I would like to drive west to east across Northern Maine staying as close to the border as I could. Is this a bad idea I was planning on doing it with a VW aircooled camper but I could go in my 4X4 if I had to. I wanted to start at Rangley and head to Jackman keeping as far north as I can. Getting though above Moosehead and heading to Patten maybe by going all the way around and back I don't know. Driving some of the golden road. What do folks think? I was going to give it a try last year but it did not work out. I would also like suggestions on some “must see” things along the way.
This is still in the planning stage. What I would like to not do is have to cross into Canada if I can help it. Is this foolish?

futhur,

We had some serious flooding up in the "county" this spring and there's a s!#t load of washed out culverts, bridges, and roads so you might want to check out this site for road conditions...

http://www.northmainewoods.org/

But to answer your question you use to be able to drive woods roads through out most of the northern part of the state ,,, get yourself a Delorme Atlas and a GPS and head for the woods...

http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtp...p?section=10096

There are gate / camping fees to pay ... I highly suggest a 4 X 4 with 10 ply tires and two spares !!!!!

A ride from Rangley to Patten is doable in one day ( providing the roads are still passable),, although it's not as far north as you can go in the north woods.. You would be useing the Golden road and staying south of the Baxter State Park,,, lots a country north of that !!!!

can be done, just be prepaired for the worst. bring winch rope jack and you will be fine. I run mine all over those roads and more.

Two spares is definitely a good idea and the winch-- much of the dirt roads are shale and it's sharp stuff. We used both spares one weekend. Sounds like a cool road trip-- just need to know what roads are open and if anything's gated... good luck

TONS of good brook fishing up there!

Id say if you wanted a good road thats a ways up, id go up and hit the Blanchett-Maibec road, I belive that takes you into Portage, or the Reality road that takes you to Ashland. You can definatley cruise on those as long as you watch for log trucks

Deboullie Mt. a must see ..................

Great this is the type of info I am looking for.
Keep it coming.