Schoodic Scenic Byway

Story of the Byway

Visitors will discover the unspoiled, uncrowded coastal Maine jewel of the Schoodic Area while travelling along the Schooding National Scenic Byway. Throughout the byway, visitors will have opportunities to engage in outdoor adventure and to engage with the vibrant community of artisans, historic sites, museums, and the Maine coast. The particular scenic byway is particularly kid-friendly. Along the way, look out for “Kids Quest” sites. These seven beautiful outdoor locations will engage children and their parents in the region’s history, ecology, and culture.

The byway begins in Hancock, Maine. At the gateway of the Schoodic Byway, visitors will encounter the Taunton Bay Gateway, where the Waukeag Rail Station was located here from 1898 to 1920. The rest area overlooks Taunton Bay, which is a rich ecosystem with plenty of wildlife and views of historic Gordon’s Wharf across the bay. While in Hancock, visitors should be sure to make stops at the Tidal Falls Preserve, Sullivan Falls, and Hancock Point. Tidal Falls Preserve, the Frenchman Bay Conservancy’s flagship property, are dramatic reversing falls where visitors can enjoy a picnic and wildlife viewing. Visitors will pass through the cozy villages of Sullivan and Winter Harbor. Here, visitors will be able to find stores, restaurants, restrooms, and the classic local post office. Visitors should be sure to pick up a “Schoodic Outdoors” map from a local business to discover local events, find landmarks, or learn where the fishing fleet sells their freshly-caught lobster. Visitors will be able to find many waterfront access points within walking distance. In Winter Harbor, visitors should check out the Winter Harbor Town Pier to experience local lobster fishermen working and preparing to head out fishing. The best times to see this captivating and lively scene are early in the morning, when the boats depart, and mid-afternoon, when the fishermen return with their catch. There are many opportunities for detours to visit some of the beautiful islands and peninsulas within Frenchman Bay.

The byway then reaches the crowning jewel of this adventure, the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park. Here, visitors will have access to a number of hiking, wildlife seeing, and other outdoor recreation activities. The Schoodic Point is a breath-taking spot in the Schoodic District of Acadia National Park, where visitors can see crashing waves, stunning views of Cadillac Mountain to the west, and catch a glimpse of a harbor seal or porpoise. Visitors will have the opportunity to spread out a picnic on the granite ledges overlooking the bay.

As visitors continue along the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, they will end in Prospect Village, another cozy village where visitors can find shopping, restaurants, and a classic post office. As they drive along Route 186, visitors should keep an eye out for the Prospect Harbor Lighthouse, which boasts a rich history and is a “must-see” site along the way. Here, there is an opportunity for a detour to Corea, a quaint remote coastal village with a picturesque working harbor filled with lobster boats, classic coastal Maine architecture, and a friendly community.