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10-Day Road Trip Through Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont
New England is a popular US destination to view the leaves changing colors in the Fall. Summer brings gorgeous weather, many outdoor activities, and equally beautiful views. This 10-day road trip travels from mountain villages to fishing villages. You will visit lighthouses, rocky coastlines, waterfalls, mountain resorts, elevated hiking trails through gorges, and covered bridges with the opportunity to eat lobster rolls, maple syrup, and apple cider donuts along the way.
You are excited to begin your road trip through New England and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, must-see attractions, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do on a New England road trip while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this 10-day New England road trip itinerary.
READ Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
New England Road Trip Planner
When is the Best Time to Visit New England?
New England’s warmest months are in July and August. This is tourist season and prices will be at a premium. Late September and early October are also popular times to visit New England for the changing colors of the trees. Spring (April, early May) is “mud season”. Many hiking trails will not be open yet and open trails are muddy. The winter runs from December through late March. Many businesses shut down and reopen on Memorial Day. It is common for roads to close due to bad weather, especially the Kancamagus Highway. New England is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, January and February bring the most snow. Ski resorts fill quickly, be sure to book your stay early. Maple syrup season runs from February to April.
What is the Best Way to Travel Through New England?
You will need your own transportation to follow this 10-day New England road trip itinerary. Save precious PTO by flying from your home to Portland Maine and renting a car to continue the journey.
How Long Do You Need to See the Best of New England?
The New England region is located in the Northeastern section of the US. It includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. This itinerary is a 10-day road trip through Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. If you have two weeks of PTO, extend the road trip into Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
READ Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
How Expensive is New England?
Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont prices vary. According to Budget Your Trip, expect to pay an average of $166 per day in Maine, $179 per day in New Hampshire, and $229 per day in Vermont.
What to Pack for a New England Road Trip
Summer is warm and humid, pack for temperatures between 70°F and 85°F Black flies and mosquitoes are common during summer months, be sure to bring insect repellent. Prepare for temperatures between 64°F and 73°F in the spring. Rain and thunderstorms are common, snow is possible. Expect mud on hiking trails during spring months and pack shoes appropriately. Fall temperatures range from 66°F to 55°F during the day and can fall below freezing overnight. Pack for below-zero temperatures and snow in the winter months.
New England Road Trip Highlights
Portland Maine | White Mountains | Kancamagus Highway | Stowe Vermont | Trapp Family Lodge | Flume Gorge | Montpelier Vermont | Burlington Vermont | Green Mountains | Lake Champlain | Ben & Jerry’s Factory | Crawford Notch State Park | Bangor Maine | Stephen King House | West Quoddy Head Lighthouse | Schoodic Peninsula | Winter Harbor Maine | Bar Harbor Maine | Acadia National Park | Jordan Pond | Downeast Highway
Day by Day Guide for a New England Road Trip (10 days)
ROUTE AT A GLANCE: Portland Maine – White Mountains – Stowe Vermont – Burlington Vermont – Bangor Maine – Acadia National Park
MILES: 1300 miles (approximately)
HOW MANY DAYS: 10 Days
Day One: Arrive in Portland Maine
This is a jam-packed New England itinerary. As a result, the first day begins after your workday. Book the latest flight of the day into Portland Maine. Change into airplane clothes at work and go straight to the airport. Pick up the rental car and stop at a grocery store and stock up on water, snacks, and insect repellant before checking into your hotel for one night. Consider going out for a craft beer. Portland has the highest number of microbreweries per capita in the country. There are currently 17 microbreweries, one for every 4,000 residents. You will find New England IPAs, Belgians, British Ales, and everything in between. Not a craft beer fan? Head to Wharf Avenue for a cocktail. Don’t stay out too late, the adventure starts early in the morning. Overnight in Portland Maine.
READ How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Portland Maine
Day Two: New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Hwy
Spend the day in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The Kancamagus Highway receives 4k visitors a day and is the most popular area in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Route 112, the ‘Kanc’, runs 34 miles from Conway to Lincoln and is the perfect hub for exploring all the area has to offer. This scenic drive is full of rushing rivers, waterfalls, gorges, hiking, covered bridges, and overlooks. Overnight in Lincoln New Hampshire.
READ Exploring New Hampshire’s the White Mountains: Route Planning Guide
Stops on the Kancamagus Highway Include:
Albany Covered Bridge
Lower Falls
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Sabbaday Falls
Sugar Hill Overlook
Lily Pond Vista (be on the lookout for moose)
CL Graham Wangan Overlook
The Lady’s Bathtub Swimming Area
As Time Allows:
Drive west and hike the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves elevated platforms and waterfall
Drive south to Blair Covered Bridge, Beebe River (Campton) Falls, and Bump Covered Bridge
See the bear show at Clark’s Trading Post
Day Three: Stowe Vermont, Waterfalls and the Sound of Music
Stowe Vermont is a historic village full of adventure activities, waterfalls, hiking, swimming holes, cider donuts, and covered bridges. On the drive, you will pass through the gorgeous Franconia Notch area and several mountain towns. You are in the heart of maple syrup country, be sure to stop for tastings and souvenirs. Overnight in Stowe Vermont, consider the Trapp Family Lodge.
READ Top Things to Do in the Stowe Vermont
Stops on the Drive to Stowe Vermont Include:
Photograph the Indian Head rock formation
Hike the 2-mile Flume Gorge elevated boardwalk past Flume Covered Bridge and Avalanche Falls (1.5 hours)
Hike 1.2 RT to Kinsman Falls
Consider stopping for a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Stop to admire Echo Lake Beach
Detour to visit The Frost Place, see the poetry trail and front porch for Robert Frost
Stop in the picturesque town of Littleton for lunch
Visit the Cabot Creamery, Bragg Farm Sugar House, or Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks for tastings and souvenirs
Visit Montpelier and stay for dinner
Day Four Burlington Vermont, the Green Mountains, and Lake Champlain
Burlington Vermont sits in the Green Mountains overlooking Lake Champlain with views of the Adirondack Mountains. Burlington is known for flannel, tie-dye, craft beer, a lake monster, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Bernie Sanders, and Phish. Be sure to update your playlist! Overnight in Burlington Vermont.
READ Top Things to Do in Burlington Vermont
Stops on the Drive to Burlington Vermont Include:
Head to Main Street for breakfast and a walk around the historic city
Hike the 5.2 miles RT to Moss Glen Falls OR
Hike the .5 Rt to Bingham Falls
Ride the Stowe Mountain Resort gondola and enjoy the mountain views
Stop by the Trapp Family Lodge and take the Sound of Music tour
Photograph the Gold Brook Covered Bridge
Stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for cider donuts (do not skip this)
Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
Photograph Reverence (Whales Tails) off the highway on the way to Burlington
Stop at Shelburne Farms for cider donuts and pick your own apples, pears, and peaches
Take a ferry across Lake Champlain or walk into the Lake on the Island Line Trail
Have dinner on Church Street in Burlington
Day Five Back to New Hampshire’s the White Mountains
Start the day early and return to New Hampshire’s White Mountains for a day full of covered bridges and chasing waterfalls. Overnight in North Conway New Hampshire.
White Mountain Stops Include:
Go for a swim in Ammonoosuc Falls lower falls
Stop to photograph Omni Mount Washington Resort and Upper Ammonoosuc Falls
Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the summit, 3 hours
See the roadside Flume Cascade and Silver Cascade waterfalls
Drive through Crawford Notch State Park and hike 1.2 miles RT to Ripley Falls
Hike 2.8 miles RT to Arethusa Falls
Stop at Attitash Mountain Resort and ride the Alpine mountain coaster
Visit the Bartlett Covered Bridge and the Honeymoon Covered Bridge
See the roadside Jackson Falls waterfall
Walk 10 minutes to Glen Ellis Falls
Stop at Pinkham Notch and hike .6 RT to see Crystal Cascade
Hike 1.1 RT to Thompson Falls
Hike 1.6 miles RT to the Emerald Pool swimming hole in Evans Notch
Day Six Bangor Maine and the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
Leave New Hampshire and drive across Maine to the tip of the coastline. Stop in Bangor Maine on the way to see the home of Steven King. Did you know Banger is the real-life town of Derry in the King novels? Visit the beautiful West Quoddy Head Lighthouse before driving the coat to the Schoodic Peninsula and Winter Harbor. Overnight in Bar Harbor Maine.
Stops on the Drive to Bar Harbor Maine:
Stop by the Stephen King House at 47 W Broadway, Bangor, ME
Take the SK Tour of Bangor to see filming sites
Continue on to the coast and the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
Stop at Prospect Harbor and the Prospect Harbor Lighthouse
Drive the Schoodic Peninsula to Schoodic Point and enjoy the coast view
Visit the fishing village of Winter Harbor
Stop at the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound for dinner
Day Seven Arcadia National Park, Popovers and Carriage Rides
Acadia National Park receives 3.4 million visitors each year and is known for its gorgeous fall foliage. You will find 120 miles of trails, a rocky coastline, lighthouses, stone bridges, carriage houses, and blueberry popovers. Note: Much of Park Loop Road is one way and parking lots are small. Start the day early! Overnight in Bar Harbor Maine.
READ Acadia National Park Travel Guide
Acadia National Park Highlights Include:
See the nation’s first sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
Be at Thunder Hole for high tide to watch nature’s show
Hike the 1.5-mile Beehive Trail (rated difficult with iron rungs and steep drop-offs)
Drive Park Loop Road, Rockefeller’s Four Million Dollar Road photographing the Carriage Road Bridges as you go
Take a walk along Jordan Pond Bridge and photograph the Bubbles in the distance
Eat a famous popover at the restaurant before taking a carriage ride through the trails
Check out as many rocky overlooks as parking allows.
Stop at Visit Sand Beach, the Cider House Rules filming location, on your way out of the park.
Souvenir shop Bar Harbor’s Main Street
Have dinner at Geddy’s, and try the lobster pizza
Day Eight The Downeast Highway, Lighthouses, and Lobster Shacks
Maine’s Route 1 is 3,478 miles of rocky coast with over 65 lighthouses and 23 islands full of picture-perfect fishing villages and lobster shacks. Below is a list of stops with addresses between Acadia National Park and Portland Maine. Start the day early and visit as many as possible. The day ends in Portland Maine, a foodie destination with many, many options. Overnight in Portland Maine.
READ Maine’s Downeast Highway, Trip Planner
Stops Along Maine’s Downeast Highway:
Dyce Head Lighthouse, 1 Battle Ave, Castine, ME 04421
Penobscot Narrows Bridge, US-1, Stockton Springs, ME 04981
Fort Point Lighthouse, Lighthouse Rd, Stockton Springs, ME 04981
Grindle Point Sailor’s Museum and Lighthouse, 615 Ferry Rd, Islesboro, ME 04848
Camden, Maine fishing village and waterfront
Curtis Island Lighthouse, Camden, ME 04843
Rockport Harbor, 40 Pleasant St, Rockport, ME 04856
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, 44.104031, -69.077487, Rockland, ME 04841
Owls Head Lighthouse, 186 Lighthouse Rd, Owls Head, ME 04854
Lunch at McLoons Lobster Shack, 315 Island Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858
Marshall Point Lighthouse, Marshall Point Rd, Port Clyde, ME 04855
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park, 3115 Bristol Rd, Pemaquid, ME 04558
Shuck-your-own oysters at Glidden Point Oyster Farms, 637 River Rd, Edgecomb, ME 04556
Boothbay Lobster Wharf, 97 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
Burnt Island Lighthouse, Southport, ME 04576
Hendricks Head Lighthouse, Light House Ln, Southport, ME 04576
Perkins Island Lighthouse, Georgetown, ME 04548
Doubling Point Lighthouse, Doubling Point Rd, Arrowsic, ME 04530
Squirrel Point Light, Arrowsic, ME 04530
Gurnet Trading Co., 602 Gurnet Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011 à dinner
Visit the first and largest L.L. Bean store, 95 Main St, Freeport, ME 04032
See the world globe spin at Garmin, 2 DeLorme Dr, Yarmouth, ME 04096
Return to Portland and have dinner at Gilbert’s Chowder House in the Old Port
Day Nine Portland Maine
Portland Maine is an amazing city with enough things to do see and do to fill and long weekend. If you are unable to spend more than one day, I suggest the Real Portland Tour. Overnight in Portland Maine.
READ Top Things to Do in Portland Maine
One day in Portland Maine:
Stop by Holy Donut for a chocolate sea salt donut (buy another for tomorrow)
Take the Real Portland Tour, read about it here
Spend the evening strolling around the Old Port
Stop in a microbrewery (or two)
Enjoy a final lobster at Portland Lobster Company or oysters at Eventide
Day Ten Depart
Join the 5 am sunrise run across Casco Bay, allow 3 hours
Eat blueberry pancakes for breakfast at Becky’s Diner
Check out of the hotel
Head to the airport and return the rental car
Scroll through your photos as you wait for your departing flight
Be sure to check the Office of Tourism in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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