Northeast trip recommendations

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Hey, all. Planning a trip/tour to the northeast (PA, NY, VT, NH, MA, MN...) this fall. If you would like to share any tips on timing for fall colors (important) and favorite scenic roads, parks, that would be cool. Haven't been to this part of the country before. Already planning to hit the upper part of the Blue Ridge Parkway (been on the lower part) and Shenandoah on the way. Got some other areas picked out (mostly avoiding big cities), but advice from the locals is always the best. Thanks in advance!

 

[1Evil55]

Bah Haba for a lobster roll

Bar Harbor for everyone else..

Kennebunkport downtown is nice.

 

[shbox]

Bah Haba for a lobster roll

Bar Harbor for everyone else..

Kennebunkport downtown is nice.

I had pinned Acadia NP, which is nearby.

 

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Any other recommendations for when fall color generally occurs? I know it is much earlier than where I live in the south.

 

[Roadhawk]

Fall color can be quite variable (as to when and how intense). As its been very dry it could come earlier than usual....also comes earlier further south and later up north. Shenandoah Park gets crazy busy when the leaves turn. Several good waterfall and peak heights hikes in and around Shenandoah. If your a sturdy hiker Old Rag mountain (6-7 hr) hike (just outside the park) is highly recommended.

Lots of cute little towns around as well....Harpers Ferry on the Potomac is highly picturesque with some interesting history. Lots of fun wineries to visit just east of harpers Ferry in NVA. Many other nice little towns as well all around.

Fun steam train ride in Cumberland MD and others nearby in WVA as well. Further up in PA Falling Water - a house built by Frank Lyoyd Write might be on interest.

Also further down in eastern WVA is Green bank radio observatory and several historic fancy hotels like the Greenbriar. Also many cute towns, mountain hikes and rail trails along scenic rivers etc. Caves too - like Lurray Caverns (where they also have a cute little old time auto museum included in the tour).

And of course Niagra Falls in NY and if your into baseball Cooperstown (Ommegang brewery nearby). It will also be apple season and fresh cider - particularly at some of the historic cider presses could be fun.

We recently visited Sarasota Springs in upstate NY and enjoyed staying at an historic B & B there. Many nice roads in upstate NY and Vermont. Acadia in Maine is also a good suggestion...but it gets very busy....reserve hotels, e-bikes in the park and boat tours in advance if you can.

Many options...get off the beaten path and you never know what you might find. Enjoy!

 

[Ramsman]

Last time we were up that way we took the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington in NH. You can also drive or hike to the top. I hear the drive can be intense. It holds a record for surface wind speed of over 200 mph. It was windy, cold and foggy when we were there in July but supposedly on a clear day you can see 130 miles ( Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec and the Atlantic Ocean).