This is a two hour trip - at a poky pace - through a mix of hilly forest, farm land, a few small villages and past numerous lakes and streams. We call it a "Leaf-Peeper" tour because it is great fall foliage viewing, but it is also a wonderful summer excursion.
From the Camden Maine Stay turn right on Rt 1 south.
At the flashing light by the Camden Library turn right on Rt 52 north. (2 blocks)
Follow Rt 52 north past Lake Megunticook into Lincolnville Center.
At Lincolnville Center take Rt 173 to Searsmont. Local legend has it that Ben Ames Williams used Searsmont as the model for his novel Fraternity Village.
In Searsmont turn left on Rt 131 south. Less than one mile south of Searsmont you have to make a decision. You could follow Rt 131 all the way to the village of Union, or turn right and head toward Union on the Appleton Ridge Road. The ridge road offers wonderful views of Liberty and Hope (don't we have great names for our towns?) but is not paved all of the way -- take it if you don't mind driving in the dirt.
At Union turn left on Rt 17 east.
Drive three miles to East Union and then turn left on Rt 235 toward Hope village. When you get to Hope turn right on Rt 105 which will bring you back to Camden.
