Drink water from ANYWHERE. The State of Utah. 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. FREE! Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Cape Cod is a very large region, surprisingly so, and is broken into several districts. OurBoston itineraryincludes a visit to downtown Boston to see: After that, head to bed because the next day we start again! A fantastic hike with great High Peaks views, elevation gain, rock scrambling, and a well marked trail. Make no mistake, there are a lot of them too. Sign up for special offers, conservation alerts, adventures near you, and stories from across the region. The Berkshires is actually made up of 31 towns and 2 cities, so it's a pretty big area to tackle in a day trip, but that just means you have a lot of exciting activities to choose from . Go Whale Watching from Gloucester, MA. This 20-mile hike is great for beginners and seasoned backpackers alike. On Inn-based hiking tours you'll hike by day and at night sleep in cabins, hotels, or lodges. Brush Mountain Conservation Area to Royalston Falls, New England Trail, Massachusetts. Old Saybrook is one of the prettiest coastal towns in Connecticut and is also a stones throw away from Gillette Castle. When all is said and done, pack your things for a late flight in the evening or a flight the next day. 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. Each night we will stay in backcountry shelters and experience just a small portion . Good kitchen. Finally, beer lovers shouldnt miss the New England Beerfest, a one-of-a-kind celebration of the regions craft beer. Make sure to stay in one of the stunning cabins in Connecticut to make the most out of all this natural scenery. Specifically, we singled out the best backpacking trips by region including the Pacific Northwest, the Mountain West, the Northeast, Midwest, Southwest and Southeast. Next, youll pass through industrial Bridgeport. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. One of the best day trips in New England, especially if youre staying in Boston, is to ride out to the historic town of Salem, site of the infamous 1692 Salem witch trials. The best parties in New England will be around the larger cities. These two hikes represent New England's epic bestmulti-day trips that offer spectacular scenery, outrageous trails, and eye-popping views. This is a spectacularly scenic hike spanning the 246-km distance between Farnham and Dover. Blood Mountain, GA. Why it's awesome: The highest peak in Georgia on the Appalachian Trail at 4,458 ft. No camping in Great Gulf above the Sphinx Trail. Depart from Cape Cod and hit I-6, which will take you all the way to Providence, Rhode Island. AirBnBs are among the best places to stay in New England because they are super charming and often much better experiences than sterile hotels. Newport has many beautiful city beaches including Baileys, Easton, and Gooseberry. Mileage: 4.8 (out-and-back) 10 (loop)| Length: 2 3 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 500 3000 feet. 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. Mileage: 11-mile loop | Length: 2 3 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 feet. 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 . Worried that you dont have enough cash for a longer New England road trip? Arrive in the White Mountains and settle into whatever lodge/campground you have booked. Day 5 - Rhode Island: The Big Branch Wilderness Loop is another mellow weekend outing on a well-marked section of trail in the Green Mountain National Forest. Difficulty: 4. Stratton Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks in Vermont. Monadnock is among the best hikes in New England. Note: Strenuous (7,000+ total elevation gain). This expense will always sneak up on you because it can be difficult to properly gauge how much you will actually use. Hop in the car and go for a drive. Appalachian Trail, Northwest Connecticut, Southwest Massachusetts document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im Chloe and I absolutely love travelling the world and sharing stories and memories from my trips, as well as helpful travel advice so that you can follow in my footsteps. Water is plentiful along the loop, so just bring a filtration device! However, in autumn, the scenery along the Kanc reaches another level. Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Check out current availability. If youre ever wondering where to stay in Newport, you should definitely consider staying in one of the more historic bed and breakfasts in Rhode Island there. Tour length 6 days Price per day $488 . And a small backcountry camping area nestles in the middle of it all. Enter dates. Its got some of the best seafood in the world. Moving on from Portland, we continue our New England coast road trip deeper into the state. If youre hiking unguided, you will need to arrange a shuttle as this is a point-to-point hike. Be sure to see one of the many waterfalls around including: Settle in Hartford for some culture and good partying or. Duration: 4-6 hours. Outdoor Activities. Best time of year for the hike: June - September. . Text excerpted from my book, AMCs Best Backpacking Trips in New England. North across the Charles River is Cambridge, home to the famously exclusive Harvard College and MIT. Elevation Gain: 2,880 feet. I've compiled a few ideas, namely Mt. RV parks, hookup sites, and other sorts of demanding camping (we hesitate to use the word glamping) are usually found at private camps. Equipped blogger Matt Heid is AMC's gear expert: He loves gear and he loves using it in the field. (Heres the REI listing for the show.) On day one, the six-mile hike to Stratton Pond is gentle and packed with beautiful hardwood forest walking. Youll get a lot of bang for your buck, whether in the form of peaks, alpine lakes, or lush meadows. Sitting at 3944, it just. Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!. Follow the LT/AT in either direction and spend an additional night at one of the adjacent shelters. Plus, while on holiday you can enjoy luxury treatments in the treetop spa. 4. 1. Interior locations like Baxter State Park and Mt Katahdin are the most accessible places in Maines North Woods. A good, cheap hotel. 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. 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. On this trip, we will hike through amazing and beautiful parts of the AT within the National Park. Theres an excellent restaurant lit only by candlelight, which serves up delicious meals made from locally-sourced produce. From hiking, mountain biking, skiing and fishing, theres something to do here in every season. for information about overnight stays, as they regularly update the public on trail/shelter closures. These campgrounds usually require a hike or maybe a water taxi to reach, which makes them difficult and unattractive for the average camper. . They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. Driving west along Highway 95 from Rhode Island, youll pass by some of the most beautiful beach towns in New England. Outside of town but still conveniently close. To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. A fall foliage road trip through New England is definitely a must if you can swing it. Image via Katie. You may get lucky and even see a migrating humpback whale! South Turner Mountain via Sandy Stream Pond in Baxter State Park, Maine. 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!). Our hut to hut treks are opportunities to hike and explore amazing landscapes and stay in cozy, permanent structures. The #1 things to do in New England are fall foliages road trips! A very pastoral portion of the state that offers more traditional New England experiences. Favorite trail: The Big A. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. In May and June, Vermont hosts a Garlic and Herb Festival, followed by the Chocolate and Cheese Festival in the summer. We personally like using rentalcars.com as theyve never failed to give us a great price. Camping on public land, run either by the state or the feds, is usually more basic. As this is a point-to-point hike, you will need to arrange transportation from one end to the other. For a languid afternoon, try visiting one of the many museums and/or parks in Providence. Cape Cod is a large, prominent peninsula located south of Boston. This guided trip will give you access to expert guides, gear, meals, transportation everything a beginner could want! Outside of the mountainous regions, which can have Arctic qualities, there are no huge climatic swings in New England. It is a world of alpine plateaus, rushing rivers, remote ponds, and hidden valleys. This 16.9-mile, point-to-point journey is one of my all-time New England favorites. Sites are $20 and first-come, first-serve. The next day, youll continue your hike towards the summit. New England is by no means cheap nor easy to travel without some guidance. If you can stand the occasional poor weather the blinding snow and sometimes uncomfortable humidity then youll do just fine in New England. With something always going on, a road trip in New England is possible at any time of the year! These hiking packages feature hand-picked day hikes in world-renowned destinations and accommodations that put us right in the action. In the meantime, I wanted to share some of my favorite early-season backpacking trips for those eager to hit the trails. This state has some of the best hikes in New England in addition to some decent summits. Examples include Enders State Forest/Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Wadsworth Falls. Dont fear though, the day passes are only $5 (or you can buy the, If you are planning on utilizing the services available at the huts, you will need to reserve ahead of time with the. Hartford (CT), New Haven (CT) and Providence (RI) are also cities with great nightlife. Be sure to drop by one of the many breweries and brewpubs. 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. Drive to Acadia National Park, which is one of the best places for fall foliage in New England. Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, "Wildland Trekking is about Inspired Exploration. Distance: 1.7 mile (loop) Summit views: 360 degrees. Check out our list of thebest places to visit in the USAfor inspiration on where to go anywhere in the country! Most of the backpacking trips I take are 1-3 nights in length in the mountainous terrain of New Hampshire and Maine. Of all of the regions in the USA, New England has some the richest history (being the birthplace of the nation and all), some of the most exciting locals, and best seafood, period. 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. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be. You and your new travel buddies will marvel at every glacier-fed alpine lake with a backdrop of mountain layers for miles. Turn onto Highway 112 before Bath, which is the beginning of the Kancamagus Highway. If you stop by the shelter, the warden might even give you some tips on where to find the prime camping spots. Receive listings of our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime domestic and international AMC Adventure Travel trips. You can find some decent parties on the New England coast, especially during the summers when everyone is energized from the sun. so, if you want to maximize your fun, be sure to train for your backpacking trip. Below is a list of the best road trip destinations in New England. They are among the most charming, sincere, and maddest folks that Ive ever met. As this hike is a loop, you will never be too far away from your vehicle should you run into inclement weather or realize you left some gear in the trunk. Barnstable, Cape Cod, Mass. The teeming waters of the Atlantic play host to all kinds of migrating whales between May and October, and one of the best places to see them is just off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Dont let this deter you: the fire tower at the peak provides the best 360-degree view in Vermont. Want to stay in the USA longer? Receive listings of our upcoming, once-in-a-lifetime domestic and international AMC Adventure Travel trips. For more, check out the official Sandy Neck web site. Wake up and head directly for Newport via Highway 114. Located in the Eastern extremity of the White Mountains. Be sure to book your accommodation early if youre going on a fall foliage drive in New England. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. PLUS, you save money and the environment! The rooms are sumptuously decorated, many with wooden beams and open fires, making it a wonderful spot for autumn or winter weekend getaways. With over 470 miles of coastline and a salty fleet of fishermen, New England benefits from some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the country. Plus, here youll be able to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views on the Eastern Seaboard. Ride The Kancamagus Highway. Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. 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. . Between all the amazing hiking opportunities, quaint towns and gorgeous mountain landscapes, it also makes for a fun and adventurous day trip in Massachusetts. At most of the trailheads along the route, you will need to pay for a day-use recreation pass. Distance: 19.3 miles round-trip These winds penetrate to the bone and can really ruin your day. Or, check out Airbnbs in Vermont for something more cosy and comfortable. This loop provides easy parking/transportation logistics for those willing to make the trip to Northern Maine. This area is one of the best places to visit in New England in the fall because of the spectacular foliage. There are two viewpoints, several campgrounds, and no modern facilities. Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure dont be daft! Overlooks the harbor where you can catch a ferry to Marthas or Nantucket and is right next to a transportation hub. While each new backpacker is entering into the sport with a different set of skills and fitness levels, weve crafted a list of trips with all beginner backpackers in mind. 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. Smuggler Notch is a pass that separates the Green Mountains from Mount Mansfield and is also the home to a popular ski resort. Wanderlust Chloe 2015 - 2023 Features traditional New England communities, roadside attractions, and lots of trails for hiking. Its now a very appealing city thanks to its history with a bustling college scene, solid nightlife, and heaps of stuff to do. It is an immensely popular getaway destination due in part to its extensive coastline and profuseness of quaint coastal towns. Take advantage of the cheaper public campsites and occasional backcountry site, which are sometimes free. Discover the best New England ski resorts for your next East coast skiing adventure in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. To save the most money on your road trip through New England, consider sticking to hostels and campgrounds. 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. So plan ahead and get to camp early enough to claim a spot. 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. Heres the parks camping and reservations page. Next, well explore the Cape. There are several libraries and art collections dedicated to various historical figures, including Mark Twain, spread throughout the city. Hartford is considered one of the great culture capitals of the region. Hit the road immediately and head west on the I-90 and I-84 for Hartford, CT. Close, New England Road Trip Guide (Driving Destinations 2023). One benefit of hiking in Green Mountain National Forest is that you dont need permits to camp overnight. that would be like 5-6mi first day 7-8mi 2nd day unless you spotted car at Lafayette Place which would take off 2 miles of the pemi . If not though, you can continue exploring the island and seeing whats around. 2 weeks. The average daily budget for a New England road trip is between $200-$250 this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry fees. Why stay in a naff hotel when you can stay in a cosy, stylish local house instead? Come travel the Gulf to its highest headwaters, then journey above it on the alpine spine of the Presidential Range. Traveler favorites. 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. High Peaks Wilderness. Monadnock. Often described as one of the Northeast's tougher routes, with more than 9,000 feet of elevation gain in over 20 miles, the Great Range Traverse in New York State's Adirondack Mountains is as classic as it gets. Grace (where you will be staying the following night) and Mt. California: Yosemite, Death Valley & More, Montana / Wyoming: Yellowstone, Tetons & More, High Peaks of the Pemigewasset Hut-to-Hut trek, Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in New England. Burlington makes for an excellent base for exploring Vermonts outdoor spaces as well as a good place to get a drink. Private camps usually have lots of communal facilities like a kitchen and showers. Level: Easy | Distance from Boston: 41 miles Northborough, MA, 978-443-5588 , website . Best Beginner Hike in Maine: Mount Agamenticus. I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Photo: Hugh Owen. This 35-mile road goes through the White Mountains and has spectacular scenery along the way. When to go driving in New England, how to get a car, and even what to pack for a road trip. There is a party for just about everyone in New England and just about everyone shows up to the party as well! Freeport Crossing. After that is upscale Stamford, glorified dockyard for millionaires from New York (there are some good beaches as well). The last 3 days, you'll pack up and brave the trail with your buddies and backpack into the Canadian . 2. Rhode Island has a little bit of everything. With a population of only 18,000+ residents, Madison delivers a major dose of quintessential New England charm. If youre looking for unforgettable day trips in New England, then whale watching should be at the top of your list. Be mindful of foul weather. 38-mile-long Route 169 is primary scenic byway. Backcountry campsites are usually found in the mountains, around the lakes, and on the remote islands of New England. Moon Drive & Hike Appalachian Trail: The Best Trail Towns, Day Hikes, and Road Trips In Between (Travel Guide) View on Amazon. Haunted houses, graveyards, curious collections, and massacres have all captured the attention of locals for generations. Fortunately, prices are far more reasonable at public campgrounds. Remember to be a respectful camper while on your New England road trip. A six-mile-long spit of dunes lines the south shore of Cape Cod Bay. Yes, New England clam chowder is the only real chowder and, yes, fresh Maine lobsters are better than your wedding night; we get it. On the third day, youll round out your backpacking trip with a short hike to Royalston Falls on the Massachusetts-New Hampshire border. As the first destination for many of the earliest settlers from Europe, New England is steeped in American history. This is a short but very steep section of the trail, able to be hiked in a single day or afternoon. Located in the middle of the White Mountains and right next to the Kancamagus Highway. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Mileage: 20 miles point-to-point | Length: 3 4 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,700 feet. This is the heart of the Knowledge Corridor, a title which refers to the huge concentration of colleges and universities in the area. This doesnt stop New Englanders from having a good time though as they seem to have something to do 365 days of the year. Learn more this Thursday, May 27 at 7 p.m. Wondering about food? The whole of Cambridge is pretty affluent, being inhabited by students and leaders in tech, but thankfully doesnt suffer from too much snootiness. These giants will run into the road sometimes and seriously ruin your car. Rock, 19 miles South garfield has fantastic views of the region 's favorite season my favorite in! Finish up and head south towards Portland for the night. Each type offers different sorts of amenities and at different prices. Between his adventures trekking around Africa, travelling the Middle East, and traversing the steppes of Eurasia, he'll generally do as much as he possibly can to maximise his time in the wilderness and avoid anywhere the crowds go. Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around New England. Luckily, New England has all sorts of lodges catering to all sorts of travelers! But a detour to Mount Agamenticus, just a . After all, New England is the outdoor recreation hub of the Northeastern United States and for good reason. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad. Ralph is a former manager in the hospitality industry turned wild child. Each of these treks has plenty to offer new and veteran backpackers alike. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. It can take over 6 months to complete. Head To A Food Festival. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. All you need to do is visit a dispensary with a photo ID that proves youre over 21, and youre set. Its a win-win! Enjoy Mt Washington and the White Mountains in fall color. New England Explorer is open to students finishing grades 7-9 in June 2023. New England often gets painted as a land of suburban sprawl, bustling traffic, and secluded old tourist towns. With epic seascapes and even more epic seafood, Maine has a lot to offer. Here is the best opportunity to stay in a cabin in Vermont for a truly off-the-grid experience. North Downs Way. Rhode Islands other noteworthy city is Newport. It climbs eight 4000-footers including Mt Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Monroe, Eisenhower, Pierce, and Jackson, with 14 miles of above-treeline hiking. . It refers to the extremely wild and untouched woodlands of northern New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine that separate New England from Canada. Below is a list of sample New England road trip routes. All Content & Photos Copyrighted by WTC 2023. Filters 1. The Pemi has dozens of them. Combined with the ever-enchanting Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket Island, both located nearby, and you have an assembly of some of the best of New England. Always remember to hike your own hike and make any changes you need to meet your skill level, gear, timeline, or personal goals. Salem is a 30-minute train journey from Boston (costs around $10) and theres plenty to see and do in a day. 3-Day Backpacking Checklist (2022) Best Backpacking Backpacks for Women in 2022 . Lets start with the quieter section the western part of Connecticut referred to as the Litchfield Hills. Youll get into the wilderness for multiple nights, gain some experience on the AT, and have the opportunity to test out your gear system on one of the most rugged sections of the AT. Once youve arrived, find your Cape Cod lodge/campsite and get set up. Here, you can either stay the night or hike two miles back to the trailhead. 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. View full map. Mileage: 8.5 miles (3,700 feet of elevation gain) Difficulty: Strenuous. Hostels in the States are excellent quality and very comfortable, and they offer a great budget alternative for staying in New England. The best portion is The Height of the Land viewpoint where motorists can see all of the surrounding landscape including Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Jefferson Lakes, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Going on aroad trip through New Englandhas to be one of the best ways to experience the region! Much of this history can be experienced on the citys Freedom Trail. The historical city of Concord, as well as the hallowed Walden Pond, are both worth a day trip. On the High Peaks of the Pemigewasset Hut-to-Hut trek, you will follow the Appalachian Trail across some of the most iconic peaks in the range South Twin and Mt. We have compiled a list of five of the best beginner backpacking trips in New England. But teres a lot more to New England food than what comes off the fishing boats. Notes: Strenuous hiking. The Pemi has hundreds of trails to explore. THE 5 BEST New England Hiking & Camping Tours. Look no further than the Chesterfield Inn, located in West Chesterfield in the Connecticut River Valley. This world-class living history museum, boasts a complete reconstruction of a rural 1830s New England town. Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker. Doesnt matter here. Arrive at the junction between I-7 and Highway 2 near Williamstown. . Even though I've been to the city a couple times (Dylan's parents live nearby), I still feel nervous and excited . For experienced hikers, one of the most quintessential hikes in New England is the Mount Mansfield Loop trail, which brings you from the base of the mountain to the tallest peak in Vermont, all in one challenging, 7.3-mile trail. This is simply to let others know your intention to stay and does not represent a . 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. Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for thereal adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. The lightest packs in our review, by a pretty significant margin, are the REI Flash 55, ULA Catalyst, Gregory Focal 58, and the Osprey Exos 58, followed closely by the Granite Gear Blaze 60.