Maine | 147 miles | National Scenic Byway

Stretching from Gouldsboro to Calais along Maine’s rugged Downeast coast, the Bold Coast Scenic Byway delivers an authentic taste of maritime New England far from the tourist crowds. This 147-mile journey traces the edge of America, where granite cliffs plunge into the cold Atlantic and working fishing villages maintain traditions spanning generations.

Along the route, discover the wild beauty of Acadia National Park’s quieter Schoodic Peninsula, watch lobstermen haul their catch at Jonesport Harbor, and stand atop the dramatic 150-foot cliffs at Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land. The byway passes through charming communities like Machias—home to the first naval battle of the Revolutionary War—and Lubec, where West Quoddy Head Lighthouse marks the easternmost point in the continental United States.

Wildlife enthusiasts will thrill at sightings of puffins, bald eagles, and whales in the Bay of Fundy waters. Blueberry barrens paint the landscape crimson each autumn.

Best time to visit: Late May through October, with September offering spectacular fall colors and fewer visitors.

Allow: A full day for the drive, though two days permits proper exploration of coastal trails, lighthouses, and fresh-from-the-boat seafood.

Explore Nearby

• Cutler Coast — State Park in Maine
• Little River Light — Lighthouse in Maine
• Avery Rock Light — Lighthouse in Maine
• Machias River Corridor — State Park in Maine