click here
The Schoodic Scenic Byway
By Lill Hawkins
Maine is famous for its seacoast, for lobsters, lighthouses and beaches. Many
people drive up US RT 95 to RT 1 and through Portland, Freeport and Old
Orchard Beach.
While this is a great way to see the coast and visit the factory outlets in
Freeport and Kittery, there's much more to Maine than you can see from the
highway or busy RT 1. Off many of the exits, just a few miles from the
bustling outlets and busy highways, there are many lesser known roads that
will thrill sight-seekers.
One of the most spectacular scenic drives in Maine is the Schoodic Scenic
Byway, which starts in the town of Sullivan. If you look out over Sullivan
Harbor, you'll be able to see the famous "Reversing Falls" and Mount Desert
Island with its mountains in the distance. There are many scenic "turnouts"
on this route and at Long Cove there's even a picnic area with restrooms.
While you eat, you can look out over the cove and may even see a harbor
seal, lobster boats and many different sea birds.
The Porcupine Islands, Cadillac Mountain and Frenchman Bay appear as
you near The Schoodic Area Chamber of Commerce Information booth at
Mile 7, where you can get information on the area during the summer
months. And shortly after that, you'll turn right on RT 186, and head toward
the Schoodic Point Loop Rd of Acadia National Park, one of the most scenic
areas of the United States.
Before you reach it though, enjoy the views of the working waterfront in
Winter Harbor, where lobster boats and fishing boats still leave daily and
return with their catch. Park at the public pier and watch the action as the
boats are unloaded, equipment is mended and boats are maintained.
Its bold shoreline is covered with massive granite rocks, tumbling down to
the crashing waves of the Atlantic. Spray sometimes actually reaches the
road and care must be taken if you decide to walk on the rocks, although the
view is breathtaking and the salty air has an exhilarating tang you'll find
nowhere else.
Heading North again, you'll leave the Loop Road and head back toward
Gouldsboro, Birch Harbor and Prospect Harbor where the 27 mile long
Byway ends. From there, you can head to Ellsworth for a meal at one of the
many restaurants in the area, or stay at one of the many motels and hotels. Be
sure to make a reservation well in advance during the summer months,
because many people make this part of Maine their destination, and if
you've driven the Schoodic Scenic Byway, you know why.
About the author:
Lill Hawkins lives in Maine and writes about family life, home education
and being a WAHM at Hawkill Acres. Get the News From Hawkhill Acres:
A mostly humorous look at home schooling, writing and being a WAHM,
whose mantra is "I'm a willow; I can bend."
For hotels and motels in Maine, click here
For B&B/Inns in Maine click here
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