The Loneliest Road in Maine Is Also One of the Most Scenic Drives

If you're looking to get away from all the hustle and bustle of people and cars in Maine (here's looking at you, traffic-congested I-295), there's one road that will provide a quiet trip and a beautiful look at the state.

Big Think (using information from GeoTab) highlighted the loneliest road in each state in the U.S., and that award in the Pine Tree State went to Route 201.

The website notes that this stretch of road is 157 miles and runs from Brunswick to Sandy Bay Township, right near the Canadian border.

Google Maps says it's more than a three-hour drive if you go the entire way.

Google Maps

The road runs through multiple towns like Richmond, Skowhegan, and Jackman. Of course, the further north you go, the more it will feel like you're traveling back in time as the number of cars disappears and Maine's gorgeous nature takes over.

This Instagram post from Three Rivers Whitewater captures just how incredible the view is on the drive.

Why the loneliest road?

Data from the U.S. federal government’s Highway Performance Monitoring System was used to determine the roads with the lowest "annual average daily traffic," according to Big Think. The website does note that the Highway Performance Monitoring System data only covers "interstates, U.S. routes, and state routes over 10 miles long."

So definitely a lot fewer cars on this road than many others in the state. Perfect for some alone time.

Part of Route 201, going north of Skowhegan, is called the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, according to Northern Outdoors. The website also highlights that beyond the incredible views, you'll find historical markers and other outdoor adventures to choose from.

A side trip for whitewater rafting, anyone?

Google Maps

GeoTab also got a landscape photographer to call out the "most scenic" of the selected loneliest roads, and Maine's Route 201 landed as No. 3. on his list.

He said the road is a "rural, tree-lined route following the Kennebec River through historic towns like Bingham, passing Wyman Lake all the way up to the Quebec border" before calling out the fall season as the best time to make the trip. Because of all the colors the leaves bring, of course.

Google Maps

Have you driven on Route 201 before?

You never know what hidden gems you might find if you take a trip on this "lonely" road in Maine, but you can be sure you will experience a quiet and breathtaking look of natural state beauty if you do.

Road trip, anyone?