Overall Route Rating
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4.67 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.67
4 Reviews

Northern Route 201

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Oct 31, 2008

Rider Reviews

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Guest
July 1, 2009
You might consider making a right hand turn up…
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Penny Peel
50 McR Points
September 7, 2020
Took this ride while staying Bar Harbor for the…
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Written Directions

To get here from I-95, take the US Route 201 Exit north up through Skowhegan, and to Bingham. The route starts about 2 miles north of Bingham where the scenery starts to get really good and the road starts to snake for about 40 miles to West Forks. From West Forks to Jackman you're in the wilderness, open road that's in great shape and not much if any traffic. About 20 miles start watching for a scenic turn out on the right as you climbing the Mountains toward Jackman, it's breathtaking.

Scenery

This ride covers the most scenic section of the Kenebec River Valley along the western Mountains of Maine. The highway is etched into the side of the foothills snaking along the river with a view of the mountains across the river. Watch for wildlife, especially on the second half of this trip, an alternate route back is route 15 from Jackman to Moosehead Lake through Rockwood and Greenville to Abbot, then right on Rt16 back to 201. A nice ride, some small sections of the Rt need some repair but not real bad, all in all a nice ride. Makes the total trip about 130 miles.

Drive Enjoyment

This road is the main corridor from Quebec into Maine so it is well maintained. Lots of twists and turns as it follows the curves of the river. There are signed sections where you need to watch out for moose.

Tourism Opportunities

It's mostly wilderness. About the 1/2 way point in the West Forks there are lots of whitewater rafting companies if you want a thrill, Also some camping areas & Inns. There's a couple of places to eat and get a drink. Jackman has plenty of lodging, places to eat and gas up.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
July 1, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
You might consider making a right hand turn up thru the sleepy town of Caratunk up to Pleasant Pond. It's in the area of The Forks. If your riding toward dusk or in the dark, watch out for Moose especially from Jackman to the Maine border.
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Penny Peel
September 7, 2020
50 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Took this ride while staying Bar Harbor for the week. 201 can be a little rough, but it is worth the ride. Twists, turns, sweeping curves, mountains, rivers, lakes you will see it all. The scenery should score a 10. We stopped in Jackman for lunch at Mama Bear Cafe. Great little diner for lunch. Local hangout. Full bar. Coming back we took Rt 15 . WOW.....WHAT A RIDE. The road definitly needed some work. Lots of bumps, humps and a little of everything else. If you don't think a Can Am Spyder can get airborne.....well one did on this stretch of road. Just take your time. This stretch is only about 15-20 miles. The scenery is really nice as you wind down the mountain next to the lake.
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FlyingScotNJ
August 27, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Everything the others have said, and more. We had beautiful weather. Jackman seems like a speed trap, though we had no problems. The Hawks Nest in West Forks is a great place to stop for a bite to eat - it has a nice view of the Dead River.
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