Blackwoods Scenic Byway
Million Dollar View Scenic Byway
The Down East Sunrise Trail
Blackwoods Scenic Byway
Distance : 12.5 Miles
Running from Franklin to Cherryfield , the byway crosses from Hancock to Washington County offering a quiet , winding journey through forested granite mountains , alongside cold kettle ponds and lakes filled with fish . The Blackwoods offers easy access to numerous boat launches , trails , primitive campsites , and swimming beaches .
Franklin was founded on a booming granite industry , and today is home to many artists and farmers . The Down East Sunrise Trail and Schoodic Mountain are easily accessed from downtown Franklin .
Cherryfield is the birthplace of the wild blueberry industry ; established in 1874 , Wyman ’ s Blueberries is still the largest wild blueberry producer in the United States .
Suggested stops
Start with breakfast at The Paisley Loon on the Narraguagus River and explore the historic Cherryfield district , dating back to the 1700s .
Learn about the region ’ s historic granite quarrying industry at Galamander Park in Franklin that showcases the Robertson Quarry Galamander .
Paddle around Fox Pond , fish and swim on Tunk Lake , or take a day hike up Tunk Mountain for a 360-degree panoramic vista .
Million Dollar View Scenic Byway
Distance : 8 Miles
Aptly called the “ Million Dollar View ,” this remote stretch of U . S . 1 , from Danforth to Orient in the northeastern-most section of DownEast Acadia offers travelers expansive views eastward across the Chiputneticook Chain of Lakes to New Brunswick , Canada and breathtaking views of Peekaboo Mountain and in the far distance , Mount Katahdin .
A former lumber town in the Baskahegan River Valley , Danforth marks the route ’ s southerly limit and provides the most amenities . Weston is the location of a historic portage used by Native cultures and early settlers to travel between Baskahegan Stream and East Grand Lake .
The drive reaches its highest point near the top of Peekaboo Mountain near the Weston-Orient line . From this point , travelers may choose to continue along U . S . 1 north to explore Aroostook County or cross the border into New Brunswick , Canada .
The Down East Sunrise Trail
Distance : 87 Miles
The longest off-road trail section on the East Coast Greenway , the trail stretches through a natural landscape of forests , marshes , and wildlife habitat . This multi-use , multi-season route is open to mountain or fat bikes , walking , horses , Nordic skiing , and ATVs .
This inactive rail corridor provides an unpaved adventure through DownEast Acadia ’ s back country with opportunities for lodging , dining , hiking , camping , and recreational fishing along the way . The trail can be explored as a whole or in three sections : the Eastern , Central or Western portions .
Learn more at SunriseTrail . org
Suggested stops
Climb up the refurbished former fire tower on Peekaboo Mountain in Weston for a 360-degree view of forests , lakes , and mountains .
Danforth ’ s Union Hall , also known as Town Hall , is a historical landmark that hosts music and performances during the summer .
Stop at any of three Scenic Turnouts located at miles 1.5 , 2.5 , and 5.5 .
Plan to visit this area in early to mid-October to experience some of the most spectacular foliage on the East Coast .
Suggested stops
Hop on the historic Downeast Scenic Railroad in Ellsworth for a scenic journey once enjoyed by visitors from eastern cities as they traveled to summer resorts on Mount Desert Island .
Take a detour in Whitneyville to walk the Machias River Preserve , or enjoy the scenic vista at Middle River Park in downtown Machias .
DOWNEAST ACADIA GUIDE 2024 | III