traveling to Maine

temccarthy1 wrote:

CloudDriver wrote:
My suggestion - Chestertown is on the east side of Chesapeake Bay. Head north on local roads to I95 to the NJ Turnpike. Near Woodbridge NJ, take I287 to the NY Thruway north to I84 to the Mass Turnpike, then I495 around Boston to join I95 into New Hampshire and Maine.

Zero low bridges or tunnels on this route.

I second this route! I'm from Maine living in NJ for 25 years( where the jobs are) and take this route several times each summer! It is the way to go!

X3 !

This is the route to take.
When you get to Maine, you are going to find 4 different areas.

Southern Maine (South of Auburn / Lewiston) is very busy. Campgrounds will be busy in August. A lot of summer traffic on 95 so be warned. 3-4 mile bumper to bumper backups heading south is common towards the southern part of the state.

Western Maine, look for Jay / Rangeley / Caratunk less populated. Mountain and stream areas. Plenty of dirt roads, campgrounds here are not as busy. Less to "do" more to "see" here. Mountains, hikes, views.. and always make a point to feed the thru hikers. They have been through a lot to get to this point and a beer or a sandwich might has well be a gift from heaven. (Trust me on this one). Lots of flying bugs up in the mountains, but the views make up for it.

Down East. Ellsworth is VERY busy. Acadia is VERY busy. Expect lines and traffic. To the north and south, up and down the coast from Ellsworth, towns are traditional coastal towns. Great food, plenty to see and enjoy.

Northern Maine. Lincoln and north.. but really Houlton north. Great community, less population. Plenty of space for camping as well as RV parks. Cooler weather, friendly folks. Awesome vegetable stands, and of course the planetary solar system model that is right next to the road makes for great conversation.

Have fun, eat lobster, have a Maine microbrew or two and just relax.
Just don't forget the bug spray.

(39 year resident now out in the desert south west)