By Car in Way Down East

U.S. 1 is the primary coastal route in this region, with smaller roads leading to towns along the coast. Route 182 between Franklin and Cherryfield, a pleasant inland route, is a Maine Scenic Byway. The Schoodic National Scenic Byway follows U.S. 1 through Sullivan, then turns south on Route 186 on its way to the Schoodic Peninsula. Route 1A shaves several miles off a coastal trip north of Milbridge but bypasses historic Cherryfield. The most direct route to Lubec is Route 189, but Route 191 between East Machias and West Lubec is a scenic coastal drive through Cutler. Coastal U.S. 1 winds its way to Calais, but the quickest route from Bangor is Route 9 (known as the "Airline" because it's so direct). Route 191 is a scenic route from the Calais area back Down East. From Machias take Route 192 to Route 9.