Where is Maine State Route 17?
Usa, north-america
211 km
707 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're cruising through central Maine, you HAVE to check out State Route 17. Seriously, this road is a total stunner.
We're talking about a route that winds its way through six counties – Franklin, Oxford, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Lincoln, and Knox – basically the heart of Maine. From Oquossoc, nestled on the edge of Rangeley Lake, all the way to Rockland on the beautiful Penobscot Bay, this paved beauty stretches for a cool 131 miles.
But here's the kicker: SR 17 climbs to a whopping 2,319 feet south of Rangeley Plantation, making it the highest paved road in the whole state! So, expect some incredible views as you twist and turn. Just keep your eyes peeled on those curves – stay safe and enjoy the ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 211 km
- Max Elevation
- 707 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Resolution Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Resolution Mountain! This peak sits pretty high up in central Colorado, smack-dab in the White River National Forest. We're talking some serious elevation! Now, getting to the top? Forget your sedan. This is strictly 4x4 territory! The road's a rough and rugged unpaved track. The climb's around [length] miles, and get this: you'll be gaining [elevation gain] in elevation. That's an average grade of [percentage]! Talk about a workout for your rig (and your nerves!). Heads up, though: this road is typically closed during the winter months. But when it's open? Epic views! Get ready for some serious bragging rights.
hardForest Road 1950
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Forest Road 1950 in northern New Mexico's Taos and Colfax counties. This baby's a gravel road that climbs way, way up – topping out at 10,062 feet! We're talking some of the highest roads in the whole state. Expect a few steep stretches to keep things interesting, and while it's usually open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes throws a wintery tantrum and closes it down. Be prepared for tough weather! On the bright side, there are campgrounds dotted along the route for chill breaks or an overnight stay. Get ready for some incredible scenery as you climb!
easyPacific Coast Highway
🇺🇸 United States
# Pacific Coast Highway: California's Greatest Road Trip The Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) is basically the ultimate coastal drive, stretching a jaw-dropping 1,055 kilometers along California's edge. If you're looking for one of the most stunning road trips on the planet, this is it. The real star of the show? Big Sur. This absolutely breathtaking 145-kilometer section between Carmel and San Simeon is where the Santa Lucia Mountains practically tumble straight into the Pacific Ocean. It's dramatic, it's rugged, and it's endlessly photogenic. You've probably seen pictures of the Bixby Creek Bridge—that stunning concrete arch spanning a deep coastal canyon—because it's basically the most Instagrammed bridge in California for good reason. Here's a fun fact: construction on this road started in the 1920s, but it took decades to finish, with the Big Sur section alone taking eighteen years (completed in 1937, using prison labor no less). Building a road along crumbling cliffs and over deep canyons in an area that's literally always shifting and eroding? Yeah, that's not easy. Landslides still regularly force closures that can last months, so check conditions before you go. Beyond Big Sur, the highway transforms as it rolls past some seriously iconic California spots. Starting down south near Dana Point, you'll cruise through legendary surf towns like Huntington Beach and Malibu, past dramatic Santa Barbara sea cliffs, through the agricultural Central Coast, and up into the misty redwood forests north of San Francisco. There are endless opportunities to stop at beaches, tide pools, lighthouses, and charming little coastal towns. You could technically drive the whole thing in two or three days, but honestly? Plan for at least a week. You'll want the time to actually soak it all in.
hardWhere is the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Let me tell you about the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road in southwest Montana! Picture this: You're cruising (carefully!) between US-93 near Sula and Lost Trail Pass, straddling Beaverhead and Ravalli counties. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about 16.5 miles of unpaved, seriously steep, winding, and narrow goodness (Forest Road 106, if you wanna get technical). Built way back in 1914 and even used by Lewis and Clark on their return trip, this road is steeped in history. It tops out near Gibbons Pass, hitting a high point of 7,368 feet, but you'll definitely feel the climb! This isn't a road for the faint of heart – or for big RVs. Keep an eye out for soft shoulders (especially near those massive drop-offs!), falling rocks, and other road debris. Seriously, a good spare tire is a must. Be prepared to back up, way up, if you meet someone coming the other way. But hey, the views are absolutely worth it.