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Maine is well-served by major highways and local roads into every corner

Interstate highways, state highways and local road take you easily to every corner of Maine. If you feel adventurous, try exploring some of the famous old logging roads
Driving Routes to the South Coast Region

While I-95 is the most direct route to reach any of the coastal towns and cities, U.S. Route 1 and its auxiliary branches will provide a more scenic drive. Use these routes to get to all the shoreline areas, including Ogunquit, Kittery, Portland, the Yorks, Wells, Kennebunk, Cape Elizabeth and Old Orchard Beach.

Further inland, U.S. Route 202 passes through Sanford, Waterboro, Buxton, Gorham, and Windham.

I-495, an adjunct of I-95, takes a more westerly course -- further inland -- from Portland, up into Lewiston and on to Augusta, where it re-unites with I-95.

One final note: Travelers in the summer months should be prepared for heavy traffic on I-95, anywhere within the South Coast.
Driving Routes to Midcoast Maine

I-95 is the only Interstate that passes near to Maine's Midcoast. Travelers from all points north and south will best reach the region by taking I-95 into the state of Maine. Several routes reach different areas of the Midcoast from I-95.

U.S. Route 1 is the best road to take through the region itself, passing through or very near all the shoreline resort communities, including Brunswick, Bath, Wiscasset, Damariscotta, Waldoboro, Rockport, Camden, Belfast and Searsport.

Other state highways intersect with Route 1, taking travelers north back toward I-95, or south toward the water where U.S. 1 itself does not hug the coastline.
Driving Routes to Augusta Kennebec Moose River Valleys

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The Kennebec/Moose River Valley is a long, narrow region that borders I-95 on its south end and Quebec on the north. Route 201 bisects the region vertically, traveling north from I-95 to the Canadian border.

Travelers coming from both the north and south should take I-95, except those coming down from Quebec, who can reach the area directly by taking 201 traveling due south.

I-95 runs along the southern end of the region, and takes travelers through the towns of Gardiner, Hallowell, Waterville, Pittsfield, Clinton, as well as the state capital, Augusta.

Route 201 also runs through Augusta, and then heads north, passing through or near Norridgwock, Skowhegan, Bingham, Caratunk, the Forks, Moose River and Jackman.

Driving Routes to the Western Lakes and Mountains

Maine's Western Lakes and Mountains Region is best reached by car via I-95. From points south, travelers should take I-95 north and pick up Route 302 north. From points north, travelers should take I-95 south into Bangor, then follow Route 2 west.

Three US highways which run through the region. Route 302 runs from Fryeburg through Bridgton, Windham, to Portland.

U.S. Route 202 runs northward from the South Coast, passing through Auburn, Lewiston and Leeds before heading into the Kennebec region.

U.S. Route 2 takes an east-west route through Gilead, Bethel, Rumford, Mexico, Wilton, and Farmington. The highway continues on to the east, ending in Bangor.

Routes 27, 16 and 17 pass through Rangely, Stratton, Bigelow, Carrabassett, and Grafton Notch State Park.
Driving Routes to Maine Highlands

Kahtadin Moosehead is accessible via I-95. Visitors from north and south should begin with the I-95. It passes near Lincoln, Mattawamkeag and Millinocket, and through Medway. It runs only through the southeastern corner of the region.

Maine Routes 11 and 6 will goes through the southwestern part of the region, and to Milo, Dover-Foxcroft and up towards Greenville (on Route 6 and 15).

Local roads lead further north, up to Baxter State Park and the whitewater areas near Ripogenus Dam.

Route 11 northward from Millinocket and Medway will take travelers up to Sherman, Patten and Hersey.

From Patten, Route 159 heads north to Shin Pond.
Driving Routes to Aroostook Region

Almost the entire western part of the region has no state or federal highway. This region is the most remote in New England; few services will be available between eastern Aroostook and Quebec.

I-95 reaches its northern tip on the Canadian border at Houlton. Other Aroostook locations along I-95 are Smyrna, Oakfield, Golden Ridge, Island Falls, and Molunkus.

From Canada, take U.S. 1 south from Fort Kent on Route 11.

Use Route 1 to reach Littleton, Monticello, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield, Caribou, Van Buren, Madawaska and Fort Kent.

Use Route 11 to reach Ashland, Portage, Winterville, Eagle Lake and Fort Kent.

The Allagash Waterway is reached via private roads that are open to the public. No major road goes west of Allagash, on Route 161.