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.
Beginning in the New England section of the Appalachian Trail, a few breathtaking highlights include Baxter State Park and the White Mountain National Forest. The trail picks up again in eastern Vermont and goes up to the New York-Connecticut border: this section of the trail is much less difficult for hikers than the northernmost segment. Expect to see many stone walls from previously existing structures such as farm buildings. This section also contains some hiking through gorgeous farmland and lovely pastoral views. Consider resting your legs at the waterfalls in Gifford Woods State Forest Park or Kent Falls State Park. Maine's Grafton Notch State Park is a major highlight of this section, and actually the perfect place to start your Appalachian Trail road trip, surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and gorges.
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!
While in New Hampshire visit Story Land, a super quirky theme park that was founded by Bob and Ruth Morell after purchasing large, whimsical dolls from Germany. Their park is based on these massive storybook dolls, and has all kinds of rides and attractions, from swan boats to vintage cars to an antique carousel, and tons more.
North Conway, New Hampshire, United States
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!
When you're ready to call it a day, head to Crawford Notch Campground in the White Mountain National Forest, or lakeside Loch Lyme Lodge, which offers cabins and cottages. Inn Of The Six Mountains in Killington is another great choice. The resort is surrounded by the Green Mountains, and if you're visiting during winter for skiing, they provide free shuttle service to the slopes.
Or you could spend the night in luxury at the Four Chimney's Inn in Bennington, VT, which is housed in a beautiful 1913 mansion, on 11 acres, and is just a few minutes walk from The Bennington Museum and the Bennington Battle Monument. Lastly, the Maple Terrace Motel in Williamstown, MA will make you feel right at home with simple rooms decorated in a charming country theme.
Once you hit Massachusetts, head to Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams, to learn about the history of this part of Massachusetts. And a can't-miss museum is the Arrowhead Museum, which is the name of Herman Melville's House (he's the guy who wrote "Moby Dick").
Over in Hancock, MA is the historic Hancock Shaker Village, which was established in 1791 and has been turned into a living history museum where you can listen to interpretive talks on history, see demonstrations on how the Shakers farmed and danced, and even meet some cute baby animals. Nearby, you'll also find Bash Bish Falls State Park, home to Massachusetts' highest single-drop waterfall.
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.
