The historic Appalachian trail is the world's longest continuously-marked trail. It starts in Maine and then winds down through fourteen states, and officially ends in Georgia. Though it's meant to be walked, a hike from end to end can take between five and seven months-- and only 20% of those who set out to conquer it actually complete the journey. People prepare for months to actually hike the entire length of the trail, which has been around since the 1920s, and is a permanent part of America's hiking heritage. But, it's also pretty fun to drive the Trail, which is divided into three major sections: New England, Mid-Atlantic, and the Southern Appalachians. The New England stretch of the trail takes you from Maine to New Hampshire, though a bit of Vermont, and into Connecticut. The Mid-Atlantic states include New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. Then you'll hit the Southern Appalachians, which include Virginia and West Virginia, then over to Tennessee and down to North Carolina and Georgia.
Kittery Point, ME, US
After Grafton Notch, plan on driving the Mt Washington Auto Road in New Hampshire, which is a seasonal byway up the highest peak in the Northeast, along which you'll find mountain tours, a gift shop, a cafe, and ever-changing panoramic views. It's especially gorgeous at sunrise... and once you've completed the drive, you'll earn a "This Car Climbed Mt. Washington" bumper sticker!
Lisbon, NH, US
Next up is Crawford Notch State Park. This 5,700-acre park has loads of hiking trails, a few waterfalls and some insanely gorgeous mountain views. There's also a campground onsite. And a little ways down the road is Gifford Woods State Forest Park, which also features Appalachian trail camping-- if you can't hike it, you can at least camp out the way a hiker would!
The Mid-Atlantic section of the Appalachian Trail weaves in and out of some heavily populated urban areas, but the trail retains a feeling of remoteness as it passes to the west of major cities like Philadelphia and New York City. For hikers traveling through this section, the Mid-Atlantic makes it easy to resupply considering its proximity to so many cities. Dig the beautiful scenery at New York's Bear Mountain State Park and Pennsylvania's stunning Pinnacle Overlook. Also plan to make a stop at Storm King Art Center in Mountainville, NY. It's a fun outdoor, open-air sculpture museum where you can easily spend an afternoon wandering around exhibits.
Next you'll come to Bear Mountain State Park in Tomkins Cove. It's 5,000 acres of scenic beauty located on the Hudson River. Also, the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is one of New Jersey's best-kept secrets. It's forty lush miles of the middle Delaware River, surrounded by shady forests, rolling hills and peaceful river inlets.
Allentown, PA, US
The best time to drive down the Appalachian Trail is in the fall. Many places are seasonal along the route, and some are closed in winter, also some roads will be closed seasonally as well. Summer can be hot and muggy, but autumn is pretty much perfect. From September through mid-November the leaves will be changing and provide a gorgeous backdrop to your journey. Spring is lovely as well, with wildflowers in bloom and mild temperatures, although you might run across the occasional April shower.