State Route 27
Region: Maine Lakes and Mountains
Length: 47 miles
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
Highlights: bicycling, boating, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, foliage viewing, golf, hiking trails, lake, pond, river views, mountain views, whitewater rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, wildlife
Side Trips: Stanley Museum; Sugarloaf USA; Carrabasset Valley Touring Center; Carrabassett Valley Anti Gravity Center; "Moose Alley" (Route 16 between Stratton and Rangeley); Narrow Gauge Railroad Trail; Appalachian Trail
Skiers and snowmobilers know this route well, as it connects the historic 19th century mill town of Kingfield with Sugarloaf USA, Stratton and Eustis. Travelers who venture beyond these popular winter destinations in any season will be rewarded with spectacular views all the way to the international border crossing at Coburn Gore.
In the south, this byway begins in the picturesque town of Kingfield and winds along the swift-flowing Carrabassett River with views of Mount Abraham and the Bigelow Range. North of Stratton, the route passes by the manmade Flagstaff Lake and through Cathedral Pines, the largest stand of old growth forest in the state. The majestic red pines cover 220 acres and date back 200 years. Route 27 then traces the Dead River where Benedict Arnold led troops north on an ill-fated expedition to conquer the city of Quebec. North of Eustis, the landscape grows wilder as the route passes Shadagee Falls, Sarampus Falls and the Chain of Ponds. Continuing on, the route climbs through the Boundary Mountains to Coburn Gore and the international border.
Information
Sugarloaf Area Chamber of Commerce
207-235-2645
www.sugarloafareachamber.org