A Journey Through the St. John Valley/ Fish River National Scenic Byway- ME
Tucked away in northern Maine, you’ll find the state’s newest National Scenic Byway, the St.John Valley/ Fish River National Scenic Byway. The new byway combines Maine’s first scenic byway (Fish River) with the first cultural byway (St. John Valley). Over the 134 miles, travelers experience small towns, fertile fields, and deep forests.
Where Two Countries and Cultures Meet
The byway follows the St. John River, which serves as the boundary between northern Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. Here, you’ll see the history and traditions that have been built over generations.
As you travel, the signs along the road appear in both English and French, showing how the Franco-American culture still thrives. The history is shown through more than just signs, as you’ll hear French spoken in towns like Madawaska, Fort Kent, and Frenchville.
Land of Lakes, Rivers, and Ridgelines
Nature lovers will find plenty of adventures and scenes to admire. Eagle Lake and Fish River Lake offer a peaceful retreat filled with kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the setting. Both lakes are known to be outstanding spots for fishing, carrying brook trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, and more.
The Deboullie Public Reserve Land is the perfect escape if you’re looking to hike or go camping. You’ll be surrounded by nearly 29,000 acres of forested ground where you can find 17 ponds and amazing views of the mountains.
A Taste of the Valley
You won’t get a real sense of the culture along the St. John Valley without trying Acadian Cuisine. Local diners and bakeries will serve up dishes like ployes, poutine, molasses donuts, and so much more. In Madawaska, the culinary scene and cultural history are celebrated with seasonal festivals like the Acadian Festival.
Many small towns along the byway use cooking as a way to celebrate their heritage and keep passing down their culture to new generations of Franco-American and Acadian Families. These dishes tell stories of resilience, migration, and pride, connecting the past to the present with every bite.
Plan Your Journey
The St. John Valley/ Fish River National Scenic Byway is proof that scenic byways are more than just beautiful drives. The route connects travelers to communities that preserve heritage, celebrate deep-rooted cultural traditions, and invite visitors to experience a way of life shaped by generations of Franco-American and Acadian families.