Blackwoods Scenic Byway · ME-182

The Downeast shortcut through woods and lakes, one way: from Hancock ME-182 runs east to Franklin and then along the Blackwoods Scenic Byway between Tunk, Black and Schoodic mountains, past Fox Pond and Tunk Lake, to Cherryfield, the wild blueberry capital. It's 23 miles of narrow road with tight bends. There are few services between Franklin and Cherryfield, and the way back on US-1 is straighter and busier.

ME-182 runs about 23.5 miles between Hancock and Cherryfield as an inland bypass of US-1, and its eastern half, about 12.5 miles between Franklin and Cherryfield, is the Blackwoods Scenic Byway, named for Colonel John Black. The road passes between Tunk, Black and Schoodic mountains and along the shores of five lakes and ponds. Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land, with its trails up Black Mountain, and the boat launches at Donnell Pond and Tunk Lake are just off the road.

The route ends in Cherryfield, known as the wild blueberry capital of the world; in fall the blueberry barrens around it turn red. ME-182 is narrow, with tight bends, and services are few between Franklin and Cherryfield, so fuel in Ellsworth or Hancock. It's a one-way route: the way back on US-1 is straighter and carries more traffic, and the afternoon wind can be strong on the open water of Tunk Lake.