From Ellsworth, take U.S. Route 1 North toward the east.  At about thirty miles you pass through the town of Milbridge, which is about half way to Machias. In the center of the village you turn right onto Route 1A, which rejoins Route 1 in Harrington.  Blueberry barrens dominate the landscape for miles along the highway. Wild blueberries are a major part of the Washington County economy and are celebrated in the Machias Blueberry Festival in August, an event worth taking in.

     As you enter the urban area of the city the Campus of the University of Maine at Machias is on the right.  A short distance further The Bad Little Falls, for which the city is named, thunder under the highway. A footbridge allows the visitor to get a clear view of the rushing water and a sense of its power.

     An important part of Machias history is to be found in the Burnham Tavern, situated right in the center of town. It was here that the town's people gathered to plot their actions against the  British during the Revolutionary War.  Machias men captured the British sloop of war and the wounded captain of that ship was brought to the Burnham Tavern.  The tavern is open to the public seasonally.

     Jasper Beach is situated about 8 miles south of Machias at Bucks Harbor.  A beach in name only, the half-mile long crescent is composed of red, green, or brown jasper rocks that have been rounded and polished by wave action.  It is a wonderful place for rock hounds.

     On the return to Ellsworth stay on Route 1 and pass through Cherryfield where you can take the scenic route 182 through forest and lake country. Return to Route 1 in Hancock. The total length of the trip is about 145 miles.