Highlights of Schoodic Scenic Byway

Traveling around the Schoodic Peninsula is an unexpected experience. This uncrowded area allows travelers to pass through the stunning scenery with a feeling of solitude and discovery. This byway takes the traveler along the coast through quaint fishing villages, vernacular architecture, and striking, serene Atlantic views.

The views from the byway are captivating and will belong to the visitor alone, rather than a crowd of people. The wind and weather patterns are delightfully dynamic and unpredictable, ranging from clear, brisk, invigorating weather to damp, cool, fog-laden doldrums. On the Schoodic Peninsula, stormy days actually offer fantastic sights. Nature's spectacular play of foamy water pounding upon the rocky coastlines is truly awe-inspiring.

scene of schoodic scenic byway
©Byways.org
Awe-inspiring views pepper Schoodic Scenic Byway.

The byway begins at the west end of the Hancock-Sullivan Bridge about eight miles east of the village of Hancock on U.S. 1. It's best to start at this end of the byway because the most scenic stretch, which runs through a section of Acadia National Park, runs one way going west to east.

Sullivan: At West Sullivan, follow U.S. 1 east along the upper reaches of Frenchman Bay to Sullivan. Sullivan has Downeast-style architecture set around a central common with outstanding views south to Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island (site of the main section of Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor).

Winter Harbor: Just west of the town of West Gouldsboro, take Route 186 south, passing through South Gouldsboro and the resort town of Winter Harbor, where there are lodgings and restaurants.

Acadia National Park: East of Winter Harbor, go south onto Moore Road, which leads to the Schoodic Peninsula and the mostly undeveloped Schoodic section of Acadia National Park. The one-way Schoodic Drive then leads a bit more than seven miles along the park shoreline. Watch for deer, moose, seals, eagles, ospreys, herons -- and bicyclists -- along the way.

Frazer Point Picnic Area: After entering the park, the first turnout is for the Frazer Point Picnic Area, which features barbecue and picnic facilities with scenic views of Winter Harbor and its nearby islands, coves, and rocky beaches.

Winter Harbor Lighthouse: Continuing down the one-way road, watch to the west for Mark Island and the 1856 Winter Harbor Lighthouse. With Mount Desert Island's Cadillac Mountain rising in the background, it's considered the most photogenic lighthouse along the byway. The best pictures are available from turnouts in the first mile after entering the park.

Schoodic Point: At Schoodic Point, the southernmost tip of the peninsula, Atlantic Ocean waves crash to the shore against granite rocks. The pounding surf can sometimes reach heights of 50 feet. Watch for rocks on the roadway in this area.

Blueberry Hill: A mile northeast of Schoodic Point, stop at Blueberry Hill to picnic, hike, and take pictures of offshore islands. This is one of the best vantage points for viewing 123-foot Petit Manan Lighthouse, Maine's second tallest, which dates from 1817.Watch for puffins in summer; they have a colony on Petit Manan Island, which is a wildlife refuge. (The island is often shrouded in fog, however.)

Schoodic Head: A hiking trail (called the Anvil) leads from Blueberry Hill to a steep 180-foot promontory with great views of Little Moose Island. The trail then continues to 440-foot Schoodic Head, which offers incredible vistas back across Frenchman Bay. This is the best spot to view and photograph Egg Rock Lighthouse, built in 1875. On a clear day, Schoodic Head also provides more views of the Petit Manan and Winter Harbor lighthouses.

Prospect Harbor Lighthouse: The byway continues north out of the park. At Birch Harbor, rejoin Route 186 as it goes north to the village of Prospect Harbor, where the byway ends. The Prospect Harbor Lighthouse rises on a peninsula directly across from the village harbor. The light keeper's cottage is available for overnight stays by military families, both active and retired.

This little traveled stretch of Route 1 offers spectacular views across the water to Mount Desert's mountains. Enjoy the Schoodic Peninsula, Winter Harbor, Schoodic Point, and more as you traverse this scenic drive.

Find more useful information related to Maine's Schoodic Scenic Byway:

  • Maine Scenic Drives: Schoodic Scenic Byway is just one of the scenic byways in Maine. Check out the others.
  • Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Maine? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
  • How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.