Bold Coast Scenic Byway (US-1 Downeast)
A 125-mile designated Maine Scenic Byway beginning in Milbridge and ending in Calais, following US-1 and connecting spur roads through Washington County's Downeast coast. The corridor passes through the working waterfronts of Milbridge and Jonesport, the historic riverside villages of Cherryfield, Columbia Falls, and Machias, and along the rugged rocky shoreline that gives the Bold Coast its name. This is the least-traveled section of coastal Maine — almost no seasonal resort traffic — with authentic lobster wharves, blueberry barrens, and wild headlands along the Canadian border. The byway was designated a Maine State Scenic Byway in 2011.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Aroma Joe's
A local Maine coffee chain at the western start of the byway, good for fueling up before heading downeast.
Ruth & Wimpy's
A well-regarded roadside spot near Hancock serving lobster rolls and comfort food a few miles into the route.
Columbia
A quiet coastal crossroads town roughly mid-route through the Bold Coast's most remote and scenic stretch.
Irving
Fuel stop in Calais at the Canadian border crossing, a practical pause near the eastern end of the byway.
Shell
Another fuel option in Princeton, useful before the long inland stretch toward Houlton with fewer services.
Houlton
The market town at the northern terminus of the route, with full services and the I-95 border crossing nearby.
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Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.