Camden to Fryeburg - Scenic Route

Question

We will be leaving Camden on October 3rd and driving to Fryeburg. We are looking for fairly quick but scenic routes. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Driving from Camden to Fryeburg in early October offers a beautiful opportunity to enjoy Maine’s fall foliage while keeping your trip fairly efficient. Here are some scenic route suggestions:

Primary Route (Quickest & Scenic):

Take Route 1 north out of Camden, then cut over onto Route 3 west toward Belfast. This provides coastal views early in your drive before heading inland.
From Belfast, take Route 7 west toward Dexter and then connect to Route 17/Route 202. This inland portion showcases classic New England scenery with farms, forests, and lakes.
Continue on Route 302 west from Bridgton directly into Fryeburg. This is a relatively direct route that still offers beautiful wooded areas and some river views.

Alternative Scenic Option (Slightly Longer):

Head northwest from Camden on Route 105 toward Belgrade Lakes. This detour passes several scenic lakes and charming small towns.
Join Route 27 south and then west toward Bridgton, reconnecting with Route 302 into Fryeburg. This route adds roughly 30–40 minutes but provides more fall foliage vistas and quieter rural roads.

Tips for the Drive:

Start early to enjoy the morning light on the lakes and foliage.
Keep your camera ready for roadside pull-offs; especially along Belgrade Lakes and around Bridgton, there are many small parks or viewpoints.
Plan for a coffee or snack break in a charming small town such as Bridgton or Denmark, which also lets you stretch and enjoy the scenery.

Both routes offer a good mix of speed and scenery, so you can choose based on whether you prefer a slightly faster coastal-to-inland route or a longer, more picturesque lakes-and-forest route.

Camden to Fryeburg - Scenic Route

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