Schoodic Scenic Byway (original) (raw)
Schoodic Scenic BywayBy Ways2022-01-13T12:32:23-05:00
Schoodic Scenic Byway
State: Maine
Length: 29.0 miles / 46.7 km
Time to Allow: 1.5 hours to drive or 8 hours to visit the byway.
Take a drive along Schoodic National Scenic Byway for the best of the uncrowded Downeast Maine coast. This 29-mile route takes you through Acadia National Park’s mainland area and out to picturesque Schoodic Point. While the journey is short, you’ll want to allow plenty of time to visit the Maine lighthouses, fishing towns, blueberry bogs, and lobster shacks along the way.
The Taunton Bay Gateway, marked by a stone monument, is the perfect place to begin your adventure. The Visitor Center and campground entry are only a mile from the beginning of the byway, and you will need to stop here for an Acadia park pass. You’ll be tempted to take in the view, which includes seabirds flying through the air, lobster boats, and sailboats in the distance, from the vantage point overlooking Taunton Bay.
With vistas of Cadillac Mountain and Mount Desert Island in the distance, the byway brings you along a wildflower-strewn shoreline. Hilltops, blueberry bogs, seaside communities, and working harbors are all part of your journey. The Frenchman Bay Scenic Turnout, which offers breathtaking views across the bay, is a photographer’s dream. Pack a picnic lunch for a visit to Long Cove, where the tide will reveal mudflats rich in clams and marine worms as the tide recedes. Then brace yourself for the drama of Schoodic Point’s big waves, but keep a safe distance because the rocks are treacherous, and the rip can be strong.
Winter Harbor offers a resort town with tons of options for dining and lodging. Nearby you will find Acadia National park with seven miles of shoreline along the park with tons of wildlife and bike trails along the way. The Frazer Point Picnic Area is the first stop after entering the park. It offers grilling and picnic amenities and spectacular views of Winter Harbor and its adjacent islands, coves, and rocky beaches.
Any trip to the Schoodic Peninsula’s southern tip is almost certain to be a highlight. Follow Schoodic Point Road south from the park circle road to the huge parking lot. You can stroll out from there and freely explore the gigantic rock formations formed by previous volcanic activity. On a clear day, Mount Desert Island can be seen several miles to the west. Of course, do not approach the water too closely because the wet lower rock formations can be exceedingly slippery, and the hazardous waves can be catastrophic if you are sucked into the ocean.
Nearby visit the Schoodic Institute, and Education center offers learning before moving back to the natural sights. The modest Blueberry Hill parking spot, about half a mile past the intersection with Schoodic Point Road, provides convenient access to more exquisite coastal beauty. Across the road lies the start of the Alder Trail, which leads to the top of Schoodic Head, and Little Moose Island may be seen to the southeast across the lake. While this island is accessible during low tide, exploration is discouraged because it is a bird sanctuary, and it is quite simple to become stuck there.
Finally, Raven’s Nest offers the tallest cliffs and isolated coves perfect for photographers seeking beautiful shots. An unmarked trail leads to exposed gifts through the trees but requires caution as it’s at the cliff’s edge, making this the perfect end to a beautiful byway. Make sure to plan a few days to enjoy the beautiful ocean views and quaint rural towns.
More Maine Byways
You can check out additional Byways in Maine by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Maine Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.