Stay somewhere EPIC and save your hard-earned dollars from houses to barns to castles and caves, there is an Airbnb for every occasion! Salem is a 30-minute train journey from Boston (costs around $10) and theres plenty to see and do in a day. Spend the night around Acadia or back in Portland. 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. You can find some decent parties on the New England coast, especially during the summers when everyone is energized from the sun. In order to see the best of New England, and not drop a fortune while doing so, youre going to need a little assistance. Route: Great Gulf Trail to Gulfside Trail (AT) via headwall; north over Mounts Clay, Jefferson, Adams, and Madison; return via the Osgood Trail Make a tour around Mt Desert Island and get a full dose of autumn splendor and coastline. Be sure to book your accommodation early if youre going on a fall foliage drive in New England. Generally, "huts" refer to backcountry accommodations other than camping. Looking for a wide variety of difficulty levels and lengths in potential backpacking trips? These trips fit a few criteria: However, backpacking is never easy (or else wed never do it!) Finally, beer lovers shouldnt miss the New England Beerfest, a one-of-a-kind celebration of the regions craft beer. Continuing onward? Touring a broad swath of wildland in a far corner of New England, the hike visits the highest peak in Connecticut (Bear Mountain), the second-highest in Massachusetts (Mount Everett), old-growth hemlock forest, bonsaid pitch pines, waterfalls, and nine different places to spend the night. Spring 2023 (6) Summer 2023 (22) Be sure to visit the many mansions and estates as well as Fort Adams in the south. You can hike a few miles to the Richard-Zlogar cabin and be rewarded with a view of Mt. As the first destination for many of the earliest settlers from Europe, New England is steeped in American history. There is a thriving art scene in Newport and jazz, in particular, is praised here. Springfield is a great city full of Victorian architecture and some of the coolest museums in New England. The Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land in Maine provides hikers with a truly New England hiking experience. No question, Boston has the most and best parties in New England because of its sheer size. This expense will always sneak up on you because it can be difficult to properly gauge how much you will actually use. Many take reservations though and we suggest you do this if youre going on a fall foliage road trip in New England. The best way to get to know the region? . Duration: 4-6 hours. You can find plenty of information online to help you plan and prepare for your hike, however, guide books are also excellent resources. High Peaks Wilderness. Greylock and Black Angel Trail (Wild River Wilderness), but having never visiting either of these spots, I'm at a loss for what to expect. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models. Be sure to drop by one of the many breweries and brewpubs. Do you want to stay at an amazing hut system? This includes sections of the Appalachian Trail and the 1440 mile trail system in the White Mountain National . Overnight sites are limited. After all, New England is the outdoor recreation hub of the Northeastern United States and for good reason. And a small backcountry camping area nestles in the middle of it all. New to backpacking, I've done a number of day hikes, but I'm looking to plan a few 1-3 night trips around New England (based in Boston) from early spring to late fall. Casual hikers and campers can also take advantage of the many free backcountry campsites and quaint bed and breakfasts in Vermont. On day one, the six-mile hike to Stratton Pond is gentle and packed with beautiful hardwood forest walking. Author and nature lover Henry David Thoreau climbed New Hampshire's Mount Monadnock for the first time in 1858. Difficulty: Moderate (steep and rocky in some places) Mt. It will provide you with all the information you need about water sources, parking lots (and overflow parking lots), and the hut system. Foodies will definitely enjoy eating the best of New England. . 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. Plump Maine Lobsters, easy Sunday afternoon clambakes, chowder thats been perfected over hundreds of years; all of these things should be making your mouth water. Even if we are unable to travel for $10/day like in our favorite countries (lets be real here), we can at least help you minimize expenses to the utmost degree. 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. Hiking & Camping Tours in New England. Plus, while on holiday you can enjoy luxury treatments in the treetop spa. See my Custom Trip Planning page.. You may also like my stories "The 10 Best National Park Backpacking Trips" and "12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip." If youre hiking unguided, you will need to arrange a shuttle as this is a point-to-point hike. See and experience the world renowned Appalachian Trail. Begin the hike where the AT crosses Route 41 in northwest Connecticut, ending at Jug End Road in Massachusetts. Spread over 60 acres and surrounded by tall birch trees, the resort boasts small cottages and bungalows, decorated in a rustic style with all the modern comforts youll need for a blissful retreat into nature. Downtown Boston the area with all the skyscrapers is where youll find the majority of the citys attractions. For ponds loop: Chimney Pond Trail to Saddle Trail to Northwest Basin Trail, return via Russell Pond Trail. Definitely one of the best New England road trips in fall or summer. Dispersed camping is not allowed on the NET, as much of it runs along private property. It refers to the extremely wild and untouched woodlands of northern New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine that separate New England from Canada. Road trips in New England are sure to provide you with plenty of surprises, whether its sampling a delicious lobster roll on the rugged coast of Maine, or marvelling at the autumn leaves in Vermont and Massachusetts. Stop in Old Saybrook for the night or continue onto New Haven. Sign up for special offers, conservation alerts, adventures near you, and stories from across the region. You can smoke it recreationally in these states in broad daylight. Going on aroad trip through New Englandhas to be one of the best ways to experience the region! The next day, youll continue your hike towards the summit. You can find plenty of information online to help you plan and prepare for your hike, however, guide books are also excellent resources. For a languid afternoon, try visiting one of the many museums and/or parks in Providence. Number of nights: 2. The highlight of the area is the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which follows the old Cape Cod Railroad's route through five towns on the peninsula. It is, in fact, so out-there that certain counties like Aroostook are not even officially incorporated into the state and so have no official populations.. . One of Maines finest natural treasures, Acadia National Park is a must if youre looking for active day trips in New England. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds. He also cycles, climbs, and surfs. Northern Massachusetts is a hidden gem full of wonderful hiking opportunities. Theres quiet Milford, which has a great beach called Silver Sands. 4. 7 Day Tours (14) 10 Day Tours (20) Departure. Do you want to stay at an amazing hut system? They do require some advance planning (you have to request a permit by mail) but can be well worth the effort. Moon Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail: The Best Trail Towns, Day Hikes, and Road Trips In Between (Travel Guide) View on Amazon. Sand dunes, farms, Kennedy history, and gingerbread cottages, this island off the coast of Massachusetts will introduce you to the best New England has to offer. a relatively flat backpacking trip to an area full of several premier backcountry swimming holes (some of the best remote pools in New England); requires an 8-mile one-way hike in from the Lincoln-Woods trailhead off the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112); separate fees are charged for parking and camping (bring cash for both); don't miss the short 0. . 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.. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Moving on from Portland, we continue our New England coast road trip deeper into the state. Youll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Food costs are something you can control as you will have the option of cooking cheaply at home or the campsite. Make your way up Knowledge Corridor or Housatonic Valley towards Vermont. 5h 29m. On Inn-based hiking tours you'll hike by day and at night sleep in cabins, hotels, or lodges. Although Stowe's small-town charm and dramatic vistas make it a beautiful destination year-round, snow lovers won't want to miss this Vermont . For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full adventure packing list. 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. If you want to travel further than these locations you may need a 44 as paved roads are no longer guaranteed. Providence is the third largest city in New England. This trail is a kicker. camping next to an alpine lake and easy access to the summits of two New Hampshire 4,000-footers make an out-and-back backpacking trip to Kinsman Pond Shelter and tentsites a well-liked trip of beginners and seasoned backpackers alike. 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. We'll be moving on from there the next day. Are you looking to hike in a pristine wilderness full of wildlife? On the way to New Haven is Hammonasset Beach, which is the longest and busiest beach in the state. However, this area only has five first-come-first-served backcountry campsites, and youll need to stay in one of them. From the Appalachian Trail (AT) in the west to the New England Trail (NET) & Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (M-M-M) trail systems in the east, the state features some of the best hiking within two hours of a major US metro area. OurBoston itineraryincludes a visit to downtown Boston to see: After that, head to bed because the next day we start again! Plus, while youre in Salem, be sure to stroll around town on the Salem Heritage Trail and pick up some spooky souvenirs on Essex Street, the downtown shopping hub. But teres a lot more to New England food than what comes off the fishing boats. Text excerpted from my book, AMC's Best Backpacking Trips in New England. Biggest selection. A fall foliage road trip through New England is definitely a must if you can swing it. Walk around and take note of the diverse architecture. My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. Arrive in Boston via Logan International Airport or by other means. Forget boring accommodation book yourself an EPIC STAY! This is a short but very steep section of the trail, able to be hiked in a single day or afternoon. This .76-mile trip up Mount Pisgah provides vistas of the Prudential and Hancock buildings on a clear day. Best time of year for the hike: June - September. This beautiful 18th-century coaching inn is set in idyllic rolling green hills. Days: 3 Activity Level: 3 Member: from $1,099 Non-member: from $1,209 New Hiking, Camping. Fully Guided, Hiking & Trekking +2 more Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel-5%. Trainspotting was made into the 1996 cult film starring Ewan MacGregor. New Zealand is home to over 1,000 alpine huts and the Barker Hut is known as one of the very best. If you want MORE top-tier Broke Backpacker content like this, then sign up for our weekly newsletter below to get the latest and greatest! You can customize each itinerary to fit your needs; many of the hikes listed below have alternate routes, short-cuts, or skippable sections that allow you to choose your own adventure. 9. Below is a list of sample New England road trip routes. Camping on public land, run either by the state or the feds, is usually more basic. Regardless of the time you visit you can expect stellar views of the White Mountains, the Swift River and Sabbaday Falls, as well as a beautiful vista from Kancamagus Pass, the highest point on the highway. Total Distance: 3.7 miles / 6 km. And because have you seen those trees in the fall?! Its got some of the best seafood in the world. On to the real reason why most people crave New England cooking though, lets talk about the seafood. Finally, youll end up in Greenwich, which is one of the most admired towns in New England, due in part to its beauty and close proximity to New York. Be the first to hear about new merchandise and exclusive deals at AMCs Online Store. Whatever time of year you visit, youll have plenty to choose from. Rock, 19 miles South garfield has fantastic views of the region 's favorite season my favorite in! Mileage: 20 miles point-to-point | Length: 3 - 4 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,700 feet. This corridor runs all the way into Massachusetts and terminates in Springfield. Getting up toward Baker Peak on the Big Branch Wilderness Loop in Vermont. Read one or two and you may have some great road trips ideas for New England. All you need to do is visit a dispensary with a photo ID that proves youre over 21, and youre set. Go for a drive around Mt Desert Island, the island on which Acadia is located, and then explore local sites like Jordan Pond and Sand Beach. There are still plenty of charming and gorgeous sights to see outside of the fall season! Text excerpted from my book, AMCs Best Backpacking Trips in New England. The perfect base for exploring the surroundings landscape. Blood Mountain, GA. Why it's awesome: The highest peak in Georgia on the Appalachian Trail at 4,458 ft. (Mt Hood in Oregon is the second most climbed glaciated peak in the world.). I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as its a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. If youre on a road trip during this time, expect much higher prices and much less availability. After all, backpacking is meant to be fun! 4. Interior locations like Baxter State Park and Mt Katahdin are the most accessible places in Maines North Woods. Most everyone comes to Cape Cod to play in the sea as the peninsula has some of the best beaches in New England. dialed-in logistics all serve a common goal: to create unforgettable This extension of the Appalachian Trail is noteworthy for hitting all the ranges highest peaks but is, for this reason, difficult at times. Art lovers will enjoy spending a few hours in the Peabody Essex Museum. There are lots of great hiking trails around for those who want to see the leaves on foot or spend a night in the wilderness. Our Paddle and Hike Tours are opportunities to combine the two most enjoyable activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - hiking and sea kayaking - in one, unforgettable experience. Let us not forget the baked beans, the fluffernutters, the blueberries, and anything else, for that matter, that comes from New Englands old-time roots. Finally, Portsmouth is one of the most historically significant towns in New England and, more importantly, has great breweries. To have your own haunted road trip in New England, start by checking out these paranormal locations. Just make sure youre insured, and you drive carefully. Dont expect much while staying at these besides four walls and roof. Drive through the Green Mountains until Burlington. The State of Colorado. Distance: 221 miles. The next day, youll push a bit harder to get to the Mount Grace lean-to, but your legs will be warmed up and ready for the challenge. Hopefully this has given you lots of inspiration to plan your adventure. (No dispersed camping allowed!) Seafood is obviously whats for dinner most nights as it is so freakin good in this part of the world; we get that too. This is a real gem. Backcountry campsites, being located on either private or public land, are harder to access but have the benefit of being extremely cheap if not totally free. For most, the 100-mile wilderness will likely take more than a week. The #1 things to do in New England are fall foliages road trips! Buy a Geopress: its the last water bottle youll ever buy. You pop your email here, and we promise to send you only travel content thats actually relevant sounds like a pretty good deal to us! RV parks, hookup sites, and other sorts of demanding camping (we hesitate to use the word glamping) are usually found at private camps. Head To A Food Festival. This guided trip will give you access to expert guides, gear, meals, transportation everything a beginner could want! Offers glimpses of charming pastoral life including meadows, historic farmsteads, forests, and, of course, the mountains. We continue our New England road trip north on Highway 91 through the Connecticut River Valley. New Haven is most famous for Yale University, which is arguably the top attraction in the city. Marthas Vineyard is full of grand residences for the rich as well as picturesque beaches. Next, youll pass through industrial Bridgeport. Receive listings of our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime domestic and international AMC Adventure Travel trips. A broad sandy beach stretches along the northern margin of the 1,500-acre peninsula. Havinga good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep. Absolutely. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Venture out of the main cities which include Boston, Portland and Burlington, and youll find green rolling hills, wild national and state parks, quaint historic towns and beautiful beaches along the coast. This doesnt stop New Englanders from having a good time though as they seem to have something to do 365 days of the year. If you are planning to stay in the shelter, bring $5 in cash to give to the warden upon arrival. The trails dont have extreme elevation gain for the region (However, Washington mountains are known for being steep and rugged due to the intense amount of rainfall, so you cant escape elevation gain here!). They are among the most charming, sincere, and maddest folks that Ive ever met. Cape Cod is a large, prominent peninsula located south of Boston. Traveler favorites. Looking for a wide variety of difficulty levels and lengths in potential backpacking trips? Wanderlust Chloe 2015 - 2023 Difficulty: Strenuous. Greens turn to deep vermillions and golds, and the hills seem to burn without heat. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. 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.) What to pack, check out my full adventure packing list will definitely enjoy eating best. 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