Driving the Golden Road

The Golden Road is a legend. Built by the Great Northern Paper Company in the 1970s, it was designed to haul wood from the Canadian border to the mills in Millinocket, replacing the river drives.

It is unpaved, rough, and runs through one of the largest tracts of uninhabited forest in the United States.

Why Drive It?

• Access: It is the gateway to the North Maine Woods, the Penobscot River (for rafting), and remote campsites.
• Views: It offers stunning, up-close views of Mount Katahdin from Abol Bridge.
• Wildlife: It is prime moose country.

The Rules of the Road (Life Safety)

This is a private industrial road.

1. Trucks Rule: Logging trucks have the absolute right of way. They are 100,000+ pounds and cannot stop quickly. If you see one, pull over and stop.
2. No Cell Service: There is zero signal. Download maps offline.
3. Tires: The gravel is sharp. Flat tires are common. Bring a full-sized spare and know how to change it.
4. Headlights: Keep them on at all times.

Key Stops

• Abol Bridge: The classic view of Katahdin. There is a campground and store here (last gas/food).
• The Cribworks: A famous Class V rapid on the Penobscot River that runs right next to the road.

Start Point: Millinocket (off Route 11). End Point: The Quebec Border (St. Zacharie). Vehicle: High-clearance SUV or truck recommended.