Route 201 Scenic Byway
Have you explored Northern Maine?
Gently winding through trees, past lakes and along the Kennebec River, Route 201 provides some delightful scenery.
The plentiful rest stops and scenic overlooks not only provide beautiful lookout points, but also some insight into the history of the area. This makes a cruise up the 201 a great day trip.
Also known as Old Canada Road Route 201 starts in Brunswick Maine and works it’s way North for 157.46 Miles to the Armstrong-Jackman Border Crossing at Sandy Bay Township into Canada.
The best highway in Maine?
Route 201 starts to follow the Kennebec river from Gardiner to The Forks. Here at The Forks you’ll find the Adventure Capital of Maine.
The Forks area is well known for its scenic beauty and adventurous activities such as rafting, tubing, inflatable kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, guided fishing trips, waterfall viewing, Snowmobiling in the Winter and great opportunities to see some of the local wildlife like Moose, White tailed deer and Bald Eagle.
A short way off the route it is possible to check out one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls; Moxie Falls. With a drive down some logging roads to Grand Falls, a spectacular waterfall standing 40 feet tall, and 100 feet wide.
History of Route 201
The route follows ancient river routes used by the Abenaki people for trading. The Abenaki People were well known for their Birch-bark canoes that could be made from a single piece of White Birch tree bark. These canoes played an important part of transportation in an area with so many lakes and rivers.
Another historical interest piece is that Benedict Arnold led a grueling and unsuccessful expedition to attack Quebec in 1775 his party used Bateaux to navigate the Kennebec river, the challenges of the route left 200 men dead and 300 abandoned the mission.
Where to stay along Route 201
We have a variety of accommodations available, due to our remote location, most travelers like to stay the night in The Forks for more time to enjoy the area and activities. The Forks Fun Resort has a wide variety of lodging options; from Inns, to cabins, to bunkhouses and campsites.
For a more comprehensive list of where to stay check out our blog
Where to eat
Boatman’s Bar and Grill is open 7 days per week from 4pm to 1am during the height of our rafting season. During the early or late part of the season, we may have reduced hours so please check before arrival.
The Inn by the River, provides delicious, unique homemade food, accompanied by the friendliest service available anywhere. We prepare all our meals with the best ingredients and fresh herbs and vegetables, often grown onsite.
For a more comprehensive list on where to eat check out our blog.