Where is Maine State Route 17?

Where is Maine State Route 17?

Usa, north-america

Length

211 km

Elevation

707 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
211 km
Max Elevation
707 m
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in north-america

Yellow Peakhard

Yellow Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for Yellow Peak in northwestern Nevada! This bad boy sits at a lofty 7,185 feet in the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge. Forget the pavement, we're talking gravel and rock on State Rte 34A. Translation? You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Winter? Nope, she's closed. And if you're not comfy with steep, unpaved mountain roads, maybe grab a postcard instead. Heights a problem? This ain't your happy place. The trail is a real climb! But hey, the reward? A fire lookout tower rebuilt in '81 with views for days. Just a heads up: check that weather forecast! Lightning and lookout towers? Not a great mix.

Durango-Mazatlan Highway: the road with 115 bridges and 61 tunnelsmoderate

Durango-Mazatlan Highway: the road with 115 bridges and 61 tunnels

🇲🇽 Mexico

Get ready for the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán (Mexico 40D), an incredible 211km (131 miles) shot through the western Sierra Madre! Forget the old Espinazo del Diablo, this route is a masterpiece of engineering. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels carving their way through mind-blowing landscapes. Starting high in Durango (1,880 meters / 6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the beach vibes of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast, experiencing a crazy mix of tropical forests, pine trees, and even desert scenery along the way. Word of caution: This fully paved road can throw a few curveballs. Watch out for landslides, potholes, the odd blocked tunnel, and some rough asphalt in places. Opened in 2013, the route climbs to almost 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and snow closures – keep an eye on the forecast! The highlights? Prepare to be amazed by the sheer number of bridges and tunnels. Don’t miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a whopping 1.7 miles long! But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge. This isn’t just any bridge, it's the highest cable-stayed bridge on Earth (and the highest in the Americas!), stretching 1,124 meters across a canyon 403 meters below. Seriously epic views!

Bear Valley Mountainhard

Bear Valley Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk Bear Valley Mountain in Idaho! This peak sits way up high at 8,293 feet, nestled in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The route to the top is Forest Road 583, also known as Bear Valley Mountain Road. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's a gravel track, and you'll definitely want a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Keep a super close eye on the weather. This road gets dicey fast! We're talking avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – plus, ice patches are common. But, if you catch it on a good day, the views are incredible. At the very top, you'll find a fire lookout tower that was built back in 1936. It’s an awesome reward after a challenging climb! Just remember, lightning and lookouts don't mix, so skip it if there's a thunderstorm brewing. Be safe and enjoy the ride!

The road to Taylor Peak in CO: a chillout in high mountainsmoderate

The road to Taylor Peak in CO: a chillout in high mountains

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for an epic Colorado adventure up to Taylor Peak! This hidden gem straddles Pitkin and Gunnison counties, offering views that will absolutely blow your mind. The road tops out at a whopping 11,817 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Located in the Elk Range, within the White River National Forest, you'll kick things off near Aspen (CO-82). The whole shebang is about 24 miles long, with the first 13 or so paved and super scenic. You'll even pass the historic Ashcroft Ghost Town! Now, here's the deal: after the pavement ends, you'll need a 4x4 to conquer the unpaved section. This isn't a Sunday cruise! Snow can linger late into summer, and some years, the peak is inaccessible all year round. Expect a steep climb: you'll gain almost 4,000 feet over those 24 miles, averaging about a 3% grade. The views? Totally worth it. Just be prepared for a real off-road experience!

Where is Maine State Route 17? - Usa - RoadScout