There's no way to figure out how many times I have driven through Carrabassett Valley on Route 27, and there are a lot of other people in the same boat. I can say in all honesty that I have never been bored with or tired of it. The only times I haven't taken the time to enjoy the ride have been when I've been late for work, late for skiing, negotiating six inches of slush or a foot of snow (with no snow tires of course), I'm late for an event, listening to an epic song, or in a bad mood. Even in the dark there's always a chance you might see northern lights over Longfellow Range, not to mention a full moon rising.
There are several points along the road that take your breath away, including views of the Carrabassett River following alongside. The most famous, however, is "Oh my gosh!" corner when Sugarloaf Mountain comes abruptly into view and first-timers blurt out, you guessed it, "Oh my gosh!"
The Longfellow Range, which runs along the other side of the valley, is more of a tease. You're awarded glimpses of it before it is revealed in one huge awesome panoramic. At this point I'm seeing a glimpse of the Bigelows. The foliage is already turning over from a spectacular peak season, and the light is flat as it will be in the fall, but it's still pretty cool I think.
Valley Drive • 8" x 8" acrylic framed to 12" x 12" • $250
