NOTE: Let us warn you that traffic coming to Bridgton can be a nightmare! Rt. 302 is a two-lane road, and is the main route between Portland, ME and No. Conway, NH. In addition, the Town of Naples has a bridge on Rt. 302 that opens several times during summer days, backing traffic up for a mile or so. Luckily, it's usually not more than a half hour wait.
Best idea is to plan to "take to the road" at unusual times. This means avoiding "rush to Maine" times, such as right after work on a Friday night, or first thing Saturday morning. Then, when leaving, avoid "checkout rush", where everyone checks out of their lodging around 10 or 11AM and immediately hits the road. Either leave really early, or take your time leaving the state and meander down the coast.
#1) From Portland, ME: Take Route 302 west. Go through Windham, Raymond, Casco, then Naples. When you get to Bridgton, proceed to the SECOND traffic light. (Yes, the town now has a NEW traffic light at the new Hannaford grocery store!). At the second light (by the Food City grocery store), you must take a left to continue on Route 302. Do so. Our facility is approximately 1.2 miles from the light, just on the other side of town. We are on the right. Look for the big green sign that says Highland Lake Resort.
#2) From Maine Turnpike
From the South: Take Maine Turnpike to Exit 48 (Formerly Exit 8, Westbrook). Take right when leaving tollbooth area and go through 2 lights. At third light, take left onto Route 302. From there, follow directions in #1 above.
From the North: Take Exit 63 (Formerly Exit 11, Gray). After leaving turnpike, take left onto Route 115, heading towards Windham. Approximately 10 minutes later you'll come to Route 302 intersection in Windham. Take right and head on Route 302 west for approximately 30 minutes to Bridgton. Follow directions above from traffic light. (You can also bypass traffic between Portland and Westbrook by coming this way from the South as well.)
#3) From Central and Northern New Hampshire: Follow Route 302 east into Fryeburg, Maine. Approximately 10 miles after Fryeburg, you’ll cross the Moose Pond Causeway, with water on both sides and Shawnee Peak looming on the right. We’re located approximately 5 miles after the causeway on the left. Look for the big green sign that says Highland Lake Resort.
#4) From Southern New Hampshire or Massachusetts south: Follow Interstate 95 into Maine, continuing up the Maine Turnpike to Westbrook, and following directions under #2 above.
Or, follow Route 16 from the Spaulding Turnpike up to Conway, NH, then cut accross Route 113 to Route 302 headed East. Continue as listed under #3 above.
Which is better?
It really depends upon the time and day you're traveling. Many weekends are simply nuts on the Maine Turnpike. At the same time, if traffic is light, the Turnpike is a faster road. Route 16 is more scenic, but can also be backed up due to traffic (harder to pass in places).
