The Most Amazing View in All of Maine!

This 7.9 miles (12.7 Km) section of US Route 1 runs between the towns of Danforth and Orient. Most of the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway is characterized by dramatic views of Peek-a-boo Mountain and Mt. Katahdin on the west side, and to the east, Deering, Brackett and East Grand lakes framed by the spectacular western mountain region of New Brunswick, Canada.

Located along U.S. Route 1 between Danforth and Orient in eastern Maine, the Million Dollar View Maine route is one of Maine's official State Scenic Byways. It marks the southeastern gateway into Aroostook County and rewards travelers with panoramic views across lakes, forests, farmland, and distant mountain ranges. Whether you're driving north toward Fort Kent, beginning a road trip through The County, or simply looking for one of the best fall drives in Maine, this short detour deserves a place on your itinerary.

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Why the Million Dollar View Is Worth the Stop

Unlike many scenic overlooks that require a long hike, the Million Dollar View is enjoyed right from the roadside. Two large scenic pull-offs along the byway allow visitors to safely stop, take photographs, and appreciate the landscape from both directions.

The eastern overlook gazes across the sparkling waters of East Grand Lake, Brackett Lake, and Deering Lake, with the rolling mountains of western New Brunswick rising beyond the shoreline. Early morning fog drifting across the lakes and the brilliant colors of autumn make this one of the most memorable views in eastern Maine.

Looking west, the scenery changes completely. Open farmland and quiet pastures stretch toward the horizon, with Peekaboo Mountain rising nearby. On exceptionally clear days, visitors can even spot Mount Katahdin in the distance, more than 70 miles away.

Because the byway follows U.S. Route 1, it is an easy stop whether you're entering Aroostook County or heading south toward Bangor and Portland.

Small Town Hospitality Along the Way

The nearby communities of Danforth and Weston provide everything most travelers need before continuing north into Aroostook County.

Danforth offers fuel, groceries, restaurants, banking services, and local shops. During the summer, the downtown pavilion hosts weekly live music, a Friday farmers market, and Saturday artisan vendors, creating a welcoming gathering place for both residents and visitors. Annual events such as the Danforth Summer Festival and East Grand Lake Ice Fishing Derby draw visitors throughout the year.

Weston is home to several popular places to stay and dine. First Settlers Lodge is well known for its dining room overlooking the surrounding countryside and is a favorite stop for both travelers and locals. Reservations are recommended during busy travel seasons. Trailside Cabins, Rideout's Marina, and Greenland Cove offer lodging and camping opportunities for visitors looking to spend several days enjoying the lakes and surrounding wilderness.

Towns and Landmarks

Danforth, a former lumber town in the Baskahegan River Valley, marks the southerly limit of the byway and provides many small-town amenities. Weston is the location of an historic portage used by Native cultures and early settlers connecting Baskahegan Stream to Butterfield Landing on East Grand Lake. Weston also has many interesting historic buildings such as the Weston Community Church, which was moved across the ice of East Grand Lake from Canada, as well as modern accommodations of the First Settler's Lodge. The byway reaches its high point near the top of Peekaboo Mountain, and travelers may continue north to explore Aroostook County or enter New Brunswick, Canada, through Orient's border crossing.

One of the Best Fall Foliage Drives in Maine

Autumn is when the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway truly lives up to its name.

By late September and early October, hardwood forests surrounding East Grand Lake begin changing into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The combination of colorful hillsides, sparkling lakes, open farmland, and distant mountain ridges makes this one of the most spectacular foliage drives Maine has to offer.

Unlike many popular foliage destinations farther south, traffic here remains light, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace without crowds.

Even outside of autumn, the byway remains beautiful year-round. Spring brings fresh green forests, summer offers crystal-clear lake views, and winter transforms the landscape into a snowy panorama that perfectly welcomes travelers entering northern Maine. The view of a lifetime awaits, framing lakes, ponds, mountains, and New Brunswick, Canada

Explore Beyond the Scenic Pull-Offs

Although the byway itself is less than eight miles long, there is plenty to explore nearby.

One of the area's hidden gems is Peekaboo Mountain Fire Tower. An easy-to-moderate hike leads to one of the finest panoramic views in eastern Maine. From the summit, visitors enjoy nearly 360-degree views across forests, lakes, farmland, and mountains stretching into both Maine and New Brunswick. It is one of Aroostook County's lesser-known viewpoints and well worth the short climb.

Outdoor recreation surrounds the byway throughout the year. East Grand Lake is known for its cold, clean water and offers excellent boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and tubing during the summer months. In winter, the surrounding trail system becomes a popular destination for snowmobiling and ice fishing, while ATV riders enjoy exploring hundreds of miles of connected trails during the warmer seasons.

Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area. Deer, loons, bald eagles, and even moose are frequently seen along the drive, particularly during the quieter morning and evening hours.

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Common Questions About the Byway

What and where is the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway?
‍It’s a 7.9-mile (12.7 km) stretch of US Route 1 in far eastern Maine between the towns of Danforth and Orient. The route is famed for sweeping vistas across the Chiputneticook chain of lakes—East Grand, Brackett, and Deering—set against the rugged mountain backdrop of New Brunswick, Canada.

Why is it called the “Million Dollar View,” and what will I see along the way?
The nickname comes from its unrivaled panoramas. To the west, you’ll see Peekaboo Mountain and, on clear days, Mt. Katahdin; to the east, broad lake views framed by New Brunswick’s highlands. Expect rolling hayfields, classic rural scenery, and frequent wildlife sightings—bears, deer, eagles, loons, and moose—with scenic turnouts offering front-row vantage points.

Are there notable stops or amenities along the route?
Yes. Visitors can hike to the Peekaboo Mountain Fire Tower from the area. The trail provides access to a 360-degree panoramic viewpoint, but hikers should be prepared for a moderate forest hike. Danforth, the southern anchor and a former lumber town in the Baskahegan River Valley, offers small-town services. Weston features an historic portage linking Baskahegan Stream to East Grand Lake, distinctive historic buildings like the Weston Community Church (once moved across the lake ice from Canada), and lodging at First Settler’s Lodge. The byway’s high point is near the top of Peekaboo Mountain, with several scenic pull-offs.

Is this a good drive for fall foliage?
Absolutely. The Million Dollar View is considered one of Maine’s signature foliage drives, known for vibrant autumn color and memorable lake-and-mountain vistas, making it a standout fall road trip.

What activities or onward routes are available from the byway?
The lakes—East Grand, Brackett, and Deering—are renowned for fishing, and the corridor is excellent for wildlife viewing. Nearby activities include fishing, boating, tubing, ATV riding, snowmobiling, hunting, and programming at the Danforth Pavilion like farmers' markets, live summer concerts, and festials. East Grand Lake hosts a huge ice fishing derby each winter. Visitors can also enjoy lodging, dining, and events in Danforth and surrounding communities.From the byway, travelers can continue north into Aroostook County or head east into New Brunswick, Canada, via the border crossing at Orient.