Baxter to Monson: alternate routes

[Papa Bear]

As mentioned in another thread, we will be leaving a car at Abol Bridge outside of Baxter State Park and driving our 2nd car to Monson to start our hike. Obviously when we're all done 2 weeks later, we will drive to Monson again to pick up the car left there.

A route was suggested to me: take the Golden Road and then the Greenville Road over and down to Moosehead lake and then down Rte 15 to Monson. The route is described as very scenic - a "gem" (although I was warned to watch out for the pot holes, rocks and moose). I had not thought of this route. I had just thought we would take Rte. 11 from Millinocket down to Milo and then pick up Rte 15 in Guilford for Monson.

How do these routes compare for distance? Time? Scenary? Any other suggested routes? Sice we are driving down twice so we can go two different ways.

Thanks
Pb

 

[Fitz]

Greenville Road

The Greenville road is a little rough and dusty (watch for, make way for trucks too), but you can probably do 30 to 35 MPH. I just went through there a couple of weeks ago. I always go that way to the North Maine Woods.

At Kokadjo it turns to pavement and there are nice views of Moosehead from the paved road. I think it might be quicker than the Milo Route, but I haven't traveled that way in many years.

Have a great trip.

 

[Stan]

That's my favorite route. It is gravel between Big Eddy and Kodajko so go easy on your tires ... the voice of experience here ... if a grader has been through recently the sharp rocks will blow out your tire. Check your tires and your spare and heed the 30-35 mph advice.

Pay attention to your mileage as there are a couple places where it is easy to miss a turn. There are handmade signs that are helpful.

Another gravel but shorter route is the Katahdin Ironworks Road but the fee for just passing through is $8/person (under 12 and over 70 free).