You may get lucky and even see a migrating humpback whale! Its now a very appealing city thanks to its history with a bustling college scene, solid nightlife, and heaps of stuff to do. The State of New York. A multi-day journey with stops at Chimney, Davis, and Russell ponds experiences all the highlights of Baxter State Park. (No dispersed camping allowed!) Duration: 4-6 hours. Proper gear and best 3 day backpacking trips in new england are required, and an amazing hike in the great view from the )! If you are planning on utilizing the services available at the huts, you will need to reserve ahead of time with the Appalachian Mountain Club. There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!! Continuing onward? Spend the night in Kent, Cromwell or elsewhere. AMC's Conservation Action Network provides updates and opportunities to speak up about important conservation policy issues impacting the outdoors. After all, New England is the outdoor recreation hub of the Northeastern United States and for good reason. Each overnight shelter along the NET has its own set of rules. If you stay here youll be in the perfect location for exploring New Hampshire and Vermont, with easy access to Chesterfield Gorge and Spofford Lake. Elevation Gain: 2,880 feet. Budget hotels in New England are common but are, predictably, uninspiring. With the highest peak in all of New England, Mt Washington, as well as the beautiful White Mountains, New Hampshire is another great New England road trip destination for adventurous travelers. Total Miles: 3.8 Trails: Sandy Stream Pond Trail (0.6 miles) to South Turner Mountain Trail (1.5 miles one way with elevation gain of 1622 feet) to outer loop of Sandy Stream Pond Trail (1.7 miles) back to Roaring Brook Campground. What makes New England feel so cold is the Canadian winds that come down and wreak havoc. Refers to the quieter Northeastern section of Connecticut. In order to see the best of New England, and not drop a fortune while doing so, youre going to need a little assistance. 4.5 miles. On your way to the pond, you will hike up a well-maintained trail until you see the shimmering light of the sun bouncing off the gentle waves of Little Rock Pond. There will be limited (or more likely non-existent) Lyft/Uber service. From the pond and its adjacent campground, wild and adventurous trails scrape their way up the mountain flanks. We continue our New England road trip north on Highway 91 through the Connecticut River Valley. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models. Connecticut can be broke down roughly into three parts: the coast, the Knowledge Corridor, and the countryside. Once you arrive at the pond, you can spend the night right on its shores if you stay at the Stratton View Tenting Area which, as the name suggests, features a killer view of the peak.) On this trip, we will hike through amazing and beautiful parts of the AT within the National Park. Whatever your fancy, New England has it. Starts on Route 4 outside of Rangeley town and heads towards Rangeley Lake followed by Route 17. . Best hike for those looking for a workout. A very pastoral portion of the state that offers more traditional New England experiences. With a lovely coastline, romantic countryside, and a number of dynamic cities, Connecticut is a great stop along any New England road trip route USA. It is a popular getaway for city folk who need a break from the grind and some time in rural New England. . With your own vehicle, youll be able to go wherever you want, stay where you like, and see whatever you fancy. Overall, temperatures are relatively cool and precipitation is spread throughout the year. Car insurance isnt always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. If youre planning to spend the night, check out the huge selection of Airbnbs in Maine. Many people have fallen in love with Maines coastline, too many perhaps. Aside from the impressive JFK Library, there isnt a whole lot to do here besides people watch, which is, admittedly, awesome. Number of nights: 2. If this is your first trip or youre looking for a short overnight you can hike 2.4 miles to the shelter and back. This wild, rugged part of Maine can be difficult to access, so wed recommend choosing it as a day trip if youre staying in Portland or other parts of Maine. Lobster rolls, chowders, lobster pies, fried clams, steamed clams, clambakesall divine. For those who prefer to keep costs down, backcountry camping in the Pemigewasset Wilderness is free as long as you follow LNT principles. You may arrive in Portland early so consider if you want to stay here or move further up the coast towards. Follow the LT/AT in either direction and spend an additional night at one of the adjacent shelters. In August, the Maine Lobster Festival draws huge crowds, eager to sample the iconic lobster rolls and watch the oyster shuckers compete to see who can work the fastest! Backpacking Gear List (2017) for June thru October in New Hampshire and Maine. Look no further than the Chesterfield Inn, located in West Chesterfield in the Connecticut River Valley. Looking for a wide variety of difficulty levels and lengths in potential backpacking trips? Most everyone comes to Cape Cod to play in the sea as the peninsula has some of the best beaches in New England. Zealand-Bonds Traverse, New Hampshire. Find a guided day trip or class near you. Continue onto Lincoln, admiring the scenery along the way. . Receive listings of our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime domestic and international AMC Adventure Travel trips. On the far, northern side of the mountain is a landscape as hauntingly wild as anywhere in New England. I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as its a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. As the first destination for many of the earliest settlers from Europe, New England is steeped in American history. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. The below sections are listed in order from south to north. I can help you plan any of themor any trip you read about at this blog, including beginner-friendly backpacking trips not in national parks, avoiding the need to reserve a permit months in advance. We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like. Summit elevation: 692 feet. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023. Newport has many beautiful city beaches including Baileys, Easton, and Gooseberry. Each overnight shelter along the NET has its own set of rules. Hike to Vermont with a Guide. Note: Strenuous (7,000+ total elevation gain). Located in the Mahoosuc Mountains of western Maine, this relatively new trail (completed in 2007) cuts across crest lines, which affords . On the way to New Haven is Hammonasset Beach, which is the longest and busiest beach in the state. Mileage: 20 miles point-to-point | Length: 3 - 4 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,700 feet. There are two viewpoints, several campgrounds, and no modern facilities. Explore Acadia National Park. Located in the Eastern extremity of the White Mountains. And because have you seen those trees in the fall?! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The whole of Cambridge is pretty affluent, being inhabited by students and leaders in tech, but thankfully doesnt suffer from too much snootiness. Equipped blogger Matt Heid is AMC's gear expert: He loves gear and he loves using it in the field. Sign up for special offers, conservation alerts, adventures near you, and stories from across the region. If youre feeling lucky you could even try your hand at being hosted through Couchsurfing! Plus, while on holiday you can enjoy luxury treatments in the treetop spa. Length: 7.6 mi Est. New England also has one of the best beer scenes in the entire country. They do require some advance planning (you have to request a permit by mail) but can be well worth the effort. Dont let this deter you: the fire tower at the peak provides the best 360-degree view in Vermont. OurBoston itineraryincludes a visit to downtown Boston to see: After that, head to bed because the next day we start again! Our goal is for people to be inspired, and As previously mentioned Mt Washington is the highest peak in New England and can be sumitted in a day either by foot or by cog train (thats cheating though). Be sure to visit the NBA Hall of Fame, if youre interested in sports, as well as the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Museum, if you had a childhood. 7.9 miles round-trip to the camping area. Dont let this deter you: the fire tower at the peak provides the best 360-degree view in Vermont. Great base for exploring the town, the coast, and nearby Mystic. It is a superlative place with some astounding scenery, not to mention some of the best hikes in New England. Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around New England. Stratton Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks in Vermont. Ride The Kancamagus Highway. Distance: 6.6 miles round-trip to Chimney Pond; 11.0 miles round-trip via Baxter Peak, Knife Edge, and Pamola Peak; 19.8 miles round-trip via Chimney, Davis, and Russell ponds loop. I've compiled a few ideas, namely Mt. Remember to be a respectful camper while on your New England road trip. Well dont be! The Pemi has dozens of them. 2. Dispersed camping is not allowed on the NET, as much of it runs along private property. Outdoor Activities. Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! Connecticut is an eclectic state visited often by both New Englanders and New Yorkers, the latter of which only live a short train ride away. The beginning of a trail that takes you across high mountain ridges, by endless scenic views and through neighboring towns. UP YOUR PACKING GAME! Receive listings of our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime domestic and international AMC Adventure Travel trips. Appalachian Trail, Northwest Connecticut, Southwest Massachusetts Distance: 19.3 miles round-trip Next, youll pass through industrial Bridgeport. Excellent hostel located in the middle of Downtown Burlington. Examples include Enders State Forest/Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Wadsworth Falls. 3 Day Reiki Certification Retreat in Vermont . Definitely one of the best New England road trips in fall or summer. Plus. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most. However, this area only has five first-come-first-served backcountry campsites, and youll need to stay in one of them. AirBnBs are among the best places to stay in New England because they are super charming and often much better experiences than sterile hotels. At this popular shelter, youll be surrounded by other hikers and have an easy bail back to your car if you ever feel uncomfortable. Fair warning, these huts can be expensive (up to $120 a night) so it is highly recommended to book ahead and use your Appalachian Mountain Club membership to get a discount. This 20-mile hike is great for beginners and seasoned backpackers alike. Hit highway 7 and make the long drive to Burlington. These two hikes represent New England's epic bestmulti-day trips that offer spectacular scenery, outrageous trails, and eye-popping views. Finish the Kancamagus Highway (112), which terminates at Conway. Franconia Ridge is one of New Hampshire's classic hikes. Learn more this Thursday, May 27 at 7 p.m. It is a world of alpine plateaus, rushing rivers, remote ponds, and hidden valleys. To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. Stay in hostels as well theyre not so bad in New England. 6.) Favorite trail: The Big A. If you want to travel further than these locations you may need a 44 as paved roads are no longer guaranteed. Hanover is home to the famous Dartmouth University and is gorgeous in its own right. Location: Grafton Notch State Park, Maine. The Big Branch Wilderness Loop is another mellow weekend outing on a well-marked section of trail in the Green Mountain National Forest. You can vote for up to three sections (and are encouraged to do so). One of the best ways to experience this annual spectacle is by taking a New England road trip along the Kancamagus Highway, a 35-mile scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest. There are a number of beautiful New England towns here, including Kent, Cornwall, and New Milford, as well some lovely natural attractions like Kent Falls, Burr Pond, Candlewood Lake, and Mohawk Mountain. If youre on a road trip in New England during the winter and want to go to the mountains, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive. is the ultimate repository of information about the Whites. There are several libraries and art collections dedicated to various historical figures, including Mark Twain, spread throughout the city. Broke Backpacker readers get a 35% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code BACKPKR), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad. Make a tour around Mt Desert Island and get a full dose of autumn splendor and coastline. New England often gets painted as a land of suburban sprawl, bustling traffic, and secluded old tourist towns. This trail is a kicker. Visitng two national parks in day can run you$70+ in entry fees. It refers to the extremely wild and untouched woodlands of northern New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine that separate New England from Canada. Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. One of Maines finest natural treasures, Acadia National Park is a must if youre looking for active day trips in New England. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Philip Werner August 7, 2017 Gear Lists. The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land in Maine provides hikers with a truly New England hiking experience. With some awesome skiing and hiking in addition to several fall foliage drives, which are among the best in New England, Vermont is a great escape from the more developed CT, MA, and RI. The #1 things to do in New England are fall foliages road trips! The best parties in New England will be around the larger cities. Dont fear though, the day passes are only $5 (or you can buy the annual WMNF recreation pass for $30). The perfect base for exploring the surroundings landscape. Luckily, New England has all sorts of lodges catering to all sorts of travelers! After that is upscale Stamford, glorified dockyard for millionaires from New York (there are some good beaches as well). See and experience the world renowned Appalachian Trail. Be prepared for what life throws at you. Beach grass and twisted pitch pines nestle inland between rolling swales of sand, separated from the mainland by a large saltwater marsh. Very helpful staff and conveniently located next to the Old Port. Help save the planet, and pick up a water bottle here. For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full adventure packing list. Finish up and head south towards Portland for the night. Montpellier is the state capital of Vermont though Burlington is the largest and most exciting in the state. Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks), and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Affluent Chatham has one of the best lighthouses and local baseball teams on the Cape (Cape Codians are crazy for the sport). Another rewarding and arduous hike is the Presidential Traverse where you navigate across 11 of the states highest peaks. While youre travelling around Boston, be sure to also get outside of the city of as well! From hiking, mountain biking, skiing and fishing, theres something to do here in every season. Mileage: 22 miles roundtrip | Length: 4 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,300 feet with backpacking packs (plus 1,700 ft with a day pack) The Shining Rock Wilderness in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina is one of the most spectacular East Coast backpacking destinations. We personally like using rentalcars.com as theyve never failed to give us a great price. Hopefully this has given you lots of inspiration to plan your adventure. On the, At most of the trailheads along the route, you will need to pay for a day-use recreation pass. When to go driving in New England, how to get a car, and even what to pack for a road trip. Hiking along the northern end of the Wapack Trail. The Stratton Mountain and Pond Loop is the perfect way to experience all the glory that backpacking in southern Vermont has to offer. Each of these treks has plenty to offer new and veteran backpackers alike. The largest city, Providence, is often considered a good alternative to Boston, and the surrounding state offers quintessential scenery including rugged coastline, quaint townships, and, of course, the fall foliage New England is so beloved for. Here the produce comes directly from the on-site farm. 2. This hike, which encompasses sections 17 and 18 of the NET, winds through beautiful old-growth forest, offering up unparalleled north-facing views into Vermont and New Hampshire. Hostels in the States are excellent quality and very comfortable, and they offer a great budget alternative for staying in New England. Best Itineraries for a Road Trip in New England. The backcountry campgrounds are also very primitive, often with no restrooms and maybe running water. . Level: Easy | Distance from Boston: 41 miles Northborough, MA, 978-443-5588 , website . Outside of town but still conveniently close. The Pemi has hundreds of trails to explore. 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