| |
• Driving Tours and America’s Scenic Byways ~ Western
Maine
The automobile. With its invention came freedom. The freedom to
follow the open road. Freedom to discover. Freedom to experience
America. A land of majestic beauty, rich history and fantastic triumph
telling its tale to anyone who was prepared to listen, a tale that
is now so often lost.
There are places where this story is still being told. America’s
Byways. Designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, each
byway was chosen from nominations made by communities wishing to
recognize and celebrate these treasured roads. Each selection defines
a truly American Experience.
So travel these enlightened paths and marvel at the beauty. Celebrate
the diversity. Remember the past. And revel in the accomplishment.
Hear the whispers on the wind. The story continues. American is
waiting. (Source: America’s
Byways produced by the National Scenic Byways Program)
State
Route 26
State
Route 27
Rangeley
Lakes Scenic Byway
• Other Regional Driving Tours
Bridgton Area Tour
– 65 miles
Western Maine Mountains
Tour – 80 miles
Oxford Hills Tour –
90 miles
Lewiston-Auburn Tour
– 80 miles
Bethel Area Tour –
67 miles
Bridgton
Area Driving Tour-
65 Miles
Begin at the CAUSEWAY, on Route 302 in Naples which
connects Brandy Pond with Long Lake, and explore the variety of
retail shops, eateries, and spectacular view of Long Lake. Visitors
can board the Songo River Queen, a restored riverboat, for a cruise
of the lakes region.
Head toward Bridgton continuing on Route 302 for one mile to the
NAPLES HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM located on the
village green. The museum complex includes a museum building, a
two-cell jail, an early bandstand, archives, and audio-visual exhibits.
Open July through August, Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to
3:00 p.m.
Follow Route 302 past downtown Bridgton to PLEASANT MOUNTAIN,
offering several summits, open ledges, and commanding views of the
White Mountains. The mountain has many interconnecting trails, and
is home to Shawnee Peak at Pleasant Mountain Ski Resort located
on the outskirts of Bridgton.
Turn right off Route 302 to Hemlock Bridge Road. The distance from
the Causeway to Hemlock Bridge Road is 18 miles. Follow the road
for 3 miles until you reach HEMLOCK BRIDGE in Fryeburg.
This covered bridge spans a channel of the Saco River. The bridge
is made of Paddleford truss construction with wooden arches and
was built in 1857. Return to Route 302 and turn right traveling
6 miles to Fryeburg Center. Turn left on Route 5 and take an immediate
left on Route 113. The BROWNFIELD BOG-WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
AREA is a picturesque area featuring fine views of Pleasant
Mountain with varied terrain including wetlands and wooded uplands.
This location is a good choice for hunting, canoeing, or camping.
Facilities include shooting range and boat launch. The area is well
marked and located on the left. The HIRAM NATURE STUDY AREA
in Baldwin in not marked but is accessed by the first right turn
(a dirt road) before Hiram Falls Rest Area. Offering self-guided
trails through the woods along the Saco River bank. Guided nature
tours are also given. Hunting and fishing are allowed and a picnic
area, facilities, and parking are available.
Turn left on Douglas Hill Road to DOUGLAS MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
in Sebago. This 169-acre nature preserve is a short hike along foot
trails with spectacular views from the summit and a good picnic
spot. Parking is available. The JONES GLASS MUSEUM
is located on Douglas Hill in Sebago. This museum houses thousands
of unique glass pieces and has several glass galleries, a library,
gift shop, and rotating exhibits. The museum is open May through
November. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 207-787-3370 .
At the intersection of Douglas Hill Road and Route 107, turn right
on Route 107 for 2 miles, and turn left on Long Hill Road. Turn
left on Route 11/114, you will pass signs for a turnoff to SEBAGO
LAKE STATE PARK in Casco/Naples. This wooded lakeside park
features extensive sand beaches, excellent swimming, fishing, hiking,
and boating. The Songo River winds through the park, and park facilities
include bathhouses, toilets, picnic tables and grills, snack bar,
boat rentals, and dumping station. Songo Lock connects Sebago Lake
with Brandy Pond and Long Lake, making boat access between the lakes
possible. Route 11/114 intersects Route 302 at the Causeway. 12
miles
Top
of page
Western Maine Mountains
Area Driving Tour–
80 Miles
Begin at the intersection of Route 109 east and Route 4 in Livermore.
Continue east on Route 108 for one mile. Turn left on to Norlands
Road to NORLANDS LIVING HISTORY CENTER in Livermore,
approximately 4.5 miles. The Norlands is a “working”
19th century farm and living-history center. Grounds include an
1823 one-room schoolhouse, 1828 church, 1867 Washburn Mansion, and
1883 stone library. Open to the public in July, August, and for
special events throughout the year. Please call for events schedule
207-897-2236.
Turn right on to Route 4 and continue for 19 miles to downtown Farmington.
Along the way, notice JAY HILL in Jay, a scenic vista located on
Route 4. Also note the LITTLE RED SCHOOLHOUSE MUSEUM
in Farmington along the way. The chamber of commerce is located
in the museum, which includes a modern office with tourist information,
as well as an authentic turn of the century schoolhouse with slates,
wood stove and other nostalgic features. This one room schoolhouse
built in 1852 and closed in 1958. 207-778-4215. The UNIVERSITY
OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON, located in downtown Farmington,
offers a wide variety of educational programs. The University houses
the UMF Art Gallery 207-778-3501.
Turn right on Route 43 in downtown Farmington, travel 3.2 miles
and turn left on Mosher Road. Mosher Road is unmarked so check mileage
carefully from Route 43. Stop at MOSHER HILL SCENIC VISTA
in Farmington, which offers exceptional views of Mt. Blue and Tumbledown
Mountains. Mosher Hill borders Clearwater Pond, boat launch site
available.
Turn left on Route 27 and continue for 2 miles to Holley Farm Road.
Take a left on to Holley Farm Road to NORDICA HOMESTEAD
MUSEUM, the birthplace of Lillian Nordica, world-famous
opera singer. Open June through Labor Day, Tuesday through Saturday
10:00a.m. – 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 207-778-4215.
Backtrack on Holley Farm Road on to Route 27. Turn right on Route
27 and continue until it intersects with Route 234. 5 miles. Turn
left on Route 234 and continue until it intersects with Route 4.
You will pass SPRUCE MOUNTAIN REST AREA in Avon
on the left. 6 miles. This rest area is located on the banks of
the Sandy River in Avon. This stop offers scenic views of Spruce
Mountain.
Turn left on Route 145, and take a quick right turn on Route 4.
Continue on Route 4 until it merges with Route 142 south. 19 miles.
SANDY RIVER RAILROAD PARK is located across the
bridge in downtown Phillips on Route 4. A restored narrow gauge
train with one mile of original track along the river. Open on the
first and third Sunday of each month, May through November 207-639-3001.
Watch for signs on Route 2 and 142 for MT. BLUE STATE PARK
in Weld. This lakeside park is surrounded by magnificent mountain
scenery. The park offers hiking trails, swimming beach, fishing,
bathhouse, campsites, picnic tables, fireplaces, boat launching,
and rentals 207-585-2261.
Continue on Route 142 south to Route 156 in Weld. 6.5 miles. Follow
Route 156 for 13 miles until it intersects with Route 2/4. The driving
tour ends at the intersection of Route 2/4.
Top of page
Oxford Hills Driving Tour–
90 Miles
Begin at the OXFORD HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE located
at 70 Main Street in Norway. Turn left on Route 26/117. 2 miles
Bear left onto Route 26 and take a right on Paris Hill Road watching
for signs for Paris Hill. Bear right at yield sign, on Paris Hill
Road you will pass CORNWALL NATURE PRESERVE situated
on historic Paris Hill, this scenic preserve is ideal for nature
study and photography. A trip to the preserve makes a delightful
family outing and picnic spot. PARIS HILL is a
designated National Historic District. This attractive 18th and
19th century residential neighborhood is the birthplace of Hannibal
Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s first Vice President. The Old County
Jail, built in 1828, is now a library and museum. Call 207-743-2980
for more information.
At the intersection of Paris Hill Road and Route 26, turn right
and travel 4 miles until you reach the intersection at Route 219
and Route 26. SNOW FALLS is on the left located
on the Little Androscoggin River in West Paris. A very scenic roadside
stop and picnic area, Snow Falls features attractive bedrock, good
views, several cascades and a gorge 100 yards long by 10 yards deep.
TRAP CORNER in West Paris is located at the intersection
of Route 26 and Route 219. Trap Corner has a wide range of minerals
concentrated in one spot such as tourmaline, gold, and garnet. Rockhounds
and gem seekers come to the Trap Corner area to explore the many
mines and rock formations. For more information on the location
of mines and rock formations, please check with local gem shops
of the Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Turn left on Route 219 and left on High Street to Route 117. 8 miles.
Right on Route 117 to Route 118 west passing through the town of
NORWAY. Main Street in Norway was recently designated
a historic district. The town was devastated by a great fire in
1894, but several old buildings are still standing, such as the
Weary Club on the right and the Norway Historical Society Building
shortly after on the left. Turn right on Pleasant Street in downtown
Norway for ORDWAY GROVE PICNIC AREA, a beautiful
hiking and picnic spot surrounded by white pines up to 200 years
old. Continue on Route 118 west to Route 35. 15 miles
Left on Route 35 to Carsley Road passing the following points of
interest along the way, approximately 13 miles:
WATERFORD FLAT
Waterford “Flat”, the quaint center of Waterford, is
on the National Register of Historic Places. The home of Artemus
Ward (Charles F. Browne), famous humorist often quoted by Abraham
Lincoln, still stands in the center of the village.
MOUNT TIRE’M
The summit offers hikers a spectacular view of the Long Lake region
and Presidential Range. Climbing time is about 40 minutes, along
a trail that starts 100 feet beyond the Congregational Church in
Waterford Flat.
KEOKA LAKE/BEAR POND – BEAR MOUNTAIN/CRYSTAL LAKE
Keoka Lake, a clear, tranquil lake located on the left side of Route
35 in Waterford, is popular with fishing enthusiasts year round,
as well as swimmers and boaters during the summer months. Following
Route 35 south from Waterford to Harrison, you will pass Bear Pond
on the right and the sheer cliffs of Bear Mountain on the left.
The climb to the summit of Bear Mountain offers spectacular views
of Bear Pond below and the White Mountains in the distance. The
climb is safe but fairly steep. Crystal Lake, located on the left
side of Route 35 in Harrison, draws swimmers to its sandy beaches
and spring-fed waters.
HARRISON
The town is nestled between two magnificent sparkling lakes and
surrounded by the foothills of the White Mountains, offering a picture
postcard setting. The lakes are the center of activity in this small,
thriving community of 2,300 people.
Left on Carsley Road until it intersects with Maple Ridge Road.
Turn right onto Maple Ridge Road for a half mile and turn left on
Scribner’s Mill Road. Follow for 5 miles until the road intersects
with Bell Hill Road (unmarked). SCRIBNER’S MILL/CROOKED
RIVER is located at the mid point of Scribner’s Mill
Road. Scribner’s Mill was at one time a bustling mill town.
The dam which powered the sawmill has washed out. This is where
canoers “put in” on the Crooked River.
Right on Bell Hill Road to Route 121 passing through OTISFIELD
said to be named after James Otis, who delivered an inflammatory
speech against the revenue officers of King George III. Despite
rapid development in surrounding areas to the south, Otisfield still
retains the rural atmosphere and charm that has long been so much
a part of its history, 4.3 miles. Left on Route 121 to Route 26.
8.5 miles. Turn left on Route 26 to Norway. This stretch of ROUTE
26 FROM OXFORD TO NORWAY shows a mixture of farming
and manufacturing industries. This area is considered the manufactured
housing capital of the northeast. Oxford is also home to the Oxford
250 at Oxford Plains Speedway, which attracts stock car racing enthusiasts
from across the country each year. 7 miles
Top of page
Lewiston/Auburn Area Driving Tour–
80 Miles
The driving tour begins at the ANDROSCOGGIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
MUSEUM located on the third floor of the Androscoggin County
Building on the corner of Court Street and Turner Street. The museum
houses extensive artifacts, pictures and written material highlighting
the history of Androscoggin County, with a focus on Lewiston and
Auburn. Open Monday through Friday 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (207)784-0586.
GREAT FALLS is adjacent to the Great Falls Plaza.
Commonly known as “the Falls,” this riverside park located
on the west bank of the Androscoggin River. The walking trail, originating
in the Great Falls parking lot, follows the riverbank to a scenic
outlook – overlooking the falls. Parking is available at the
plaza. Exit Great Falls Plaza by turning left on to Court Street.
Cross the Androscoggin River to Main Street in Lewiston. The river
provides a boundary between the two cities. Continue on Main Street
in Lewiston for one mile to Sabattus Street.
Bear right on Sabattus Street (Route 126) and soon thereafter take
a right on Bartlett Street. ST. PETERS AND PAUL CHURCH
located on the corner of Ash and Bartlett Streets, is one of the
city’s most admired churches. Built in the height of the depression
and dedicated in 1938, the church dominates the Lewiston/Auburn
skyline 207-783-9499. Next, turn right on Ash Street, right on Bates
Street, right on Main Street, and right on Sabattus Street again.
Continue on Sabattus Street and turn left on Highland Spring Road.
At the end of this road, turn left on Montello Street. THORNCRAIG
BIRD SANCTUARY, located at the intersection of Montello
Street and Highland Spring Road, is one of the largest bird and
small animal sanctuaries in New England. The sanctuary covers 230
acres and attracts birders from all over New England. Trail map
brochures are available at the gate for self-guided nature walks.
Open year-round, dawn through dusk. (207) 782-5238.
Follow Montello Street until it intersects with College Street.
Turn left on College Street, you will pass BATES COLLEGE
a leading private liberal arts college located on College Avenue.
The Olin Arts Center, located on the corner of College Street and
Russell Street, hosts performing artists from across the country.
(207) 786-6255.
Continue on College Street until it intersects with Sabattus Street.
Turn right on Sabattus Street and right on Main Street. Continue
on Main Street until the Veterans Memorial Bridge (Russell Street).
At the bridge, turn left. This brings you to Center Street (Route
4) in Auburn. Turn right on Center Street for two miles. Watch for
LAKE AUBURN on the left, which provides the area’s
water supply and also offers fishing and boating opportunities.
There are two public boat launches (located on Route 4 and North
Auburn Road); however, no swimming is allowed in the lake due to
water concerns.
Turn left on Lake Shore Drive and continue until the road ends.
At this point, turn left on North Auburn Road. Bear left at the
intersection of Perkins Ridge Road and West Auburn Road (North Auburn
Road becomes West Auburn Road). Continue on West Auburn Road and
you will see the turnoff for LOST VALLEY SKI AREA
at Young’s Corner Road. Lost Valley offers both alpine and
cross-country skiing in the winter months as well as day hikes and
mountain biking during the spring, summer, and fall. (207) 784-1561.
West Auburn Road turns into Hotel Road. Follow Hotel Road until
it intersects with Minot Avenue.
Turn right on Minot Avenue (Route 121/11) and continue for 3 miles.
Turn left on Empire Road for 4 miles. The turn off for RANGE
POND STATE PARK is on the right and is well marked. Range
Pond State Park is an attractive lakeside park in a wooded setting.
The park features a sandy beach, swimming, picnic tables, grills,
and bathhouse. Range Pond offers good trout fishing and ample parking.
Return to Empire Road and continue until it merges with Route 122
west. Continue for one mile until Route 122 merges with Route 26.
Turn left (south) on Route 26 and travel five miles to the SHAKER
MUSEUM, located in Shaker Village, a living museum situated
in America’s oldest religious community. The museum displays
Shaker furniture, tools, textiles, tin, woodenware, and folk art.
Herbs grown on site are sold in the gift shop. The museum is open
Memorial Day through Columbus Day, Monday through Saturday, 10:00
am to 4:30 pm. Guided tours and walking tours are available. 207-926-4597.
From the museum continue along Route 26 for six miles until the
intersection of Route 100/202 and Route 26.
Turn left on Route 100/202 and continue for 17 miles. This stretch
takes you through the country towns of Gray and New Gloucester and
back to Auburn. Route 100/202 will lead you back to the Androscoggin
Historical Society Museum on Court Street in downtown Auburn.
Top of page
Bethel Area
Driving Tour– 67
Miles
Begin on Route 2 in Bethel heading east on Route 2 (also known as
Route 5 north/Route 26 north) to Newry. The turnoff for the ARTIST’S
COVERD BRIDGE is on the left on Sunday River Road, follow
signs to the covered bridge. This area has excellent river swimming
and picnicking on the rocky ledges beneath and down stream from
the bridge. Return to the driving route the way you came in. Along
the stretch between Bethel and Newry (approximately 5 miles) there
is a Department of Transportation Riverside/Roadside rest area with
bathroom facilities. This road follows the Androscoggin River, which
extends from the White Mountains of New Hampshire through Lewiston-Auburn
to the ocean in Brunswick.
At Newry, continue on Route 2/Route 5 (no longer Route 26) east
through Hanover to Rumford Point.
ROCK AND MINERAL HOUNDING is prevalent in this
stretch. 6 miles. Contact the Bethel Chamber of Commerce for local
mineral stores for specific locations and information. At Rumford
Point turn left on North Route 5 to Andover. In Andover, follow
the signs to another scenic covered bridge for picnicking, swimming,
and sightseeing. The LOVEJOY COVERED BRIDGE is
located just before you reach Andover. 11 miles.
Route 5 brings you right into the center of ANDOVER VILLAGE,
with its period architecture, Common Area, historic Merrill-Poor
House, and more. There are three small general stores. Head west/left
on East B Hill Road to Upton. Once you’re on East B Hill Road,
look for FRYE BROOK on the left for a short hike with splendid views.
Frye Brook is located several miles outside of Andover. 15 miles
Make sure your gas tank is full, this stretch is a long, rural road
through the wilderness. At the intersection of East B Hill Road
and Route 26, turn right/north in Upton where you can catch some
breathtaking views of UMBAGOG LAKE AND UPTON VILLAGE
2 miles. The public landing in Upton is on Lake Umbagog.
Turn around at the Upton landing and continue south on Route 26
through GRAFTON NOTCH STATE PARK. Between Upton
and Newry. The main features of the park are:
Spruce Meadow – a scenic picnic area
Main Parking Lot – trailheads for the Appalachian Trail and
4 local hiking trails
Moose Cave – a _ mile nature walk with mixed flora and legend
Mother Walker Falls – a nature walk and geologic exhibit
Screw Auger Falls – picnic tables, fireplaces, falls and deep
pools in Bear River
Follow Route 26 back to Bethel back approximately 23 miles. Along
the way, stop at STEP FALLS on Route 26 after Grafton
Notch State Park, look for a white farmhouse on the left and a grassy
parking area. It is a preserve of the Nature Conservancy on Wight
Brook, and offers a short hike with a spectacular view. Upon returning
to BETHEL, visit the historic district and gift
shops. Bethel has several fine restaurants, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts
for your enjoyment.
Top of page
More things to do:
Walking Trails
Garden Tours
Bike Tours
|
|
