Vermont to Maine thoughts?

[dirtandgreens]

Hello.  I am in the beginning stages of planning a Vermont to Maine tour this summer.  I am pretty familiar with a number of places there, having lived all over New England for awhile.  However, I've never linked the three states in a tour and am looking for advice on routes.  I am fairly flexible with starting locations and perhaps end locations as well.   Probably ending somewhere in the midcoast Maine region to meet family.  I am also flexible on time as I have a few weeks to play with.  Any thoughts on must do's or must not do's?  Thanks for your ideas!

[John Nelson]

One-way or round-trip?

What do you think of the ACA Northern Tier route?

[karmelj]

I did the ACA Northern Teir route from Middlebury, VT to Dameriscota, ME.  II had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and monster assents.

[FredHiltz]

+1

The Northern Tier is a great way to see some of the Green and White Mountains. For extra beauty, consider the northern part of the Green Mountains Loop, which would add two or three days before joining NT to cross New Hampshire.

Black flies are not much trouble on the road, but will make life miserable in camp until about July 4, or the last week of June if you are lucky.

Fred

[karmelj]

Oh and I recommend stopping at a run down general store called Patterson's in Orford, NH for a Terriaki Steak sandwich.  The place doesn't look like anything special, but it was the best meal of my life.

[jimbo]

I did a southern VT, NH ME trip that ended at Wells ME. It was at the end of a xc trip so we did it efficiently   in 3 days. Manchester VT using US #11 to Georges Mill NH;  to Rochester NH; to Wells Beach.

[dirtandgreens]

Some good advice, thanks.  I am doing a one way trip, starting the first- second week of July in Burlington.  I'm planning a route loosely around visiting friends and places I miss from living on the east coast.  Planning to end anywhere between Harpswell and Tenants Harbor.  Currently wondering about whether to include Stowe/ Smuggs Notch, or to more follow 89 to Waterbury.  Any thoughts on good Burlington to Stowe routes?  What about Smuggs on a bike? I've done it years ago, but not loaded down. Thanks for the advice... It's keeping me excited about planning!