Maine Road Trips & Scenic Drives

Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort sits on the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway — one of Maine’s best drives for expansive water views — halfway between Portland, Maine and Quebec City, Canada. Day trip to Moosehead Lake, Jackman, the Carrabassett Valley. Ride the dirt backroads to Katahdin. Follow the Maine Beer Trail. Call 207-663-4466 to let us help you plan your Maine road trip.

Road Trip: The Drive to Northern Outdoors

The road to Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks, Maine is an incredibly beautiful drive through the Kennebec River Valley. The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway is a snapshot in time, as it traces the route of generations of travelers between Maine and Quebec. Winding alongside the Kennebec River, Wyman Lake, the Dead River and vast working forests, it is a spectacular drive revealing undeveloped ridges and islands framed by dramatic stands of white birch. Whether you travel by car, motorcycle, or RV, you’ll discover that getting here is almost as enjoyable as being here! But rest assured, once you’re here there’s plenty to do to keep you busy- from whitewater rafting to hiking to enjoying craft beer on the deck!

Old Canada Scenic Byway

Day Trips to Scenic Towns

Our Adventure Resort in The Forks is the perfect base for day trips on Maine’s scenic roads to some of the coolest little towns. Drive the Scenic Byway up to Jackman to paddle the Moose River. Head on over to Moosehead Lake to explore the quaint town of Greenville and Mount Kineo. Visit Quebec City, or Portland from our wilderness outpost. Ask us at the front desk for suggested drives and directions, or download the Drives and Directions.

Back Roads Drive to Katahdin

Maine has all kinds of gravel and dirt roads to explore. A network of logging roads links up Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks with our Katahdin Adventure Base Camp outside of Millinocket, Maine. These roads are ideal for dirt road touring, jeeping, and off-road enthusiasts who really want to get into the North Woods. We can help you with route planning, and know the best stops for lunch on the road, too!


We may be bias, but our ultimate Maine Wilderness Road Trip would be to raft the Kennebec River, stay at The Forks resort and enjoy the brewery. The next morning, pack up to drive the dirt roads north east to the Katahdin Basecamp, and raft the Penobscot River. Rafting road trip!

landcruiser back roads

When it comes to scenic drives, Maine has plenty to pick from. Whether you want to see ocean vistas and charming harbor towns, streams meandering along winding back roads, rural farmland, stunning lakes, or majestic mountains, Maine has it all wrapped up into one state. And for those of you who prefer more nature and less cars, you’re in luck--some of the most scenic roads in Maine are found away from the tourist path.

Northern Outdoors’ two locations are located in The Forks and Millinocket, Maine – get directions.

Vacationing in the Maine North Woods is a truly unique experience, but if you want to venture off the paved roads, you have to be prepared! Get your tips and tricks for driving on the dirt roads in Maine's north woods.