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Evans Notch Scenic Byway: One of the Most Beautiful Scenic Drives in Western Maine
The Evans Notch Scenic Byway is one of the most breathtaking and peaceful drives in the White Mountains region. Following Route 113 through the White Mountain National Forest, the byway winds through rugged mountain terrain, quiet forests, and dramatic valleys connecting Lovell, Maine and the town of Gilead, Maine.
The Evans Notch Scenic Byway (Route 113) is a remote, narrow, and quiet alternative to the busier notches in the White Mountain National Forest. It stretches between Fryeburg, Maine in the south and Gilead, Maine in the north, briefly crossing into New Hampshire along the way.
Unlike the busier scenic routes in the region, Evans Notch remains relatively undiscovered, making it a favorite among travelers seeking a quieter way to experience the mountains of western Maine and New Hampshire.
For guests staying at the Center Lovell Inn, the scenic drive begins just minutes from the inn.
Autumn is one of the most spectacular times to explore Evans Notch. During peak foliage season in late September and early October, the mountainsides become a vibrant display of red, orange, and gold. The quiet nature of the road allows visitors to fully enjoy the scenery without the heavy traffic often found on more famous foliage routes.
A Scenic Drive Through the White Mountain National Forest
The Evans Notch Scenic Byway stretches roughly 15 miles through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, offering visitors sweeping mountain views, hiking trail access, and beautiful riverside scenery.
Highlights along the drive include:
- Towering granite cliffs and rugged mountain slopes
- Dense forests of maple, birch, and pine
- Scenic overlooks and pull-offs
- Access to hiking trails and waterfalls
- Quiet picnic areas along mountain streams
Because of its winding mountain terrain and natural beauty, the drive feels far removed from busy tourist corridors.
One of the Best Fall Foliage Drives in New England
Key Stops and Activities
The Basin, Evans Notch Scenic Byway
The Basin (also known as Basin Pond) is a pristine glacial pond on the south side of the notch, popular for fishing, picnicking, and light paddling. Located on a 23-acre mountain reservoir, it is a much quieter, more secluded alternative to the famous “Basin” in Franconia Notch.
- Basin Pond: A tranquil reservoir created by a dam in 1969, surrounded by steep cliffs on the slopes of West Royce and Mount Meader. It is popular for fishing (trout), canoeing, and swimming.
- Basin Pond: A tranquil reservoir created by a dam in 1969, surrounded by steep cliffs on the slopes of West Royce and Mount Meader. It is popular for fishing (trout), canoeing, and swimming.
- Scenic Overlook: The Evans Notch Overlook provides expansive views of the watershed divide between the Androscoggin and Saco rivers.
- Waterfalls: Hermit Falls is accessible via a short side loop from the main Basin Trail, featuring cascades in a hemlock ravine.
Natural Attractions
- Basin Pond: A tranquil reservoir created by a dam in 1969, surrounded by steep cliffs on the slopes of West Royce and Mount Meader. The pond’s calm, pristine water make it a popular spot for fishing (trout), canoeing, and swimming.
- Scenic Overlook: The Evans Notch Overlook provides expansive views of the watershed divide between the Androscoggin and Saco rivers. Making it a perfect location for Picnicking; there is a dedicated day-use area with picnic tables and a boat launch, offering stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. Geologically, it is a glacial cirque, a bowl-shaped valley surrounded by the steep, rocky slopes of West Royce and Mount Meader
- Hiking Opportunities:
- The Basin Trail: A roughly 4.5-mile trail that leaves directly from the Basin Campground. It skirts the shoreline before climbing steeply toward the ridge.
- Hermit Falls: A short, well-marked detour from the main Basin Trail leads to these scenic cascades.
- Basin Rim Trail: For the best views, hikers can continue to Rim Junction, which offers a dramatic “birds-eye” view of the pond shimmering in the notch below.
Parking & Facilities
- Parking: As part of the White Mountain National Forest, a Recreation Day Use fee ($5) typically applies at trailhead parking lots unless you have a valid Interagency Pass (e.g., America the Beautiful).
- Location: Located on Basin Road in Chatham, NH, about 15 miles north of Fryeburg, ME.
- Camping: The Basin Campground offers a small, rustic facility with approximately 20 sites for tents and small trailers. Amenities includes drinking water and flush toilets (seasonal), but no showers, electricity, or cell service. Generally $30 per night for a single-family site.
- Restrooms: It provides seasonal vault toilets.
- Restrictions: Dogs are allowed. Note that non-motorized boats only are allowed on the pond.
Evans Notch Overlook, Evans Notch Scenic Byway
Evans Notch is a scenic mountain pass located in the easternmost part of the White Mountain National Forest, straddling the border between Maine and New Hampshire. It is known as a “hidden gem” that offers a quieter alternative to the more crowded areas of the White Mountains, such as the Kancamagus Highway or Franconia Notch.
The Evans Notch Overlook is a high-altitude scenic pull-off located on Route 113, roughly 14 miles north of the junction with Route 2. It marks the watershed divide between the Androscoggin River to the north and the Saco River to the south offering panoramic views.
Natural Attractions
- The View: It offers rare, unobstructed panoramic views of the Speckled Mountain Watershed and the steep cliffs and valleys of the eastern White Mountains.
- The Divide: An interpretive sign explains the geological significance of the spot where water separates to flow either north or south.
- Wild River: Located just north of the overlook, this area features one of the region’s longest and highest suspension bridges.
- Hiking: The Roost is a nearby short, family-friendly hike that provides an even higher vantage point over the Wild River Valley.
Parking & Facilities
- Parking: The overlook has a small, paved parking area (fitting about 4–5 cars) that is wheelchair accessible. The parking area is a pull-off directly from Maine State Route 113, making it easy for vehicles to stop and take a break.
- Accessibility: The lot includes wheelchair-accessible parking spaces.
Rattlesnake Pool, Evans Notch Scenic Byway
A famous, crystal-clear (and very cold) swimming hole reached via a short hike from the Stone House trailhead.
Rattlesnake Pool is a stunning, emerald-green, (and very cold) swimming hole located on the eastern side of the Evans Notch Scenic Byway in Stow, Maine. It is reached via a short hike from the Stone House trailhead. Known for its crystal-clear water and mossy, “lagoon-like” setting, it is one of the most popular natural attractions in the region.
Natural Attractions
- The Water: The pool is famous for its vibrant teal or emerald color, created by reflections of the surrounding forest and clean mountain water. It remains frigid year-round (often described as “ice-cold”) because it is heavily shaded by hemlock trees.
- The Waterfall: A small, 12-foot horsetail waterfall—part of Rattlesnake Flume—constantly feeds the pool.
- Hiking:
- Direct Route: A relatively easy 2.5-mile round-trip walk starting on the flat Shell Pond Road before turning onto the Stone House Trail.
- Blueberry Mountain Loop: For a more strenuous adventure, many hikers take the White Cairn Trail to the summit of Blueberry Mountain (approx. 5 miles total) and visit the pool on the descent via the Stone House Trail.
Parking & Facilities
- Location: Access is via Shell Pond Road (also known as Stone House Road) off Route 113 in Stow, Maine.
- Parking: There is a small 6-car lot at the gate, but visitors often park along the shoulder of the road. An SUV or AWD vehicle is recommended as the access road can be rough.
- Private Property: The trail and the pool are located on private land. The owners graciously allow public access, but visitors must stay on marked trails, carry out all trash, and follow “Leave No Trace” principles to ensure it remains open.
- Restrooms: There are no bathrooms or amenities at the site.
- Restrictions: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash and owners must carry out all waste. The path down to the water is steep and can be very slippery.
Brickett Place, Evans Notch Scenic Byway
Located in Stow, Maine, Brickett Place is a historic Federal-style farmhouse that serves as a Wilderness Education Center and information site for the White Mountain National Forest. Built around 1830 by homesteader John Brickett using bricks fired on-site, it is recognized as the oldest building in the U.S. Forest Service’s Eastern Region.
Historical Significance
- Original Construction: Built between 1812 and 1830 by John Brickett, a homesteader who hand-made the bricks and hewed the timber himself.
- Architectural Style: A unique example of vernacular Federal architecture in a remote setting, featuring an almost square footprint, four interior chimneys, and a three-light transom window above the entrance.
- Varied Legacy: Over two centuries, it has served as a remote family farm, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) headquarters during the construction of Route 113 in the 1930s, an Appalachian Mountain Club hut, and a Boy Scouts bunkhouse.
- National Recognition: It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Natural Attractions
Brickett Place serves as a key stop on the Evans Notch Scenic Byway, a quieter, “hidden gem” alternative to the more popular Kancamagus Highway.
- Hiking Access: The Bickford Brook Trail begins directly from the parking lot, providing access to the Caribou/Speckled Mountain Wilderness.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures Along Evans Notch
The scenic byway provides access to several popular hiking areas within the White Mountain National Forest. Trails lead to waterfalls, mountain summits, and remote forest landscapes.
Outdoor activities in the area include:
- Hiking and nature walks
- Wildlife viewing
- Photography and scenic overlooks
- Mountain biking and backcountry exploration
Because the area remains less developed than other parts of the White Mountains, it offers a more peaceful outdoor experience.
Stay Near the Evans Notch Scenic Byway
The historic Center Lovell Inn is located just minutes from the entrance to the Evans Notch Scenic Byway, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Guests can spend the day enjoying scenic drives, hiking trails, and fall foliage before returning to the quiet countryside setting of the inn.
Located near Kezar Lake and the White Mountains, the inn offers convenient access to many of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions.
For travelers seeking scenic beauty, outdoor adventure, and a relaxing place to stay, the Center Lovell Inn provides a welcoming retreat in western Maine.
🍁Visit our Best Fall Foliage in Maine & Best Fall Foliage Drives Near Fryeburg Maine for more fall fun things to do.