Getting to Sugarloaf

frozencorn · Jan 30, 2008, 11:56 AM

Heading to the Loaf for the first time next weekend and wondering the best way to get there from the Boston area.

Their site gives 2 options: Any suggestions as to which one is quicker?

Take I-95 North to Augusta, Exit 112B (formerly 31B) - Follow Route 27 North through Farmington and Kingfield, straight to Sugarloaf.

or

Take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) to Auburn, Exit 75 (formerly 12) - Follow Route 4 North through Farmington - Get on Route 27 North through Kingfield, straight to Sugarloaf.

Talisman · Jan 30, 2008, 12:13 PM

I used to drive to the Loaf a lot and getting off in Augusta was the best route for me. Truthfully it is a long drive either way.

snowmonster · Jan 30, 2008, 12:16 PM

They're essentially the same though I prefer to get off the Turnpike at Auburn. If the drive conditions are good, you can get from Boston to Sugarloaf in about 4.5 hours. The mountain is worth the drive. Have fun!

**MichaelJ** · Jan 30, 2008, 12:46 PM

I like Augusta. It means a longer mind-numbing time on I-95, but it also means avoiding all the bizarre traffic patterns through Auburn. There's nary a traffic light between Augusta and where 4 re-encounters 16 (Farmington?) and it's much easier going than all the slights and slow roads in Auburn, in my opinion.

SIKSKIER · Jan 30, 2008, 1:26 PM

I prefer the Augusta route myself.Besides Farmington the only real slow area is the Belgrade Lakes section.No real easy way.

SKIQUATTRO · Jan 30, 2008, 1:28 PM

I might be up in Portland ME in the next few weeks (seeing customers) how far a drive from Portland to the Loaf?? I will be driving back to Long Island

wa-loaf · Jan 30, 2008, 1:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelJ

I like Augusta. It means a longer mind-numbing time on I-95, but it also means avoiding all the bizarre traffic patterns through Auburn. There's nary a traffic light between Augusta and where 4 re-encounters 16 (Farmington?) and it's much easier going than all the slights and slow roads in Auburn, in my opinion.

If you're going on through to Augusta don't stay on the ME turnpike. Take 95 through Portland and past Freeport. It's about 15 mins faster.

Mildcat · Jan 30, 2008, 1:34 PM

If I leave early enough to miss the traffic in Auburn then I find Rt.4 quicker. One short cut to save about 15-20 mins. is to take a left onto Crash Rd. right before the town of Jay. Rt.4 loops around to the right and slows down going through some of the towns there. Crash Rd. goes straight up and has a higher speed limit. At the end of the road take a right and it'll take you back onto Rt.4. I don't think there is a street sign for Crash Rd. so check it out on Google Earth first to see where it is.

You're in for a great time, Sugarloaf is an awesome place.

MikeTrainor · Jan 30, 2008, 1:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa-loaf

If you're going on through to Augusta don't stay on the ME turnpike. Take 95 through Portland and past Freeport. It's about 15 mins faster.

The switched the roads a few years ago. 95 is now the old 495 and i believe the old route was renamed 295. But yes if you are getting off in Augusta take 295 in Portland.

**MichaelJ** · Jan 30, 2008, 2:43 PM

Indeed, 295 is an excellent suggestion. It doesn't work for Sunday River (295 rejoins 95 well past Gray) but is a definite optimization for Sugarloaf.

As to the renaming/renumbering ...
The Maine Turnpike is now 95 the whole way. The exit numbers are the mile markers starting at the NH border. The road that splits off and goes through downtown Portland, skirts Brunswick, and rejoins in Gardiner, is now 295. The road that connects 95 and 295 in Falmouth is now unnumbered.

Turnpike Renumbering Brochure

Jan 30, 2008, 11:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
frozencorn Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: NE Posts: 406	Getting to Sugarloaf Heading to the Loaf for the first time next weekend and wondering the best way to get there from the Boston area. Their site gives 2 options: Any suggestions as to which one is quicker? Take I-95 North to Augusta, Exit 112B (formerly 31B) - Follow Route 27 North through Farmington and Kingfield, straight to Sugarloaf. or Take the Maine Turnpike (I-95) to Auburn, Exit 75 (formerly 12) - Follow Route 4 North through Farmington - Get on Route 27 North through Kingfield, straight to Sugarloaf.

Jan 30, 2008, 12:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
snowmonster Stowe - December 31, 2007 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my mind, northern New England Posts: 823	They're essentially the same though I prefer to get off the Turnpike at Auburn. If the drive conditions are good, you can get from Boston to Sugarloaf in about 4.5 hours. The mountain is worth the drive. Have fun! __________________ To you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high.

Jan 30, 2008, 12:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
MichaelJ Snowbird love Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: The Watch City Posts: 2,170	I like Augusta. It means a longer mind-numbing time on I-95, but it also means avoiding all the bizarre traffic patterns through Auburn. There's nary a traffic light between Augusta and where 4 re-encounters 16 (Farmington?) and it's much easier going than all the slights and slow roads in Auburn, in my opinion. __________________ Skiing combines outdoor fun with knocking down trees with your face. - Dave Barry Waterville 11/30

Jan 30, 2008, 1:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
SIKSKIER Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bedford and Franconia NH Posts: 479	I prefer the Augusta route myself.Besides Farmington the only real slow area is the Belgrade Lakes section.No real easy way. __________________ SIKSKIER

Jan 30, 2008, 1:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
SKIQUATTRO Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LI, NY Posts: 1,560	I might be up in Portland ME in the next few weeks (seeing customers) how far a drive from Portland to the Loaf?? I will be driving back to Long Island __________________ updownupdownupdownupdown

Jan 30, 2008, 12:13 PM	#2 (permalink)
Talisman Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New England, ayup Posts: 392	I used to drive to the Loaf a lot and getting off in Augusta was the best route for me. Truthfully it is a long drive either way.

Jan 30, 2008, 1:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mildcat Hibernating for Summer. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Worcester, Ma. Posts: 774	If I leave early enough to miss the traffic in Auburn then I find Rt.4 quicker. One short cut to save about 15-20 mins. is to take a left onto Crash Rd. right before the town of Jay. Rt.4 loops around to the right and slows down going through some of the towns there. Crash Rd. goes straight up and has a higher speed limit. At the end of the road take a right and it'll take you back onto Rt.4. I don't think there is a street sign for Crash Rd. so check it out on Google Earth first to see where it is. You're in for a great time, Sugarloaf is an awesome place.

Jan 30, 2008, 2:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
MichaelJ Snowbird love Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: The Watch City Posts: 2,170	Indeed, 295 is an excellent suggestion. It doesn't work for Sunday River (295 rejoins 95 well past Gray) but is a definite optimization for Sugarloaf. As to the renaming/renumbering ... The Maine Turnpike is now 95 the whole way. The exit numbers are the mile markers starting at the NH border. The road that splits off and goes through downtown Portland, skirts Brunswick, and rejoins in Gardiner, is now 295. The road that connects 95 and 295 in Falmouth is now unnumbered. Turnpike Renumbering Brochure __________________ Skiing combines outdoor fun with knocking down trees with your face. - Dave Barry Waterville 11/30

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