Best Route from Portland
 

I need to drive from Portland, Maine to the lake. Is there a good direct route?

In the past I've gone south to Portsmouth and north again but there has to be a more direct route.

Suggestions would be appreciated. :)

J

What part of the lake are you trying to get to?

I visit customers in Portland a few times a month. As Rattlesnake Gal asked, depends on which side of the lake you're trying to get to.

Since I'm in Laconia, I usually take 11 to 16 to the Spaulding and then get on the Maine Turnpike. The other route, which I take when I'm in a more relaxed mood is NH 25 to 16 to ME 25. That ends up around Westbrook. Less miles, but about the same amount of time. Probably the best way if your on the east side of the lake.

Kind of frustrating since Portland is due East of Laconia, but there's a big lake in the way :)

The only other way is to take Rt. 25 from Meredith, all the way over to Westbrook, ME. It's a long, slow ride through Maine. Nice scenery though, if you are not in a rush.

best route to Portland
 

We keep a sailboat in the Portland area, so we make this trip weekly.

Rte 11 to Rochester...Rte 202 in Rochester to 111..through Lebanon and Sanford straight through to the Maine turnpike in Biddeford. Get on the turnpike and Portland is 10 minutes up the road. It takes 1 hour to get from Alton to Biddeford.... Unless, of course you get stuck in an occasional Saturday morning parade in Sanford :eek:

pmj

My in-laws live in Biddeford so I make this trip often. I take the route recommended in the previous post (202 through Sanford and Alfred). It seems to be the most direct route. It's also an easy and scenic drive.

Merrymeeting

Back Road
 

If you're in Wolfeboro and want a back country road route Try Route #109 to Springvale ME then
ME-109 becomes MAIN ST/ME-11. go 2.2 miles
Turn LEFT onto BRIDGE ST/ME-224.
Continue to follow ME-224. go 2.0 miles
Turn LEFT onto COTTAGE ST/US-202/CARL BROGGI HWY.
Continue to follow US-202.
Stay straight to go onto ALFRED ST W/ME-111 to Interstate 95 North.

:rolleye2:

Check it out on map

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm taking the trip next weekend and I'll try out your advice.

J