Golden Road
Near Baxter State Park, a roughly 20-mile no-fee stretch of this private east–west logging road—named for the huge sum a paper company paid to build it, according to one story—offers access to Maine’s wilderness without venturing too far in. Though paved, it’s rutty and bumpy; yield (keep right!) to logging trucks. From Millinocket follow signs for Baxter State Park from Route 157; eight miles from the railroad overpass at the edge of town there’s a crossover from Millinocket Lake Road to the Golden Road. This is where the drive begins. North Woods Trading Post is here, across from Ambajejus Lake on the Millinocket Lake Road side of the crossover. Stop not just for gas, coffee, a bite, or to shop but to pick up the free handout highlighting stops along the drive, with mileage—you’ll need it, since ponds for moose spotting aren't signed and hiking spots that are can be easy to miss. At the end of the drive, drive or walk across Ripogenus Dam, just off the Golden Road between Ripogenus lake and gorge. Below the dam is the best spot (marked on the handout) for watching white-water rafters.
Take photos of Baxter's Mt. Katahdin from the footbridge alongside Abol Bridge: this view is famous.
