Savor the Scenery: Discover the 7 Stunning Natural Parks Worth Your Visit This Summer in New England, Instead of Yellowstone
Exploring New England's Hidden Gems: A Guide to the Region's National Parks and Forest Reserves
New England, a region known for its vibrant autumn foliage and picturesque landscapes, is home to a collection of national parks and forest reserves that offer a rich variety of experiences. From rugged mountain peaks to sandy coastlines, these natural wonders are a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and casual adventurers alike.
Acadia National Park (Maine) Located on Mount Desert Island and nearby smaller islands, Acadia is the only official National Park in New England. This magnificent green space offers a unique mix of mountains, forests, sandy beaches, and rocky coastlines. Popular activities include hiking trails, driving or hiking to Cadillac Mountain (the highest point on the East Coast), exploring the Schoodic Peninsula’s dense forests and heaths, and visiting the large Isle au Haut for cliffs and water bodies like Long Pond.
White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire) Though not a National Park, the White Mountain National Forest is a large national forest reserve that boasts abundant hiking, scenic drives, and walking trails for leaf-peeping and outdoor recreation. The Kancamagus Highway, in particular, is a scenic drive not to be missed, offering breathtaking views of the forest's craggy peaks, vast expanses of woodland, countless streams, and tumultuous rivers.
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park (New Hampshire) For those interested in art and culture, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, NH, preserves the home, studios, and gardens of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Visitors can enjoy exploring art galleries, walking historic paths, viewing outdoor sculptures, and learning about American art history.
Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts) This National Park Service site is known for its beaches and coastal landscapes suitable for biking carriage roads, hiking trails such as the BeeHive and Ocean Path, sea kayaking, and enjoying seaside natural beauty.
Massachusetts State Parks and Forests Managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Massachusetts state parks offer hiking, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and historic site visits across the state. With more than 450,000 acres to enjoy, there's no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had.
Each location offers distinct activities: - Hiking and nature walks (Acadia, White Mountain, Cape Cod) - Scenic drives and leaf-peeping (White Mountain National Forest, Kancamagus Highway) - Art and culture exploration (Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park) - Water activities including kayaking, canoeing, and swimming (Acadia, Cape Cod) - Wildlife viewing and bird watching (Acadia)
Franconia Notch State Park (New Hampshire) Located in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is smaller than its neighbor but houses several iconic sites such as Franconia Basin, Flume Gorge, and Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge. Mount Lafayette is one of the peaks that hiking enthusiasts can climb for panoramic views of the park.
Mohawk Trail State Forest (Massachusetts) Located in western Massachusetts, Mohawk Trail State Forest is known for its scenic drives, winding rivers, and steep cliffs. The forest offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and kayaking.
Baxter State Park (Maine) Baxter State Park is located in Maine and is known for Mount Katahdin, the state's highest peak. The park is criss-crossed by hiking trails and is home to various forest animals such as elk, fallow deer, bears, etc. In autumn, the colours of the maple leaves turn the whole landscape into a dash of fiery paint.
Cape Cod National Seashore (Massachusetts) In addition to its beaches and coastal landscapes, Cape Cod National Seashore is a prime destination for birdwatchers with around 350 species recorded, one of the largest variety of coastal birds in the United States. The seashore offers bicycle trails like the Cape Cod Rail Trail for exploring the area by bike and hiking trails with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Long Trail (Vermont) The Long Trail, which runs the length of the Green Mountain National Forest, takes hikers through a variety of landscapes from craggy peaks to lush green valleys. The forest covers almost 1,200 square kilometres and is a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, the White Mountains National Forest becomes a fantastic playground for snow sports enthusiasts, while the Green Mountain National Forest offers activities throughout the year, including kayaking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Mount Cadillac (Maine) Mount Cadillac in Acadia National Park offers one of the best sunrises in New England. The sights from the slopes of Mount Katahdin are breathtaking, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding lakes, forests, and mountains. Sand Beach and Echo Lake are recommended for evening visits in Acadia National Park.
In summary, New England's national parks and forest reserves offer a rich variety of experiences, from rugged mountain landscapes and forests to coastal seashores and historical cultural sites. Whether you're a hiker, a biker, a birdwatcher, or an art lover, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.
During your exploration of New England's hidden gems, you can enjoy a diverse lifestyle in home-and-garden settings at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, preserving the home, studios, and gardens of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. For en-vols enthusiasts, the Long Trail in Vermont offers an extensive hiking experience through the Green Mountain National Forest, spanning approximately 1,200 square kilometers. When traveling along the Kancamagus Highway in White Mountain National Forest, immerse yourself in the scenic drive's breathtaking views, which are particularly vibrant during autumn's leaf-peeping season.
