Route From SC to Bar Harbor,Me

[The Old Fogies]

We're starting to plan a trip to Maine in Aug. Sept. Looking for ideas on the Route that would be the best around the larger cities. We're not sure about the tolls roads or other things to look out for.
Thanks

[Pete Hanson]

There is basically one north/south highway in Maine and that is Route 95. Unfortunately this is a toll road but not that expensive compared to other states we've traveled through. The old north/south road is Route 1 which hugs the coastline and goes through every town and city along the coast. There are some nice campgrounds along Route 1 and the coastline is beautiful but you can't be in a rush to get from the southern Maine border to Bar Harbor. The bottom line is how fast you want to get to Bar Harbor while in Maine. BTW.....Bar Harbor is a wonderful place to visit, however during July and August the traffic and parking up there is not so good. Once in a campground on the island you can take advantage of a free public bus system that will take you door-to-door to everywhere you want to go. You can jump on and off busses whenever you want. Very convenient.

[Gkerlin]

We've made the trip from the NC coast to upstate NY dozens of times.

I prefer to take US 17 to Norfolk, then take US 13 across the Chesapeake bay bridge tunnel and up the eastern shore thru Va, Md, and Delaware. This is much more scenic and avoids a big chunk of the I95 madness along with Richmond, Washington, and Baltimore.

You have to drive across the bridge - all 23 miles of it - so if that makes you nervous it's something to consider. The toll for the bridge is pricy at $28.

Theres a couple of state parks in Md and Delaware to overnight along with RV parks if that's your preference.

[HOOK]

You might entertain the thought of coming to the Mid Atlantic rally in Mt Airy NC, Aug 1-6 at Mayberry campground. Nice diversion and not far off route.

[H. John Kohl]

This post addresses going from Buffalo, NY to Fl. In it is my recommendation around Washington DC.

[padredw]

On a recent trip from the Niagara Falls Area I followed pretty well this route of John Kohl around Baltimore and Washington, DC.

quote:US 15 at Corning, NY to Bealeton, VA where you pick up 17 to I95 in Fredrick, VA. Then I 95 south. I take this route US 15 from Gettysburg,PA to Bealeton, VA.

The only variation in the immediate Washington area is that I took I-66 for a short distance to the 234 Bypass to I-95 S. It was not too bad as far as traffic was concerned. Of course, traffic was heavy on I-95 itself, but we moved right along.

If I had known of John's advise at the time, I probably would have followed his route exactly. Where we agree is on US 15 which allows this bypass.

[Bigboomer]

Not sure where in SC you are starting out in but I would suggest I-77 to I-81 to I-84 which will then hook-up with I-95 well past the major cities.

Anything with 95 in it until you get past the NYC metro area will be a nightmare, even if you go thru RT.13 along the coast.

95 in ME is not to bad.

Good Luck.

Les

[Ski Doo]

quote:Originally posted by Bigboomer

Not sure where in SC you are starting out in but I would suggest I-77 to I-81 to I-84 which will then hook-up with I-95 well past the major cities.

Anything with 95 in it until you get past the NYC metro area will be a nightmare, even if you go thru RT.13 along the coast.

95 in ME is not to bad.

Good Luck.
Les

This is my preferred route, except tomorrow when it will be rain along the coast but snow inland.
While this route is about 100 miles longer the driving time is about the same, skipping Baltimore and Washington DC is worth it.

[mainer]

quote:Originally posted by Bigboomer

Not sure where in SC you are starting out in but I would suggest I-77 to I-81 to I-84 which will then hook-up with I-95 well past the major cities.

Anything with 95 in it until you get past the NYC metro area will be a nightmare, even if you go thru RT.13 along the coast.

95 in ME is not to bad.

Good Luck.

Les

We live in Maine and the only other thing that I would suggest is to take I-84 to I-90 (Mass. Pike) to I-495 then I-95. You will avoid the Boston area and I-495 is a much more relaxed drive.


If you would like more detailed information would be glad to help.

[The Old Fogies]

quote:Originally posted by HOOK

You might entertain the thought of coming to the Mid Atlantic rally in Mt Airy NC, Aug 1-6 at Mayberry campground. Nice diversion and not far off route.

I'll be working that week. We are looking forward to making one of the Rallies. Missed this one by one week.