Road tripping Maine in the winter is a magical experience. The state is full of fascinating sights to see, both natural and manmade. However, the weather in Maine can be intense, so there are things to keep in mind in the interest of safety.
The Best Way To See Maine
Generally, it's best to drive through Maine from the south to the north and back down again. This progression crosses multiple landscapes and attractions, and the weather changes the further north one goes. On a multiday road trip, it's cheaper to stay outside of the major cities, so this article will include recommendations for smaller towns where visitors can find affordable lodging.
The first place to make a stop is in Portland.
Portland is the biggest city in Maine and the most prominent financial hub. Even though nowadays, the fishing industry is not very significant, Portland's seaport sees significant traffic. In the summer, people might enjoy the beaches, but in the winter the seaside is cold and windy. Lighthouses are impressive sights, especially for visitors who appreciate the dark nautical aesthetic. In general, there are many lighthouses along the coast of Maine and all of them are dramatic and thrilling in the winter.
The city has an old-world charm, mostly due to the slow pace of life and 19th-century architecture.
Traveling further north, it's worth stopping at Bar Harbor for the night - a quaint coastal town with a small population. Experience authentic locality, but don't stay too long, as there are many more small towns coming up. It's a good home base to experience Acadia National Park from.
• Accommodation: Airbnb Inn Bar Harbor
• Price: $95/night
• Amenities: Wooden interiors, cathedral ceiling, cozy lodge feel, heating, WiFi, kitchen
Acadia National Park is a short drive from Bar Harbor and provides great opportunities for scenic driving and hiking. Some of the trails might be closed off due to heavy snow, and hikers should follow the guidelines of winter hiking.
From Acadia, it's time to go further north to Bangor. This is the famous city where many of the most iconic Stephen King horror stories take place. The snow is intense in Bangor and absorbs sound waves, imbibing the town with an eerie silence. A fascinating place to visit is the Mount Hope Cemetery. It is one of the oldest garden cemeteries in the USA and the site where Pet Sematary was filmed.
In the same county, but further north, the town of Mount Chase is a good place to stop for the night. Only around 200 people live in Mount Chase, but there are several hotels and lodges to stay in. Mount Chase is near Baxter National Park, making it an ideal home base to explore the park from.
• Accommodation: Log cabin near Shin Pond
• Location: Mount Chase, Penobscot County, Maine
• Price: $131/night
• Amenities: Authentic log cabin experience, fireplace, outdoor firepit, heating, WiFi, kitchen, proximity to lake and woods
Baxter National Park, being in northern Maine, sees heavy snowfall. Most trails will be closed due to the snow, so it's best to see the park by driving through.
Eventually, road trippers will end up in the northernmost county of Maine - Aroostook County. This is one of the largest counties in the USA, bigger than many states. It has its own culture and history. Since it is mostly landlocked, the principal crop grown there was potatoes, and being so close to the border of Canada, many residents speak Acadian French.
Aroostook is sparsely populated, mostly due to the weather, so almost all the towns are tiny and picturesque - perfect for holing up in for the winter. This guest house has a full-on movie theatre that used to play silent films in the 1800s.
• Accommodation: Historical 1800’s Opera House Rental Suite
• Location: Island Falls, Aroostook County, Maine
• Price: $65/night
• Amenities: 250 people theatre, historical architecture and value, heating, WiFi, kitchen
Other northern towns to check out include Oakfield, Caribou, and Presque Isle.
On the way down south, go east to Washington County. Also called Sunrise County, the county is home to the coastal town of Lubec - the easternmost point in the United States. The sunrises at Lubec are raw and truly unobstructed.
Tips For Road Tripping In Maine
Maine is often the setting of horror stories. It's easy to imagine why this state inspires fear in so many authors - especially in the winter. The wind blows through the snow-covered pine forests, emitting a haunting frequency that's audible from miles away. Trees are mostly submerged in snow, which is a good indicator that going for a walk in the woods can be tricky. Like natural boobytraps, the ground beneath may give way, plunging hikers neck-deep in the snow - a predicament that can prove physically challenging to dig out of.
Additionally, it's best to wear clothes that contrast the white snow and green and brown trees, as hunters might be out to catch some game. As a rule of thumb, whenever it is snowy, do not wear white. This will also be useful in emergency situations involving aerial search and rescue missions.
A lot of Maine is rural and sparsely populated, which is an attractive feature, but also a source of danger. In medical emergencies, there may not be a hospital nearby, and calling for help is also impossible because a lot of mobile service providers do not reach parts of northern Maine.
Roads may also be blocked by ice or whiteouts, which could delay the arrival of an ambulance. For this reason, it's important to carry a first aid kit and avoid potential hazards. When driving, frozen roads can lead to loss of control, so make sure the car has snow tires. It's also worth carrying extra fuel. Additionally, wear spiked boots and walk with caution, as black ice is invisible and easy to slip on.