Road Trip to Remember: Bristol to Fort Kent
If you're planning a trip from Bristol in Connecticut up to Fort Kent in Maine, you're in for an adventure! With breathtaking sights along the way and numerous places to stop and stretch your legs, you're bound to have a great time. Here's everything you need to know about traveling from Bristol to Fort Kent.
The Distance
The distance from Bristol to Fort Kent is approximately 520 miles, and there are multiple routes to take. Whether you want to take a scenic route or go for the fastest option, there's something for everyone.
The Routes
Route 1: The I-95 Estimated driving time: 8-9 hours
The I-95 is the quickest route to get from Bristol to Fort Kent. But, it might not be the most scenic. You'll go from Bristol to Augusta and keep going on I-95 until you pass Bangor and cross into New Brunswick, Canada. From there, you'll head northeast through Quebec until you reach Fort Kent in Maine. If you want to make the journey in as few hours as possible and enjoy the scenery of New Brunswick and Quebec, then the I-95 is the route for you.
Route 2: The Coastal Trail Estimated driving time: 14-16 hours
If you're in the mood for a longer and more adventurous route, Route 2 along the Coastal Trail might be the one for you. You'll start in Bristol, head north on I-91 until you reach the I-89, and then continue on towards Burlington in Vermont. From there, you'll head across Lake Champlain on the Champlain Bridge, pass through the Adirondack Park in New York, and along Lake Champlain until you can continue on Route 2 in Vermont. Once in New Hampshire, the Coastal Trail follows the seacoast and Northeast Harbor Trails until you reach the Canadian border and then continue on to Fort Kent.
Route 3: The Mohawk Trail Estimated driving time: 11-12 hours
Another scenic route from Bristol to Fort Kent is Route 3 - the Mohawk Trail. You'll start in Bristol and head north on I-91 until you get to Route 2 in Greenfield, Massachusetts. From there, you'll drive on Route 2 through the scenic Mohawk Trail, which takes you through the rolling hills of western Massachusetts. Once in Vermont, you'll continue on Route 7 until you reach the Canadian border and then head to Fort Kent.
Places to Stop Along the Way
There are plenty of places to stop along the way to Fort Kent if you want to break up your journey and enjoy the sights. If you're taking Route 2, be sure to stop in the charming town of Shelburne, Vermont to check out the popular Shelburne Museum. On Route 3, make a stop at Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury, Vermont, or visit the Harpoon Brewery in Windsor, Vermont.
Conclusion
No matter which route you take from Bristol to Fort Kent, you'll be able to enjoy the best of what New England and Canada have to offer. Whether you're looking for a scenic drive or want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, these options will get you there. So, put on your favorite tunes, pack some snacks, and hit the road for a memorable journey from Bristol to Fort Kent.