Itinerary
Home to Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive
Originally we had planned to stay with Ray and Greta Lloyd's in Lake George for 4 days, leaving on 9/17 and driving halfway and then arriving at the Lloyds on 9/18. On Wednesday 9/11 we found out that Gretta had a stroke and so we will cancel these plans and make new ones. We decided to take the scenic route up the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park and then through Pennsylvania on to Vermont where we will pick up our original plans on Sunday 9/22.
On Tuesday we will drive from home to Fancy Gap, VA where will get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive to Peaks of the Otter Lodge on the Parkway where we will spend our first night. See map on Possible Routes Page. There is a closure on the parkway from Mile Marker 116-120 that the map won't show. Here are the directions from the official website: (Northbound Detour: From parkway milepost 112 take Route 24/Gus Nicks Blvd. west to Route 460 east to the parkway on-ramp.) Places to stop along this part of the BRP (not including all the pull-outs)include:
We will leave Shenandoah National Park on Friday 9/19 and drive to White Haven, PA in the Pocono Mountains.
Originally we had planned to stay with Ray and Greta Lloyd's in Lake George for 4 days, leaving on 9/17 and driving halfway and then arriving at the Lloyds on 9/18. On Wednesday 9/11 we found out that Gretta had a stroke and so we will cancel these plans and make new ones. We decided to take the scenic route up the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park and then through Pennsylvania on to Vermont where we will pick up our original plans on Sunday 9/22.
On Tuesday we will drive from home to Fancy Gap, VA where will get on the Blue Ridge Parkway and drive to Peaks of the Otter Lodge on the Parkway where we will spend our first night. See map on Possible Routes Page. There is a closure on the parkway from Mile Marker 116-120 that the map won't show. Here are the directions from the official website: (Northbound Detour: From parkway milepost 112 take Route 24/Gus Nicks Blvd. west to Route 460 east to the parkway on-ramp.) Places to stop along this part of the BRP (not including all the pull-outs)include:
- Blue Ridge Music Center
- Mabry Mill
- Smart View Recreational Area
We will leave Shenandoah National Park on Friday 9/19 and drive to White Haven, PA in the Pocono Mountains.
Pocono Mountains to Vermont
On Friday, September 21 we will drive to the Pocono Mountains. We will stay at the Comfort Inn Pocono Mountains. This is close to Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park. The drive is 292 miles, 5 hours mostly up I-81. See Possible Routes with routes to both state parks which we could do on either Friday or Saturday.
On Saturday, September 22 we will drive to Sunderland, VT close to Manchester in the Green Mountains. We will stay at the Arcady at Sunderland Lodge. The drive from the Poconos is 262 miles, 5 hours. The route on the Possible Routes page includes a stop at Taconic State Park in New York. It is close to Bish Bash Falls State Park in Massachusetts but it is closer to the falls from this state park. I had originally planned this as the last stop on the way home from leaving New England before driving back on I-81. We can leave this out depending on time and weather.
These are some of the things that I had added earlier when we were only going to drive on the Shires of Vermont and the Stone Valley Byway one time the last week of the trip. I am placing them here and at the end of the itinerary. We might want to try to see some of these today or on our way out of Sunderland.
On Friday, September 21 we will drive to the Pocono Mountains. We will stay at the Comfort Inn Pocono Mountains. This is close to Hickory Run State Park and Lehigh Gorge State Park. The drive is 292 miles, 5 hours mostly up I-81. See Possible Routes with routes to both state parks which we could do on either Friday or Saturday.
On Saturday, September 22 we will drive to Sunderland, VT close to Manchester in the Green Mountains. We will stay at the Arcady at Sunderland Lodge. The drive from the Poconos is 262 miles, 5 hours. The route on the Possible Routes page includes a stop at Taconic State Park in New York. It is close to Bish Bash Falls State Park in Massachusetts but it is closer to the falls from this state park. I had originally planned this as the last stop on the way home from leaving New England before driving back on I-81. We can leave this out depending on time and weather.
These are some of the things that I had added earlier when we were only going to drive on the Shires of Vermont and the Stone Valley Byway one time the last week of the trip. I am placing them here and at the end of the itinerary. We might want to try to see some of these today or on our way out of Sunderland.
- The Robert Frost Stone House Museum (open Wednesday through Sunday so it should be open) is part of Bennington College. This was where he lived when he wrote "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening." It is actually in the town of Shaftsberry.
- One of the most visited historic sites in the Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site.
- The Bennington Museum has a Grandma Moses Gallery and other historical artifacts.
- In Manchester we switch to the The Shires of Vermont Byway (Route 7A) runs from Manchester to Bennington. 42 miles and 15 villages. In Bennington (actually this is 3 towns: Old Bennington, North Bennington, and Downtown Bennington) there are three covered bridges: Silk Road, Paper Mill, and Henry. (See this site for directions for these three. It also includes directions for the 2 covered bridges in Arlington and West Arlington.
- Between Manchester and Arlington is the Mt. Equinox Skyline drive. This is a private toll road to the top of Mt. Equinox with a picnic area and scenci views along the way. Also a chance to learn about the Carthusian monks who own the mountaint top.
- The Marth Canfield Memorial Library holds some of Norman Rockwells work as well as other Vermont memoriable.
- Following Route 30 we will go through the town of Arlington. Norman Rockwell once lived here. In the town of West Arlington there is a covered bridge.
- We will stop south of Manchester in Sunderland which is between Arlington and Manchester. We will go through Manchester on Sunday on our way to North Hero.
- Manchester was a upscale summer retreat town. Robert Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, lived in Hildene mansion. Also the Southern Vermont Arts Center is here and it has a restaurant with a nice view according to the tour book. There are factory outlets here because this is the home of Orvis outdoor outfitters. The American Museum of Fly Fishing is also here - think we will leave this one off.
- The town of Dorset is picturesque and has a museum. Emerald Lake State Park (it will be open now but closed the next time we come through Dorset) is also in Dorest with some hiking trails. The marble Dorest Church has two Tiffany Stained Glass windows.
Lake Champlain and Burlington, Vermont
We will leave Sunderland and here is where I will re-connect with our previously planned drive on the Lake Champlain Scenic Byway. See route on Possible Routes Page.
We will tour the area on 9/23 and spend 9/23 again at the Lake Champlain Inn
We will leave Sunderland and here is where I will re-connect with our previously planned drive on the Lake Champlain Scenic Byway. See route on Possible Routes Page.
- Things to see along this route:
- Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell
- Shoreham, VT with a classic village known for its orchards and farms.
- Crown Point State Historic Site (New York State Historic Site - access from here to the Crown Point Pier, and the Champlain Memorial Lighthouse - Open 9:30-5:00
- Chimney Point State Historic Site - across the Lake from Crown Point State Historic Site in Addison
- Button Bay State Park
- Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte - has a good easy trail to the top with good views.
- Shelburne - depending on time of day could visit Shelburne Farms and the Shelburne Museum - Can also come back here on Monday. There is a covered bridge at the Shelburn Museum.
- The route also takes you through Burlington - which depending on time and weather could be done on Monday or even Tuesday on the way to Stowe.
We will tour the area on 9/23 and spend 9/23 again at the Lake Champlain Inn
- Places to see on Monday 9/23
- Alburg Dunes State Park - In the town of Alburg there is a Vermont Welcome Center. This will be north of where we are staying on North Hero. There is a pedestrian walkway between the beach and the bog called Beach Road. According to the website this park closes after Labor Day. However after emailing the Vermont parks department I found out that it is ok to park outside the park and walk on the trails. All facilities will be closed and no staff will be present.
- Isle La Motte is the northern most of the Lake Champlain Islands. It can be reached via a bridge in Alburg. St. Anne's Shrine is on this island.
- Hero's Welcome General Store - will rent bicycles - in the town of North Hero
- North Hero State Park - This one is closed after Labor Day. There is no staff here but there are nature trails. According to my email from Vermont government you will still be able to park outside the park and walk on the trails.
- From North Hero Island travel south to Grand Isle or South Hero.
- Grand Isle State Park - This park is on South Hero Island. There is a nature trail here. This park will be open until October 20.
- Also on the South Island are The Round Pond Natural Area and the Landon Community Trail which are part of the South Hero Land Trust see this website for maps.
- After going back to the mainland on South Hero there is Sand Bar State Park. This is mostly a swimming beach and may not be open after Labor Day.
- Traveling south off the islands toward Burlington is Niquette Bay State Park with several hiking trails described as very good views. This one is open until October 27.
- Burlington - There are many things to do in this city. There is the ECHO Lake Aquarium on the waterfront. There is a waterfront trail. This is the home of the University of Vermont. The Church Street Market is also a landmark. Along Lake Champlain is Waterfront Park is along the Burlrington Bike Trail with stops to several other parks. It is a very walkable city.
- Here is a link to a scenic drive up the islands -mostly on Route 2. : https://www.roadtripusa.com/the-great-northern/vermont/lake-champlain-islands/. Here is another link to a scenic byway of Lake Champlain
Stowe, VT
We will drive to Stowe from Lake Champlain via the Green Mountain Byway, Mad River Byway, and Scenic Route 100 making approximately 200 mile mile loop to the south and back north to Stowe on Tuesday, September 24. (I had to divide into 2 maps to enter all the places on Possible Routes page.)
We will stay here for 2 nights at the Stowehof, September 24 and 25.
Things to see on drive to Stowe on Tuesday, September 24 in order we will travel:
We could begin the drive by heading back north to Big Falls State Park in Troy, VT if we didn’t do this yesterday. After that we would retrace our steps to Stowe (or we could leave this part out and start at Stowe). From Stowe we would go south back to Waterbury (in case we saw something here we wanted to visit again)and then on US 2 (see map on Possible Routes page)with these stops: (The Google Map forced us on to I 91, but in St. Johnsville we can get on Highway 5 to stay off the interstate. Use the White Mountain map.
We will drive to Stowe from Lake Champlain via the Green Mountain Byway, Mad River Byway, and Scenic Route 100 making approximately 200 mile mile loop to the south and back north to Stowe on Tuesday, September 24. (I had to divide into 2 maps to enter all the places on Possible Routes page.)
We will stay here for 2 nights at the Stowehof, September 24 and 25.
Things to see on drive to Stowe on Tuesday, September 24 in order we will travel:
- We will drive on the Lake Champlain Scenic Byway as yesterday down to Burlington. We can make any stops that we didn't have time for yesterday.
- The Old Red Mill is in Jericho and is a very often photographed mill.
- Huntington Gorge (number 184 in the Waterfalls of New England book) and the Old Round Church in Richmond, VT
- In Bristol there are two waterfalls. Burnhams Falls which is also called Bristol Memorial Park Falls, number 183 in the Waterfalls of New England book, and Bartlett Falls, number 182 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Branbury State Park then we will drive across Highway 73 to Scenic Route 100 in Rochester, VT. This one will be open. The Falls of Lana are here - Number 176 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Texas Falls Recreation Area and the Green Mountain National Forest Rochester Ranger District State and Visitor Center (802-767-4261)in Rochester, VT. Texas Falls is Number 177 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Moss Glen Falls in Granville, VT number 178 in the Waterfalls of New England book
- Warren Falls (number 179 in the Waterfalls of New England book) and a covered bridge in Warren
- Mad River Path is a system of walking trails from Warren to Moretown. These is also a Visitor Center in Waitsfield Village.
- East Warren Road - Scenic drive. I have found two sets of directions. This first one is from my Exploring Vermont book and the second one is from a webpage.
- From Bridge Street in Waitsfield Village cross the covered Bridge bear right on East Warren Road and continue 6 miles to East Warren. Then take the Roxbury Gap Road up to the pullout. From East Warren continue down 2 miles to Warren Village. We would probably do this in the opposite direction since we will be coming from the South.
- "Off Route 100 in the Mad River Valley is East Warren Road, where you’ll find stunning views of Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen. Start your drive in Waitsfield on Bridge Street and pass through a one-lane covered bridge. Along the way you’ll see a historic round barn, pastures, farm houses, Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski trails, and plenty of beauty. Follow East Warren Road to Brook Road, which winds down into scenic Warren Village, home to The Warren Store and The Pitcher Inn. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, take East Warren Road to Brook Road to Plunkton Road, and head over to Blueberry Lake for swimming or kayaking, or to the nearby Blueberry Lake mountain bike trails."
- Camels Hump State Park - There are no facilities or visitor center here. There are several trails here varying in difficulty. There are some easy ones that we could do. You will find trail descriptions here. Honey Hollow Falls, number 185 in the Waterfalls of New England book is in Bolton and the Bolton Potholes number 186 in the Waterfalls of New England book nearby.
- Waterbury and Ben and Jerry's Factory Tour
- Stowe
- From the Town of Stowe you can take the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road to the top of Mount Mansfield. You can also take a gondola from the Stowe Mountain Resort but this about twice the price for driving on the Auto Toll Road.
- Also in Stowe is the Stowe Recreation Path a 5.3 mile paved path that winds through fields and wildflowers and parallels the Mountain Road but is less steep.
- Bingham Falls - (number 194 in the Waterfalls of New England book )North of Stowe on Mountain Route 108 (part of the Green Mountain Byway)and before getting to Smuggler's Notch
- Smuggler's Notch State Park - There is a trail to Bingham Falls here and a scenic drive.
- There are three covered bridges in the Cambridge, Jeffersonville area: Grist Mill, Poland, and Gates Farm. Also close to the Grist Mill Covered bridge is the Brewster River Gorge with waterfalls number 196 in the Waterfalls of New England book. These bridges also go by dfferent names. The Grist Mill Bridge is also called the Scot Bridge not be confused with the Scot bridge in Townshend, VT.
- Stowe Village - See the Mounain Chapel in Stowe
- Von Trapp Family Inn - we can't afford to stay here but we can visit
- Moss Glen Falls in Stowe - Same name as the one in Granville. Number 191 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Big Falls in Troy, VT - could do this one on the way to Franconia (This is the one of the loop drive options. It would make the loop a lollipop drive.) It is number 199 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
We could begin the drive by heading back north to Big Falls State Park in Troy, VT if we didn’t do this yesterday. After that we would retrace our steps to Stowe (or we could leave this part out and start at Stowe). From Stowe we would go south back to Waterbury (in case we saw something here we wanted to visit again)and then on US 2 (see map on Possible Routes page)with these stops: (The Google Map forced us on to I 91, but in St. Johnsville we can get on Highway 5 to stay off the interstate. Use the White Mountain map.
- Marshfield Fall are roadside falls on US2 and VT215. They are Number 187 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Cabot - visit the Cabot Creamery Visitors Center
- Danville to St. Johnsville on US 2 is a scenic drive with the White Mountains in view. Also is the restored Greenbank's Hollow Covered Bridge.
- In St. Johnsville see the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium.
- Head south from here to Bath. There are 3 covered bridges in this area: Bath, Bath-Haverhill, and Swiftwater. I ran out of room to put all three on the map. Swiiftwater Falls is close to Swiftwater Bridge, number 116 in the Waterfalls of New England book. Then to the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves. This is a paid attraction. The Paradise falls are number 114 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Arrive at Gale River Motel in Franconia
White Mountains
Arrive in Franconia on Thursday 9/26 from Stowe, VT and stay at the Gale River Motel for 4 nights. We will have three full days to explore the area: Friday 9/27, Saturday 9/28, and Sunday 9/29. We will drive to Bethel on 9/30 which is a 61 mile 1.5 hour drive.
There are many things to see in the Whites. Here are some resources that show scenic drives in the area and waterfalls and covered bridges:
Possible Hikes
Here are some of the hikes we could take from the book about day hikes in the White Mountains by the AMC. The book has good descriptions. I am only looking at those that are 2 miles or less. Here they are arranged by area. (page numbers from book included). I am also including names of the covered bridges from the interactive map linked above click here for the map.
Southwestern Whites and Waterville Valley - includes towns of Plymouth, Thornton, Campton, Rumney, and Waterville Valley.
Franconia Notch - a popular tourist area that includes well-known sites of the Flume, Echo Lake, and Cannon Mountain. There is a 20 mile round trip paved bike path that parallels the highway through the notch.
Kancamagus Highway - This is a 35 mile scenic highway that runs from Lincoln to Conway. The Saco Ranger stantion is at the intersection of NH16 in Conway and the Lincoln Woods Ranger State is 4 miles east of Lincoln. Both have information and restrooms.
Conway and North Conway Region - This is at the eastern end of the Kancamagus Highway at NH16. It is a heavily tourist area with outlet malls and other attractions similar to Pigeon Forge.
Crawford Notch and Zealand Notch - This is in the heart of the White Mountains along US 302. This is one of the most scenic highways in both directions. It includes the small towns of Bartlett, Notchland, Bretton Woods, and Twin Mountains. Also here is Crawford Notch State Park and the AMC Highland Center. The Conway Scenic Railway runs through here and stops at the Crawford Depot.
Pinkham Notch - This is the area of the Presidential Range, including Mt. Washington, the highest mountain in the northeast, 6288 ft. - Clingmans Dome is 6, 644. Many of the hikes are centered around the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center. NH16 goes from Jackson to Gorham and Pinkham Notch is on this highway.There are so many trails in this area that the wise thing to do is to stop at the PNVC and ask for expert advice in deciding which trails to take in the time we have.
Evans Notch - This is the farthest east part of the White Mountains and some is in Maine close to Bethel, Maine where we are staying next. So if we do any of these trails we could do them on the way to Bethel. All the hikes here were to vistas and were longer steep trails so there weren't any here that I thought we could do. The route to take would be Rt. 113 between Gilead and Stow. Look for the Cold River Overlook a mile south of the Evans Notch highest point.
North Country - This area is north of US 2 and Gorham. Depending on how we go to Bethel we could go through this area on the way out. Trails here again are few. We would also hit this area on the way to Bethel. However we could do more driving here to Dixville Notch and Colebrook to see Covered Bridges and Beaver Brook Falls (number 152 in the Waterfalls of New England book), Dixville Flume, number 154 in the Waterfalls of New England book, Mossy Glen, number 147 in the Waterfalls of New England book, and Huntingdon Cascade, number 153 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
On 9/30 we will leave for Bethel, Maine. The route we take will depend on the weather that week and what we have seen. We could go north from Franconia which would be the shortest distance or we could go back to Woodstock and on the Kancamagus Highway to Conway and then on to Bethel. There is not a map for this on the Possible Routes page since we will determine it when we leave the White Mountains.
Arrive in Franconia on Thursday 9/26 from Stowe, VT and stay at the Gale River Motel for 4 nights. We will have three full days to explore the area: Friday 9/27, Saturday 9/28, and Sunday 9/29. We will drive to Bethel on 9/30 which is a 61 mile 1.5 hour drive.
There are many things to see in the Whites. Here are some resources that show scenic drives in the area and waterfalls and covered bridges:
- White Mountain Scenic Drives
- There are many waterfalls and covered bridges in this area - too many to hike and see. To find them all there is an interactive map with links to each one - click here.
- Area1: Mt Washington Road and Pinkham Area and Crawford Notch Area - Make a circle by going north to above the White Mountain National Forest and then drive south to Mt. Washington and then drive south on Rt. 16 until you hit 302 and come back to Franconia through Crawford Notch.
- Area 2: Franconia and Woodstock Area
- Area 3: Kancamagus Highway and Conway
- Coming in 9/26: - Go through Bath down to Lost River Gorge to Woodstock and then drive to north to Franconia - this is the route on the map on the Possible Routes page.
- Leaving 9/30 - We could go the northern route and do some falls north of Mt. Washington in Colebrook and Dixville Notch and and even the Mt. Washington Road. Or we could go the southern route on the Kancamagus Highway and explore North Conway and Intervale - This would be good since it will be a Monday and it will be less crowded in this area.
Possible Hikes
Here are some of the hikes we could take from the book about day hikes in the White Mountains by the AMC. The book has good descriptions. I am only looking at those that are 2 miles or less. Here they are arranged by area. (page numbers from book included). I am also including names of the covered bridges from the interactive map linked above click here for the map.
Southwestern Whites and Waterville Valley - includes towns of Plymouth, Thornton, Campton, Rumney, and Waterville Valley.
- Cascade Path, Waterville Valley page 2 - described as a pleasant easy walk to a series of small waterfalls. The trail is a 1.7 mile out an back but you wouldn't have to do the whole trail - estimated time 2 hours. This is waterfall 11 on the interactive map.
- Campton Falls or Beedee or Beebe Falls - which one is it. The waterfall map and the Waterfalls of New England book have different locations and Google maps when you enter Beede Falls you get a picture that matches the Campton Falls in the Waterfalls of New England book, number 104.
- Covered Bridges in the Area
- Blair Bridge and Bump Bridge in Campton
- Kissing Bridge in Rumney
- Smith Bridge in Plymouth
Franconia Notch - a popular tourist area that includes well-known sites of the Flume, Echo Lake, and Cannon Mountain. There is a 20 mile round trip paved bike path that parallels the highway through the notch.
- Basin and Basin Cascade Trail - p.47. Described as an easy walk. 1.6 miles roundtrip -estimated time 45 minutes. You will go to the Basin, a pothole waterfall. At point 0.7 mile there is a short side path to Kinsman Falls and if you want to do a water crossing you can go another 0.5 miles to Rocky Glen Falls. So this is an out and back trail. There is a description of the Lonesome Lake Trail on page 73 that intersects with this trail. These are number 119 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Flume Gorge - p. 51 Rated Easy 2.0 mile loop - estimated time 2 hours. One of the most popular trails at Franconia Notch State park. It goes through a narrow gorge with vertical boulders a waterfall and two covered bridges. There is a bus that will take you the first 0.7 miles or you can begin at the visitor's center. This is the trail to Avalanche Falls. Number 118 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Bald Mountain and Artist's Bluff - p. 55. This trail begins and ends near Echo Lake. It is 1.5 miles on trail and is rated moderate - estimated time 1-2 hours. The trail has been renamed to the Veterans Trail but it was originally called the Loop Trail. It starts out steep for the first 0.25 mile. You reach the summit of Bald Mountain at 0.5 mile. You continue on a loop to Artist's Bluff which seems to be mostly downhill from the bald. Close to this trail are Echo Lake and the Cannon Mountain gondola, the Old Man in the Mountain site, the Basin and Eagle cliff.
- Coppermine Trail to Bridal Veil Falls - p.64. This one is 5 miles round trip if you go all the way to Bridal Veil Falls. There are several cascades along the first portion of the trail where you could stop. Estimated time for the whole trail is 3-4 hours. The trail begins on a road for 0.4 miles where you turn onto a trail. Coppermine Brook comes in at 1 mile and follows the trail the rest of the way. At about 2.3 miles there is a bridge. Bridal Veil Falls is 0.2 miles past the bridge but requires crossing the stream rock hopping. Lost River Gorge is close to this trail. Bridal Veil Falls is number 121 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Cloudland Falls from Falling Waters Trail - p. 79 - This describes a long day hike up a mountain and over a ridge but we would only do the fir 2.6 mile trip to Cloudland Falls. This hike does have some stream crossings but the books says that if it isn't high water then children should be able to manage this hike. It passes Stair Falls and Switfwater Falls and then on a logging road to Cloudland Falls. Number 120 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
Kancamagus Highway - This is a 35 mile scenic highway that runs from Lincoln to Conway. The Saco Ranger stantion is at the intersection of NH16 in Conway and the Lincoln Woods Ranger State is 4 miles east of Lincoln. Both have information and restrooms.
- Sabbaday Falls - p. 89. This is a very popular 0.6 mile each loop that takes 30 minutes to an hour. There is a flume gorge and falls. There is a picnic area here with restrooms. This is number 111 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Rocky Gorge and Lovequist Loop around Falls Pond - p. 96. This is an easy 1 mile loop that takes 30 minutes to an hour. It takes you over a small gorge with swift water and then around a quiet scenic pond. These are numbers 108 and 109 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
Conway and North Conway Region - This is at the eastern end of the Kancamagus Highway at NH16. It is a heavily tourist area with outlet malls and other attractions similar to Pigeon Forge.
- Diana's Baths -p.129. This is an easy 1.2 mile loop with no elevation gain. It takes 30 minutes to an hour. It is on the Moat Mountain Trail which continues on bath the cascades. This is a well graded accessible path to small pools and cascades. It is close to Echo Lake State Park which is different from Echo Lake in Franconia Notch State Park. Diana's Baths is number 135 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Black Cap - p. 133. This is a 2.2 mile round trip hike with a 650 feet elevation gain with an estimated time of 1 to 2 hours. This would be a hike to take to see mountain vistas without much climbing. It would need to be on a clear day to be worthwhile. It is off of Hurricane Mountain Road, which is an experience in itself, very steep.
- Mountain Pond Loop Trail - p. 138. This is a 2.7 mile hike with minimal elevation gain with an estimated time of 1.5 to 3 hours. It can be a pleasant short walk if you don't want to take the complete loop. This is not a good trail in damp weather. The loop junction is at 0.3 miles and you should go right at the fork unless it is damp then go the other way. For a shorter hike go left at the junction and walk to the shelter and then retrace your steps for a 2 mile hike.
- There are three covered bridges in this area:
- Albany - 6 miles west of Conway just off the Kancamagus Highwas
- Saco River on West Side Road in Conway
- Swift River also on West Side Road in Conway.
Crawford Notch and Zealand Notch - This is in the heart of the White Mountains along US 302. This is one of the most scenic highways in both directions. It includes the small towns of Bartlett, Notchland, Bretton Woods, and Twin Mountains. Also here is Crawford Notch State Park and the AMC Highland Center. The Conway Scenic Railway runs through here and stops at the Crawford Depot.
- Saco Lake and Elephant Head - p. 150. This is an easy 1.2 mile round trip with only a 100 ft elevation gain that takes 1 hour. There are wooden bridges and large rocks around a lake and then view of the Elephant Head rock formation. This is a good place to see wildlife in the lake (loons).
- Ammonoosuc Lake Via the Around the Lake Trail - p. 155. This is very close to the Saco Lake Trail and it sounds very similar but it does have a 0.3 mile spur to the Red Bench with vistas of Mt. Washington. It is 1-2 miles depending on if you go to the Red Bench vista and is easy with only 150 feet elevation gain. It should take 1 to 2 hours. Upper Ammonosssuc Falls is number 124 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliffs - p. 174. This trail is 3 miles and is listed with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet over 1.5 miles. These are the highest falls in New Hampshire more than 200 feet high. There are several more waterfalls along the way (Bemis Brook Falls and Coliseum Falls) which are relatively a short distance from the trailhead. This is number 133 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Ripley Falls - p. 190. This part of the books describes this as part of a longer loop trail to Ethan Pond. You could also get to her by doing a loop from Arethusa Falls past Frankenstein Cliffs which is steep. If we just want to go to Ripley Falls then it is only 0.6 miles from the trailhead. Ripley Falls is 100 feet high. This is number 131 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Flume Cascade, number 128 in the Waterfalls of New England book, is very close to Silver Cascade, number 129 in the Waterfalls of New England book are both in Crawford Notch State Park.
Pinkham Notch - This is the area of the Presidential Range, including Mt. Washington, the highest mountain in the northeast, 6288 ft. - Clingmans Dome is 6, 644. Many of the hikes are centered around the AMC's Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center. NH16 goes from Jackson to Gorham and Pinkham Notch is on this highway.There are so many trails in this area that the wise thing to do is to stop at the PNVC and ask for expert advice in deciding which trails to take in the time we have.
- Glen Ellis Falls - p. 215. Easy 0.6 mile hike with a short descent, estimated time 30-40minutes. This is a very popular 64 foot waterfall on the Ellis River in Pinkham Notch. Number 138 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Lost Pond Trail - p. 218. Easy 1.0 mile hike with minimal elevation gain. It is 1 mile to the pond and back but 1.8 miles if you loop around the pond. There is also someway to connect this trail to the Glen Ellis Falls Trail but not exactly sure how long this would be. The trail begins across from the PNVC so we could get information here about how to make the connection.
- Thompson Falls Trail - p. 224 and number 140 in the Waterfalls of New England book. Easy 1.4 mile round trip with a 200 ft elevation gain, estimated time 1-2 hours. It is in the Wildcat Mountain Ski area. Youbegin on the Way of the Wildcat Nature Trail and after about 10 minutes the Thompson Falls trail leaves this nature trail at farthest point on the loop. From the nature trail to the falls is only 0.2 mile. You can go further to a look out but the trail here is harder and requires a stream crossing. When you return if you continue on the nature trail in the other direction to make it a loop you will follow the Peabody River.
- Square Ledge - p.229. This is short but very steep trail, 500ft in 0.5 miles with a round trip total of 1.0 mile. It provides a good view of Pinkham Notch and Mt. Washington but not good in wet weather. This trail runs with the Lost Pond Trail and there is the Ladies Lookoff of Pinkham Notch at only 0.1 miles. This would be as far as I think we would go.
- Waterfall and Vista Loop in the Northern Presidentials - p. 233. This has an easy 1.5 mile loop which would be the one for us. 1-2 hours for the easy loop. The short waterfall loop falls the Fallsway and Brookbank trails. You will come to Gordon falls first and then the Upper and Lower Salroc Falls. After passing these falls you can return via the Valley Way. Or you could turn left at the sign and go 0.1 mile to Tama Falls which is the largest of the group. Here you could either return to the parking lot via the Brookbank trail, 0.7 miles to the parking lot or you could backtrack. The Brookbank trail has moss covered rocks so it would be slipper in wet weather. These falls are called the Appalachia Waterfalls, number 146 in the Waterfalls of New England Book.
- Tuckerman Ravine Trail - p. 254. This trail is the favorite way to Mt. Washington. We would only go less than 0.5 miles on this trail to the Crystal Cascade waterfall, number 139 in the Waterfalls of New England book and then return. It starts at the PNVC.
- Jackson Falls, number 136 in the Waterfalls of New England book, is number 7 on the White Mountains waterfalls and covered bridge map. It is basically a roadside falls with less than a .01 of a mile.
Evans Notch - This is the farthest east part of the White Mountains and some is in Maine close to Bethel, Maine where we are staying next. So if we do any of these trails we could do them on the way to Bethel. All the hikes here were to vistas and were longer steep trails so there weren't any here that I thought we could do. The route to take would be Rt. 113 between Gilead and Stow. Look for the Cold River Overlook a mile south of the Evans Notch highest point.
North Country - This area is north of US 2 and Gorham. Depending on how we go to Bethel we could go through this area on the way out. Trails here again are few. We would also hit this area on the way to Bethel. However we could do more driving here to Dixville Notch and Colebrook to see Covered Bridges and Beaver Brook Falls (number 152 in the Waterfalls of New England book), Dixville Flume, number 154 in the Waterfalls of New England book, Mossy Glen, number 147 in the Waterfalls of New England book, and Huntingdon Cascade, number 153 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
On 9/30 we will leave for Bethel, Maine. The route we take will depend on the weather that week and what we have seen. We could go north from Franconia which would be the shortest distance or we could go back to Woodstock and on the Kancamagus Highway to Conway and then on to Bethel. There is not a map for this on the Possible Routes page since we will determine it when we leave the White Mountains.
Western Lakes and Mountains of Maine
- Arrive in Bethel Maine on 9/30 and spend 9/30 Bethel Village Motel
- On 10/1 spend the day driving to Loon Lodge in Rangely Lakes - see these sites along the way. (See map on Possible Routes page)
- In Bethel, the Bethel Recreational Path is 1.5 miles long and parallels the Anddroscoggin River)
- Artist's Covered Bridge across the Sunday River in NewryPossible Routes
- Frenchmen's Hole is a waterfall and swimming hole - Number 40 in the waterfalls of New England book.
- Step Falls Preserve - has a short 1 mile hike to a waterfall close to Grafton Notch State Park. I think that this is Step Falls Number 42 in the Waterfalls of New England book. The parking lot is described as being 1.6 miles east of the parking area for Screw Auger falls.
- Grafton Notch State Park - there are several waterfalls here: Screw Auger Number 41 in the Waterfalls of New England book, Mother Walker, and Moose Gorge Cave (these two are not in the Waterfalls of New England book) Step Falls Number 42 in the Waterfalls of New England book is 1.6 miles east of the parking area for Screw Auger falls. It is described as a series of cascades slide falls so it maybe that the other two falls.
- Umbagog Lake State Park - this is in New Hampshire.
- Bennett Bridge in Wilson Mills close to Lincoln, ME
- Cupsuptic Lake Park - part of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
- Rangely Lakes Heritage Trust - has information about the hikes in the region.
- Oquossoc Log Church Rt. 4 37 Carry Rd. Oquossoc, ME
- Stay at Loon Lodge for 2 nights: 10/1 and 10/2
- On 10/2 explore the Rangely Lakes Area by driving on the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. See Map on Possible Routes Page that creates a loop through the region and back to Loon Lodge for the night. .Along the way see these sites:
- Cascade Stream Gorge - part of Rangely Lakes Heritage Trust
- Height of the Land,
- Coos Canyon, There is a roadside park here and also some waterfalls. They are number 47 in the Waterfalls of New England book. Swift River Falls, number 46 in the Waterfalls of New England book are very close, 6.9 miles south of Coos Canyon.
- Andover, and Lovejoy Bridges -
- Also in Andover is a series of waterfalls called the Cataracts with the lower falls sometimes called the Churn and the upper falls sometimes called the Flume. The trail to the falls goes by 2 names: Frye Brook Trail or the Cataracts Trail. They are in the Mahoosuc Public Reserve. These falls are number 44 in the Waterfalls of New England book. Close by is Ellis Falls, number 45 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Rumford Falls
- Mt. Blue State Park in Weld
- Smalls Falls - Roadside Park - number 50 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- The Cascades on the Sandy River Plantation, also known as Cascade Gorge and Cascade Stream Gorge are very impressive waterfalls, number 49 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- This loop then returns to Loon Lodge. Total 122 mile loop, 3 hours with not stops, but of course we are stopping so this should make a nice day. I left off the last 3.4 miles to downtown Rangely to get everything on the map.
- On 10/3 leave the Rangely Lakes area on our way Otter Creek Inn in Acadia National Park. We will take a short off the beaten path route to drive on the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway and see the highest waterfall in Maine, Moxie Falls. We will travel through Bingham which is on the 45th parallel, equidistant from the equator and North Pole (We were also on the 45th parallel when we were in Yellowstone 2 years ago on our first road trip.)
- Leaving Rangely Lakes we will travel back through Sandy River and Phillips from yesterday's journey on Highway 4/234 until we intersect with Highway 201, which is the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway. There are several rest stops with signage along this route.
- Houston Falls, number 53 in the Waterfalls of New England Book, on route 16 close to Bingham, ME.
- Houston Brook will terminate into Wyman Lake. Here is there is a picnic area and pretty views.
- We will head on to Moxie Falls, the highest waterfalls in Maine, number 55 in the Waterfalls of New England book. The hike to the top of the falls and viewing platforms is easy and provide excellent views without having to make the harder climb to the bottom of the falls.
- After Moxie Falls we will backtrack on Highway 201 past Bingham. In South Solon there is the South Solon Meetinghouse, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is filled inside with fresco art with every square inch of the walls and ceiling painted. There are no open hours on the website but the tourbook says that it is usually left open.
- From here we will head south on Route 151 where we can either stay on US2 on get on I95 to head toward Bangor and then south to Acadia.
- Leaving Rangely Lakes we will travel back through Sandy River and Phillips from yesterday's journey on Highway 4/234 until we intersect with Highway 201, which is the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway. There are several rest stops with signage along this route.
Acadia
- Reservations made at Otter Bay for October 3-10
- Nights spent: 10/3, 10/4, 10/5, 10/6, 10/7, 10/8, 10/9
- Full Days: 10/4, 10/5, 10/6, 10/7, 10/8, 10/9
- Could spend one of these days exploring Downeast Maine - all the way to Roque Bluffs State Park is 1.5 hour drive so it is doable in a day.
- Since this is the longest stay of our trip I will plan this day by day based on the weather I will base my planning on my book, Photographing Acadia which is very detailed with routes and time of day suggestions.
Mid-Coast Maine
- On Thursday we will leave Acadia for the Country Inn at Camden-Rockport. This will be our base for 2 nights, Thursday 10/10 and Friday 10/11. On the way from Acadia we will explore the Blue Hill Peninsula and Penobscot Bay. (See route on Possible Routes page.) All together with no stops, 179 miles and about 5 hours. Some of the later points could be visited while we are staying in Camden.
- There will be several ways of leaving Mt. Desert Islands. We will decide on the specific route based on weather on the day we leave. Either way we choose we will cross back to the mainland in Trenton.
- The drive from our motel in Acadia to Blue Hill is about an hour depending on which way you leave Mt. Desert Island and if you make no stops along the way.
- Blue Hill is known for its arts and crafts and music and the Bagaduce Music Lending Library is here. Other things to see here are several historical homes, Parson Fisher House. We should drive on Parker Point Road to Blue Hills Falls the back scenic way.
- For a scenic drive down a peninsula in Surry turn south and drive the length of Newbury Neck then return to Surry. Doesn't look like too many places to stop and see the scenery, so this might be one to leave off.
- Blue Hill Mountain is a popular place to watch a sunset. There are several trails to the top of this short mountain, 943 ft. Information about each hike is on the Blue Hill Heritage Trust page.
- From Blue Hill head south to the towns of Brooklin where the famous Wooden Boat Publications is and E.B. White lived (See the Brooklin Library) and see the Naskeag Point and Cap Rosier.
- From Brooklin head north toward Sedgwick and Brooksville. Look for Caterpillar Hill
- In Brooksville stop at the Holbrook Island Sanctuary and Cape Rosier.
- Castline is the next stop with a historical tour around this small town at the head of the Penobscot River.
- From Castline head to Fort Knox and Penobscot Narrows Observatory.
- Next Stop the Fort Point Lighthouse at Fort Point State Park.
- Head to Camden for our Motel, Country Inn at Camden-Rockport.
- There will be several ways of leaving Mt. Desert Islands. We will decide on the specific route based on weather on the day we leave. Either way we choose we will cross back to the mainland in Trenton.
- Friday 10/11. Check here for information about Rockland, Camden, and Lincolnville. We will travel from Camden - Rockport north to Searspoint and anything that we missed from Blue Hill Peninsula area. See Possible Routes Page for a map. This whole trip without stops is 76 miles and about 3 hours without stops.
- For here could go on to Fort Point State Park or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory if we ran out of time on the way from Acadia. Then the quickest way would be to return back the same route to our motel in Camden Rockland.
- Moose Point State Park is in Searsport, a small state park with trails and a view of Penobscot Bay. The park is closed after October 1 but you are allowed to park outside the gate and walk the trails.
- Belfast is an eclectic small city with a historic walking tour and several preserves - see the Coastal Mountains Land Trust for a list.
- Fernald's Neck Preserve has several trails - part of Coastal Mountain Land Trust
- Camden Hills State Park has many trails and a drive to the top of Mount Battie
- The Coastal Mountains Land Trust has several preserves with hikes. Office is at 101 Mount Battie Street, Camden. Could check here for information and maps.
- Left this off the map since it is so close to the hotel.
- Vesper Hill Children's Chapel - in Camden. A rustic, non-denominational chapel surrounding by gardens and lawn - open except for weddings and special events. Will need to check this to see when we can visit since we will be here on a busy weekend.
- Camden Harbor Park is part of the Camden Library and it is good place to sit and see the harbor. Left this off the map since it is so close to the hotel.
- Merryspring Nature Center has woods and nature trails.It is very close to our hotel. Left this off the map since it is so close to the hotel.
- Curtis Island Overlook in Rockland can view the Curtis Island Lighthouse which is only accessible by boat.
- On Saturday 10/12 we will travel from Camden - Rockport south to Rockland, St. Georges Peninsula, and Permaquid Peninsula (See map on Possible Routes Page) We will then travel to our next motel in Boothbay Harbor, Cap N'Fish's. We will stay here 2 nights.
- Rockland has become a place for artists with its Farnsworth Museum and Wyeth Center. Rockland is also a center for Windjammer Cruises so you can see these sail boats in the harbor a lot.
- The Rockland Breakwater with Light house at the end is open on weekends. It is a good place for photography but dangerous during storms. It is about a mile long. Can park at either the Marie Memorial Park of the Samoset Resort. Not inlcuded on the map since it is very close to our hotel.
- Rockland in-town parks: Marine Park, Walker Park, Mary-Lea Park, Cramer Park
- Owls Head Light State Park has a lighthouse.
- Continue down the St. George Peninsula to the Marshall Point Lighthouse in Port Clyde. Also in Port Clyde is the Port Clyde General Store, a 2 century old general store.
- Cushing Peninsula - this area is known as Wyeth land as many of the paintings by Andrew Wyeth are from this area, e.g. Broad Cove Church - which now seems to be a Methodist Church. Also in Cushing there is the South Cushing Church now owned by the Cushing Historical Society.
- Travel to Friendship and then to Waldoboro on part of the Georges River Scenic Byway (route 220) which is only described in my Maine book. From Waldoboro enter the Pemaquid Peninsula.
- From Waldoboro travel to Bristol. Look for these historical houses of worship: Old German Church in Waldoboro, Old Walpole Meeting House and Harrington Meeing House in Bristol. Also in Bristol see the Old Rock Schoolhouse - there are docents here on Wednesday and Sunday from 1-3. (These are left off this map since we will pass through Bristol and there is a limit of the number of places in each map.)
- From Bristol go south on down the peninsula to the Colonial Pemaquid and Fort Henry State Historical Site and the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
- Return up the peninsula to Damariscotta and see these historical houses of worship (these could be left to the next day since we will begin the last day in Damariscotta), St. Patrick's Catholic Church and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Newcastle.
- In the Damariscotta and Newcastle area there are several preserves. These are run by the Damariscotta River Association. Here is a map of each of the preserves in this region. The Salt Bay Heritage Trail is in Damariscotta and the Dodge Point Preserve is south on the way to BoothBay. (Had to leave these off the map also but you can find descriptions on the Damariscotta River Association.)
- Travel to our next hotel the Cap N' Fish's in Boothbay Harbor.
- Sunday 10/13 we will explore the Boothbay Peninsula and the Phippsburg Peninsula (See Possible Routes page for this trip of about 100 miles and 3 hours without stops.) There is some backtracking here due to the peninsulas.
- Begin exploring Boothbay Harbor itself, there is a 1,000 ft long foot bridge very close to our hote.
- In Boothbay there is the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden. There are also several parks and preserves maintained by the Boothbay Region Land Trust located in Boothbay Harbor. A description of each preserve is on the website. Most popular is the Porter Preserve (this one is good for a sunset view, but not sure we will be here at sunset).
- Travel south to Southport Island and see the Hendricks Head Lighthouse. (Another option would be to leave this to after we return to the hotel on Sunday evening since it is so close.)
- Then back up the peninsula to Wiscasset and then on to the Phippsburg. In Bath there is the Maine Maritime Museum
- From Bath travel on south to Josephine Newman Audobon Sanctuary and Reid State Park.
- Return to our hotel in Boothbay Harbor.
Portland Area Including Bath, Brunswick, and Freeport.
- We will leave Boothbay Harbor on Monday, October 14 and travel to Portland. We will explore the Bath and Brunswick areas and Freeport and the L.L. Bean Outlet along the way. The drive without stops from Boothbay Harbor to South Portland is 62 miles.
- We will stay one night in South Portland to see the sights including the Portland Head Lighthouse and Two Lights State Park. We will stay at the Best Western Merry Manor Inn in South Portland.
- Things to see along the drive to South Portland: (See map on Possible Routes page - 108 miles, 3 hours without stops.)
- These three were also listed in yesterday's sights, but could be added today if we didn't get them in on Sunday. They have been left off the map to add new places today. In Bath there is the Maine Maritime Museum . From Bath travel on south to Josephine Newman Audobon Sanctuary and Reid State Park.
- In the town of Baily Island is the Giant Stairs Trail with great scenic views of the rocky coast. Also on this peninsula is the Cliff Trail.
- In Brunswick there is a Women's History Trail that takes you through the historic downtown area. Also on this loop is Bowdoin College which owns the Harriet Beecher Stowe House (her husband was a teacher here.) Also in Brunswick is the First Parish Church also known as Uncle Tom's Church. Along Main street are plaques to the four famous authors of Brunswick: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Robert P. T. Coffin.
- In Freeport of course visit L. L. Bean home store. This is basically a shopping town with many outlets and L.L. Beans is something to see. But there are other things in the town that are picturesque. In Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park there is Shoreline Walk that is easy. At Bradbury Mountain State Park which is north of Freeport and take the easy, short Mountain Trail for great views to the ocean.
- Then from Freeport on to our motel in South Portland.
- In Brunswick there is a Women's History Trail that takes you through the historic downtown area. Also on this loop is Bowdoin College which owns the Harriet Beecher Stowe House (her husband was a teacher here.) Also in Brunswick is the First Parish Church also known as Uncle Tom's Church. Along Main street are plaques to the four famous authors of Brunswick: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Robert P. T. Coffin.
- Portland Area - Some of these we may see on arriving on 10/14 and some on leaving on 10/15.
- Portland Observatory - the only remaining signal tower on the Easter Seaboard, built in 1807. Tour book says to ask about sunset tours. The last day of the season is Monday 10/14 so we will need to visit it on Monday. Also while here purchase the Portland Walking Tours Booklet.
- Portland Museum of Art - has a lot of American impressionism
- There are several walking tours of Portland created by the Greater Portland Landmarks - can find these online or purchase a printed copy.
- Lighthouse Tour - see page 86 in Maine tour book. I made a map from the book on the Possible Routes page. It includes views or visits to these lighthouses: Bug Light Park with walking trail to Portland Breakwater Head, Spring Point Ledge, Portland Head, Ram Island Ledge Light, Two Light State Park and Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
- Portland Observatory - the only remaining signal tower on the Easter Seaboard, built in 1807. Tour book says to ask about sunset tours. The last day of the season is Monday 10/14 so we will need to visit it on Monday. Also while here purchase the Portland Walking Tours Booklet.
- These three were also listed in yesterday's sights, but could be added today if we didn't get them in on Sunday. They have been left off the map to add new places today. In Bath there is the Maine Maritime Museum . From Bath travel on south to Josephine Newman Audobon Sanctuary and Reid State Park.
Southern New Hampshire - From Portland to Keene
Maine
Maine
- On Tuesday, October 15 we will travel through the Merrimack Valley to Keene, NH. We will use Keene as our base. We will stay here for 2 nights at the Best Western Plus Keene. (October 15 and 16). Without any stops and using the Interstate from our hotel in South Portland to Keen by way of Kittery, Portsmouth, Rye and the Merrimack (it took 2 maps) is about 190 miles and 5.5 hours. See maps on Possible Routes page for route from South Portland to the Yorks.
- We will begin our day with any sights in Portland that we didn't see - maybe the Lighthouse Tour above.
- East Point Sanctuary is in Biddeford. From here you can see the Wood Lighthouse. There are tours here but it can only be reached by boat.
- Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge has several preserves. Its headquarters is in Wells.
- The Kennebunks are the next area, made famous by the Bush Family. Two natural phenomena to see from Kennebunkport's Dock Square are Sprouting Rock and Blowing Cave. Also from Dock Square is St. Anne's Church whose stones came from the ocean floor and the Anchor to Windward.
- Traveling south from the Kennebunks is Ogunquit and Perkins Cove. In Ogunquit there is a Museum of American Art. The Marginal Way trail goes to Perkins Cove is a fishing village with shops and restaurants, very picturesque.
- On South to the Yorks, home of the Cape Neddick Light Station, also called the Nubble. It is on an island and not accessible to tour but can easily be seen from Sohier Park Welcome Center.
- Mount Agamenticus - is a preserve with a drive up the 692 foot mountain with views of the coast and on a clear day to the White Mountains - consider this one based on time and weather.
- We will travel from York to Kittery to New Hampshire - had to start a new map to include the points for the rest of the day - See Possible Routes Page.
- After passing through Kittery (chose this route to stay off the interstate) we explore Portsmouth, NH. There are several sites to see here. I have created a loop drive that will take us across several bridges to islands back town then on west to Keene. This route is 3 hours, 117 miles without stops. Possible sights include:
- Prescott Park and Strawberry Banke Museum
- Discover Portsmouth operated by the Portsmouth Historical Society has a visitor center with information about the historical homes in the city, including one where John Paul Jones lived.
- Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. If the grounds are closed then the best place to see it is from the Great Island Common in New Castle.
- Rye, New Hampshire is a small village close by with Odiorne Point State Park. The drive to Rye from Portsmouth was called "breathtaking" in the tour book.
- From Rye we will travel to Derry and the Robert Frost Farm State Historical Site. This closes on October 14. It may still be possible to park outside the gate and walk on the grounds.
- From Derry there are two options:
- Travel to Manchester, to Peterborough, and then onto our hotel in Keene. This route keeps us off the Interstate except for just a short 35 miles and through the Merrimack and Monadnocks Region.
- Or we could drive north out of Manchester on the John Stark Scenic Highway
Southern New Hampshire, Southern Vermont, and the Berkshires of Massachusetts
- We will use Keene as our base for this area. We will stay here for 2 nights at the Best Western Plus Keene. (Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16).
- Things to see and do on Wednesday, October 16. See Possible Routes Page
- Monadnock State Park
- Jaffrey Center, Fitzwilliam are small scenic towns
- Cathedral of the Pines is an outdoor memorial to Americans who have lost their lives in battle. There are inspiring views.
- From here through Peterborough and then on to Greenfield State Park (only open on weekends after Columbus Day so will probably be closed) and Miller State Park and then depending on the time drive on the Currier and Ives Scenic Byway. If we have time we will go all the way to the end at Salisbury or if not then just go to Henniker. There are 5 covered bridges on this scenic highway - see link to map of them here.
- Good place for a sunset is Chesterfield - a small town see tour book about 10 miles west of Keene. Then return to Keene or go on to Brattleboro depending on time. In Chesterfield there is the Chesterfield Gorge State Wayside area with a short loop to several falls in the gorge, Number 95 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Explore Brattleboro - do this part depending on time - We will travel through Brattleboro when leaving Keene.
- Brattleboro, VT - Vermont Center for Photography (I had hoped to see this one but it is only open from Thursday - Saturday from lunch to evening.) Estey Organ Museum is also in Brattelboro but is only open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
- Grafton Village Cheese Company has a store and also a viewing area for the making of cheese.
- The Green River covered bridge is in Guilford which is about 20 minute drive south of Brattleboro.
- Things to See on Thursday October 17 - See map on Possible Routes page.
- Depending on what we got done on Wednesday we will either tour a little in Brattleboro or just head through it on the Molly Stark Byway, Scenic Route 100 Byway and the Crossroad of Vermont Byway. Stops on Scenic Highway 100 on the way to Queechee Gorge where we will stay at the Quality Inn at Quechee Gorge. With no stops this is a 3 hour, 144 mile drive.
- Leave Keen and travel through Brattleboro on Highway 9, The Molly Stark Scenic Byway. The first city will be Marlboro. It was the originally a crossroads with the Great Albany highway. Here is there is Marlboro College and the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. Also here is the Hogback Scenic Overlook with 100 miles views of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
- Wilmington is the next city with the Molly Stark State Park. (The facilities will be closed but it is permissiable to park outside the gate and walk into the park.)It is also where we will turn north on Scenic Highway 100. Parts of this route have different names in different areas: Mad River Scenic Byway, Green Mountain Scenic Byway.
- Townshend State Park will be closed at this time. The city of Towshend is the home of the Scot Covered bridge and a village green. The bridge is between Townshend and West Dummerston. Another option not on the map would be to go from Brattleboro to West Dummerson to Newfane to Townshend to Jamica on Route 30 instead of going to Willimington and driving on Scenic Route 100. If we take this route then Jelly Mill Falls Nubmer 164 in the Waterfalls of New England book would be visible from the roadside. It is more of a small cascade.
- In Jamaica there is the Jamaica State Park with the Hamiliton Waterfalls. There is conflicting information here - One site says it is a 6 mile out and back hike while another says it is a short 0.6 mile - it seems that you can either hike all the way from Jamacia State Park or drive a little ways to it and then hike. The site says that the Park season ends after Colombus - which means that there are no facilities open or staff but it is permissible to park outside the gate and walk in.
- Also in Jamaica is
- Pikes Falls - Number 161 in the Waterfalls of New England book. The trail is an easy 0.1 mile hike. From VT 100
- Angel Falls - Number 162 in the Waterfalls of New England book. It is on Ball Mountain Lain where there is a picnic area in the Ball Mountain Lake Project area
- Hamiliton Falls Number 163 in the Waterfalls of New England book. It is in the Hamiliton Falls Natural area and seems to be between Jamaica and Townshend.
- Weston, Vermont is home to the famous Vermont Country Store. Next door is the Bryant House Restaurant with a nature trail.
- Buttermilk Falls is in Ludlow. It is number 168 in the Waterfalls of New England book. It is a series of falls with the upper falls sometimes called Bridal Veil falls. There is a parking area at the end of Buttermilk Falls Road that puts you at the upper falls. After driving 1.2 miles on Buttermilk Falls Road you will see pulloffs where you can get down to the brook.
- In Plymouth Notch there is the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. This will be open until October 20.
- After Plymouth Notch there are two choices. One is to go on to Killington to Gifford Woods State Park - (it will be open until October 20) and then back to the intersection of Scenic Route 100 and the Crossroad of Vermont Byway (route 4) which will take is on to Woodstock and Quechee Gorge. We will also travel back on this road on Friday, October 18 when we leave Queechee Gorge for Bennington and Mt. Greylock State Park.
- Things to see and do on the Crossroad of Vermont Scenic Highway - these can be done either Thursday on our way to Queechee Gorge or on Friday on our way to Massachusetts.
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park - in Woodstock, Vermont (will be open)
- Woodstock - the town itself is considered the quintenessential New England Village. The Billings Farm Museum and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park In the town itself there are many historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places - see the Woodstock History Center for information. Two of the churches in town have bells made by Paul Revere. Also in Woodstock area there are several scenic barns and 3 covered bridges(Lincoln Bridge, Middle Bridge, and Taftsville Bridge) - see the book that Ann gave me with specific directions to each of photogenic spots.
- Queechee is a mill town famous for Queeche Gorge State Park (will be open until October 20) and the Simon Pearce Glassblowing factory with a famous restaurant over the river. At the state park that takes visitors to the gorge formed by the Ottauquechee River. You will find Mill Pond Falls here - see number 173 in the Waterfalls of New England Book.
- Depending on what we got done on Wednesday we will either tour a little in Brattleboro or just head through it on the Molly Stark Byway, Scenic Route 100 Byway and the Crossroad of Vermont Byway. Stops on Scenic Highway 100 on the way to Queechee Gorge where we will stay at the Quality Inn at Quechee Gorge. With no stops this is a 3 hour, 144 mile drive.
- On Friday, October 18 we will drive from Quechee Gorge to Bennington, VT (There were so many stops along the way that this day is in two maps on the Possible Routes page. All together this is about 176 miles and 4 hours without stops. We can do some of the Bennington Area on Saturday. We will first travel on the Crossword of Vermont Byway
- Thundering Brook Falls (number 172 in the Waterfalls of New England book) and Overlook in Killington
- Meade's Falls and West Rutland Mash bird sancturary in Rutland. The Vermont Marble Museum is also in Rutland. There is a Norman Rockwell Museum of Art in Vermont in Rutland, but there is a larger Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachussets that is closer to Bascom Lodge.
- Wilson Castle (website says open through mid-October so it maybe closed) and the Gorham Covered Bridge is in Proctor and PIttsford area.
- After Proctor we will leave the Crossroad of Vermont Scenic Byway and travel on the Stone Valley Byway (Highway 30). There are walking tours of Poultney available from the Historical Society.
- The town of Dorset is picturesque and has a museum. Emerald Lake State Park (closed for the season) is also in Dorest with some hiking trails. The marble Dorest Church has two Tiffany Stained Glass windows.
- Following Route 30 we will go through the town of Arlington. Norman Rockwell once lived here. In the town of West Arlington there is a covered bridge.
- Manchester was a upscale summer retreat town. Robert Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, lived in Hildene mansion. Also the Southern Vermont Arts Center is here and it has a restaurant with a nice view according to the tour book. There are factory outlets here because this is the home of Orvis outdoor outfitters. The American Museum of Fly Fishing is also here - think we will leave this one off.
- In Manchester we switch to the The Shires of Vermont Byway (Route 7A) runs from Manchester to Bennington. 42 miles and 15 villages. In Bennington (actually this is 3 towns: Old Bennington, North Bennington, and Downtown Bennington) there are three covered bridges: Silk Road, Paper Mill, and Henry. (See this site for directions for these three. It also includes directions for the 2 covered bridges in Arlington and West Arlington.
- Between Manchester and Arlington is the Mt. Equinox Skyline drive. This is a private toll road to the top of Mt. Equinox with a picnic area and scenci views along the way. Also a chance to learn about the Carthusian monks who own the mountaint top.
- The Marth Canfield Memorial Library holds some of Norman Rockwells work as well as other Vermont memoriable.
- The Robert Frost Stone House Museum (open Wednesday through Sunday so it should be open) is part of Bennington College. This was where he lived when he wrote "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening." It is actually in the town of Shaftsberry.
- One of the most visited historic sites in the Bennington Battle Monument State Historic Site.
- The Bennington Museum has a Grandma Moses Gallery and other historical artifacts.
- We will stay at the Harwood Hill Motel in Bennington, VT
- Saturday, October 19 - The Berkshires of Massachusetts. This area is known for its scenic beauty and its arts and culture. There are 4 art museums and many galleries. There are combination tickets available see this website. Tanglewood is also in this area but the season will be over when we are here. We will be traveling south and stay at the Great Barrington Travel Lodge in Great Barrington, MA on Saturday evening. See route on Possible Routes page.
- The Bennington Museum is one of the combination tickets so we might want to start here.
- Clark Art Institue in Williamstown, MA
- Mt. Greylock State Reservation - this is the highest point in Massachusetts. You can drive to the top or hike. There are other hikes here to waterfalls. We were originally going to stay in the lodge here but decided to stay in a motel rather than this hostel. This is on the Applachian Trail. There is a restaurant in the lodge. On the website there was a warning about traffic delays on fall weekends so we might want to come south and do this one first and then back track to Bennington and Williamstown. It will depend on the weather. This is a map of possible fall drives in the area with interactive links. Money Brook Falls, number 70 in the Waterfalls of New England book and March Cataract Falls, Number 71 in the Waterfalls of New England book are in Mt. Greylock.
- Massachusetts Museum of Comtemporary Art is in North Adams. Anne Lebowitz is the current exhibit there.
- Wahconah Falls State Park - Short trail to the watefalls. It is number 74 in the Waterfalls of New England book.
- Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum.
- October Mountain State Forest - there are several trails here and some waterfalls on the Gorge Trail.
- Lenox is the home of Tanglewood and The Mount, Edith Warton's home.
- Stockbridge was a gilded age summer retreat from the wealthy of Boston and New York. The Berkshire Botanical Garden is here although after October 11 the gardens are prepared for winter. Also in Stockbridge is the Norman Rockwell Museum.
- We will stay in Great Barrington, MA.
- South of Great Barrington is Bish Bash Falls State Park. We might could do this on Sunday. The intesesting thing is that the Bish Bash Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in Massachusetts but the easiest trail to them is in the Taconic State Park in New York. They are number 75 in the Waterfalls of New England book. The trail from the Massachusetts state park is longer but steeper. The New York trail is longer but not as steep. This site has good explanation of the parking lot and a good description of the Massachusetts trail.
- We will check out on Sunday, October 20 and begin our way home.
Trip Home
- Sunday October 20 - We will leave Great Barrington and travel to Bish Bash Falls if we didn't do this on Saturday. From here it seems that about halfway home is in Chambersville, PA. I choose to go through Scranton to get to I81 which takes us away from New York City area. We will stay in the Comfort Inn in Chambersburg, PA. This is a 6 hour drive, 344 miles.
- Monday October 21 - drive home mostly on I81. The total trip home is on the map on the Possible Routes page. After leaving Scranton, PA we are just driving down I81 to home. 807 miles both days, approximately 13 hour drive.