The Best Motorcycle Routes Near Skowhegan, Maine: A Rider's Guide to the Kennebec Valley
Maine is one of the best-kept secrets in American motorcycle touring. With 32,000 miles of rivers, 6,000 lakes, and 17 million acres of forestland, the state offers riding variety that rivals anywhere in the Northeast — and most riders haven't discovered it yet.
Skowhegan sits at the crossroads of some of Maine's finest motorcycle territory. The Kennebec River Valley runs north toward the Canadian border through increasingly dramatic scenery. The western mountains and lakes are within easy reach. And the roads themselves — two-lane, well-maintained, lightly trafficked — are exactly what riders dream about.
Here are five rides accessible from The Skowhegan Hotel, from afternoon loops to multi-day adventures.
Route 1: The Kennebec Valley Run — Route 201 North
Distance: 90 miles one way (Skowhegan to Jackman/Canadian border). Time: 2.5–3 hours without stops. Highlights: Kennebec River Gorge, The Forks, Wyman Lake, Moxie Falls, Canadian border at Jackman.
This is the signature ride from Skowhegan. Route 201 follows the Kennebec River north through increasingly wild terrain — past The Forks (Maine's whitewater rafting capital), along the shores of Wyman Lake, and up to Jackman near the Quebec border. The road is smooth, the curves are sweeping, and the scenery shifts from river valley to high-country forest.
Side trip: Turn off at The Forks for a hike to Moxie Falls, the tallest waterfall in Maine at 90 feet. The trailhead is a short ride from 201.
This route connects directly to Quebec via the Jackman border crossing — making it the natural ride for Canadian touring groups coming south or for riders heading north into Canada.
Route 2: The Rangeley Lakes Loop
Distance: ~200 miles round trip. Time: 5–6 hours. Highlights: Route 17 (Height of Land), Rangeley Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Saddleback Mountain views.
Take Route 2 west from Skowhegan toward Farmington, then north on Route 4 to Rangeley. Return via Route 17 south — one of the most spectacular motorcycle roads in New England. The Height of Land overlook on Route 17 offers views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the surrounding peaks that will make you pull over and stare.
The pavement on 17 has frost cracks in spots — ride alert — but the scenery and curves more than compensate. Rangeley village makes a good lunch stop with several restaurants and gas.
Route 3: The Maine High Peaks Scenic Byway
Distance: 67 miles (Kingfield to Canadian border via Route 27). Time: 1.5–2 hours. Highlights: Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain, Bigelow Preserve, Stratton, Flagstaff Lake.
Routes 16 and 27 take you through some of Maine's most varied landscapes. You'll pass through Carrabassett Valley with views of Crocker Mountain, Mt. Redington, and Sugarloaf. The road skirts the southern edge of the Bigelow Preserve, with mountain views on both sides. Stop at the Flagstaff Lake Scenic Turnout for a panoramic photo.
Route 4: Grafton Notch State Park — The Madrid to Upton Run
Distance: 96 miles round trip. Time: 2–3 hours. Highlights: Route 17 overlooks, Grafton Notch State Park, mountain and lake scenery, Rumford.
Start on Route 4 toward Madrid, connect to Route 17, and wind south through majestic mountain terrain to Rumford. Then pick up Route 2 east through Bethel and take Route 26 north through Grafton Notch State Park — a stunning stretch with views, trailheads, and sweeping mountain curves.
Route 5: The Coastal Connection — Skowhegan to Camden via Route 17
Distance: ~75 miles one way. Time: 2 hours. Highlights: Rural farmland, Hope village, Camden Hills, coastal views, Camden Harbor.
For a change of pace from the mountains, ride southeast through rolling farmland and charming villages to the coast. Route 17 takes you through Hope and into Camden, where you can ride to the summit of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for panoramic coastal views. Lunch in Camden Harbor, then ride back through the countryside.
Your Base Camp: The Skowhegan Hotel
The Skowhegan is built for riders. Free on-site parking accommodates bikes and trailers. The extended stay suites have kitchenettes for multi-day trips. The Biergarten serves farm-to-table food and craft beer — the ideal après-ride meal. And the building's fitness center, lounge, and screening room give you comfortable ways to spend a rest day.
The hotel's central location means you can ride a different route every day for a week without backtracking. North to the Canadian border. West to the mountains and lakes. East to the coast. South to Augusta and the capital region. Skowhegan is the hub.
The riding season in Maine typically runs May through October, with September and early October offering peak foliage and comfortable temperatures. Book early for foliage season — this is when every rider wants to be in New England.
Explore our rooms or book your stay to start planning your Maine motorcycle trip.
