From the charming coastal towns of Maine to the beaches of Cape Cod and the rugged peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, this 12-day New England road trip combines some of the region’s most beautiful scenery with scenic drives, small towns, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
My friend Jocelyn and I took a 10-day road trip through Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, visiting Martha’s Vineyard, Portland, Camden, and Franconia Notch State Park along the way. We loved the variety of experiences, from sailing on Maine’s coast to hiking in the White Mountains, but quickly learned that 10 days wasn’t quite enough time to comfortably fit everything in.
This 12-day itinerary is an improved version of our trip, with additional time on Cape Cod and in Portland, plus a few optional activities to help you customize your experience. It’s still a fast-paced road trip, best suited for active travelers who enjoy hiking, sightseeing, and exploring new destinations. Below, I’ll walk you through the route day by day, including where to stay, driving times, our favorite experiences, and tips we learned along the way.
New England Road Trip at a Glance
DURATION | 12 days, 11 nights
STATES VISITED | Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire
ROUTE | Cape Cod → Portland → Camden → White Mountains
TOP EXPERIENCES | Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown, Cape Elizabeth, Isle au Haut, Kancamagus Highway, and Franconia Notch State Park
BEST TIME | June through early October for the full itinerary; late September and early October for fall foliage
PACE | Fast-paced, with sightseeing and frequent driving
TRANSPORTATION | A car is essential
BEST FOR | Active travelers, hiking, coastal scenery, and scenic road trips
October 2026 Update: We updated this itinerary with the latest ferry information, park fees, and seasonal closures, including the closure of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. We also added tips for customizing the road trip with extra days in Boston and Acadia National Park.
About this New England Road Trip Itinerary
Where You Will Stay
Day 1-4: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Day 5-6: Portland, Maine
Day 7-9: Camden, Maine
Day 10-11: Lincoln, New Hampshire
Places You Will Visit
- Martha’s Vineyard
- Provincetown
- Portland, Maine
- Cape Elizabeth
- Camden, Maine
- Isle au Haut, Acadia National Park
- Kancamagus Highway
- Franconia Notch State Park
New England road trip itinerary map | Map adapted from Google
New England Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive on Cape Cod
Cape Cod is New England’s beach paradise, adorned with seaside towns, shopping districts, historical sites, and islands to explore. Many towns dot the cape, each hiding its own treasures and activities. Adding to its allure are picturesque cranberry bogs, scenic bike pathways, and iconic lighthouses. Just off the Cape’s shores lie the enchanting islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
On this itinerary, you will spend four days on Cape Cod, visiting Martha’s Vineyard, Provincetown, and other highlights in the area. On the first day of this itinerary, drive or fly to Cape Cod. If you’re coming from a distance, consider flying into Boston and renting a car from there.
Where to Stay on Cape Cod
Cape Cod is filled with idyllic beach towns to reside in. For convenient access around the island, it’s recommended to stay in a centrally located town. Some of the best options include Chatham, Hyannis, and Harwich. These towns all have plenty of shops and restaurants to visit, beautiful town beaches, and nearby activities.
During our trip, we stayed in Falmouth for its ease of access to Martha’s Vineyard. Its downside is its distance from Provincetown, the National Seashore, and other communities. But Falmouth itself is a scenic small town with many great restaurants and homey beach vibes. We loved our stay here.
Falmouth Main Street
Where to Stay in Falmouth
There are a few InnSeason Resorts buildings around the Falmouth area. We stayed in the InnSeason Resorts Captain’s Quarters and greatly enjoyed our stay. The rooms were spacious with a large king-sized bedroom, two bathrooms, kitchen area, living room, and patio. This resort was right across the street from a white sand beach and was only a mile walk from the Main Street.
InnSeason Resorts Harborwalk is in an even better location, as it is only a half mile from Falmouth Main Street and is 5 minutes from the Island Queen Ferry. You will not get immediate beach access from this site, but you overlook a picturesque harbor.
InnSeason Resorts Surfside is 2 miles from the Falmouth main town, making walking here difficult (be mindful that parking in Falmouth can be a challenge). For this reason, I do not recommend this resort, however you do get beautiful ocean views.
Inn on the Sound is another great place to stay in Falmouth featuring private beach access and rooms with an ocean view. The Inn provides an array of activities including tennis courts and horseback riding, and they serve a delicious breakfast each morning. The Inn is also in a great location, being only a mile from the Falmouth Main Street.
Note: Boston is another fantastic destination for a New England road trip. Discover more about things to do in our guide Things to Do in Boston. If you prefer to stay in Boston rather than on Cape Cod, you can still take a day trip to Provincetown to experience a Cape Cod highlight.
Day 2: Cape Cod – Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard, a sizable island off the Cape Cod coast, boasts a variety of attractions including coastal towns, shopping districts, beautiful beaches, and picturesque clay cliffs.
During our day trip here, we explored the island’s highlights: the delightful Oak Bluffs town, the lively Edgartown, and the serene coastal beauty of Aquinnah. These three locations captured the essence of Martha’s Vineyard, providing us with a fulfilling and enjoyable day.
Oak Bluffs
Edgartown
Aquinnah
Likely your time on the island will be spent hopping from town to town, so prepare for a full day of driving and sightseeing. For this reason, a car is the easiest way to get around the island, but a bus is also available.
How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard: Several ferry companies connect Cape Cod with Martha’s Vineyard, including the Steamship Authority, Island Queen, and Hy-Line Cruises. We used the Steamship Authority, which operates car ferries from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven and, seasonally, Oak Bluffs. If you plan to bring a car to the island, make your vehicle reservation well in advance, particularly during summer. Foot passengers generally do not need reservations on the Steamship Authority’s traditional ferries. Check the official ferry website for schedules, fares, and reservations.
For a full day guide, read our One Day in Martha’s Vineyard itinerary.
What About Nantucket? Nantucket is another day trip destination from Cape Cod. We chose Martha’s Vineyard for its drivability, the allure of its red cliffs, and for the various towns to visit. But Nantucket holds its own treasures, with popular beaches, biking trails, and a fashionable shopping town. If you wish to travel to Nantucket, Hyannis town offers ferries to and from the island.
Day 3: Cape Cod – Provincetown
Time on the road: (From Falmouth) 4 hours to and from Provincetown.
A trip to Cape Cod would be incomplete without seeing Provincetown. This lively town is brimming with shops, antique stores, art galleries, ice cream stands, restaurants, and it’s well-known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ community. The streets are bustling with a mix of people, cars, and bikers.
We spent the day shopping along Commercial Street, climbing to the top of Pilgrim Monument, and strolling along the pier. Set aside 4 hours minimum to explore the town, but you could easily spend a full day here.
Surrounding Provincetown are several National Seashore beaches, three lighthouses, and a multitude of bike trails.
We went to Race Point Beach which sits on Cape Cod’s northernmost tip. The beach is good for sunbathing but not so much for swimming. Even in late July, the water was still very cold. Another thing to keep in mind about swimming is the wildlife nearby. We came across a large herd of seals sunbathing and swimming near the entrance to Race Point Beach. They were a joy to watch, but I wouldn’t want to run into them in the water.
We had heard about Race Point Lighthouse and figured it was a popular spot to visit. We decided to walk there from Race Point Beach, thinking it would be a touristy thing to do. However, we realized it’s actually a 4-mile round-trip hike to get there. After an hour of not seeing anyone else making the same walk, we decided to turn back. I do not recommend making this trip. From our experience, we recommend focusing your time on seeing Provincetown, and only making it to the beach if you have plenty of time to spare.
Best Things to Do In & Around Provincetown, Massachusetts
Learn more about how to visit Provincetown.Day 4: Cape Cod
For your last day on Cape Cod take your pick of where you want to go. The Cape is dotted with historic towns, bike pathways, pristine beaches, and cranberry bogs to explore!
Cape Cod Rail Trail. If you love to bike, I recommend taking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. It is a 25-mile bike path that runs through six Cape Cod towns, passing by ponds, salt marshes, and Nickerson State Park. It’s named after the old railroad system that used to operate along this route. While the trail itself doesn’t offer a lot of coastal views, you can easily veer off to reach coastal areas and National Seashore beaches. You’ll find bike rentals and parking options conveniently located along the path, allowing you to start at different points. Find more information about the Rail Trail and map here.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
Visit Chatham. Nestled on the Cape’s shoreline, Chatham stands out as one of the most scenic towns, celebrated for its charming shopping avenues and maritime heritage. Nestled between waters on three sides, this place thrives as a hub for nature trails, biking routes, golfing, kayaking, fishing, and stunning beaches. Don’t miss the chance to explore Chatham Light and Stage Harbor Light, two captivating spots that enhance the town’s allure.
Chatham
Visit Sandwich. Founded in 1637, Sandwich proudly holds the title of the oldest town on Cape Cod, rich with historical significance. Exploring Sandwich is a treat, with its historic streets, the intriguing Glass Museum, and the impressive Heritage Museums & Gardens. The town is also a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering expansive marshes, dunes, woodlands, a picturesque boardwalk, and access to the bay.
Spend the Day in Falmouth. Falmouth is a fantastic place to spend a restful day enjoying Cape Cod’s peaceful ocean atmosphere. Start your morning biking along the Shining Sea Bikeway, a 10.7-mile rail trail that runs from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. The leisurely takes you past marshes, seaside views, and cranberry bogs. After cycling down the peninsula, spend the afternoon in Woods Hole, a tiny fishing village with a few shops, restaurants, and a delightful bakery. Nearby, you can bike to the historic Nobska Lighthouse, or head over to Nobska Beach – a popular swimming spot.
Woods Hole
Day 5: Drive to Cape Elizabeth and Portland
Time on the road: (From Falmouth) 5 hours
Devote a day to drive to Portland, Maine. This drive takes about 5 hours in total, but you can add stops at coastal towns along the way. Either begin the drive early to ensure ample time to explore Cape Elizabeth and Portland, or take a leisurely drive and reserve Cape Elizabeth for the following day.
Note: If you want to add more time onto this trip, you could easily add on a day (or multiple days) in Boston. Learn more in our Guide to Boston.
Kennebunkport
Along the way to Cape Elizabeth, we stopped in Kennebunkport, a small coastal town on the southern end of Maine. Here visitors will find cute shops, a few restaurants, a very popular Clam Shack, and paddle boarding/ kayaking activities. Kennebunkport is a good stop if you want to shop or stretch your legs, but otherwise we were not impressed. It was difficult to find parking, we were eager to make it to Cape Elizabeth, and there was little here to see.
Note: Rather than stopping in Kennebunkport, consider stopping in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This larger maritime town has more to see and do, from a rich history, delicious restaurants, and boutique stores to shop in.
Cape Elizabeth
After a lengthy drive, you have arrived at Cape Elizabeth. Despite its relatively small size, this Cape is brimming with lighthouses and historical significance dating back to the American Revolutionary War. If you have energy, stop by Fort Williams Park to see Maine’s iconic Portland Head Light. Or, if you are exhausted from the drive, save Cape Elizabeth for tomorrow and continue to Portland (which sits just above the Cape).
Portland Head Light
The top attraction in Cape Elizabeth is Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, located inside Fort Williams Park. This historic lighthouse sits on a rocky stretch of coastline, and several short walking paths provide beautiful views of the lighthouse and Atlantic Ocean. This is one of the most iconic sights in Maine and a must-see on this road trip.
Fort Williams Park is open year-round, although hours vary seasonally. Admission is free, but there is a fee to park in the designated paid parking lots. Check the official Cape Elizabeth website for current parking rates and park information.
Other Places to Visit in Cape Elizabeth:
- Portland Breakwater Light (Bug Light)
- Crescent Beach State Park
- Two Lights State Park
Crescent Beach State Park
Where to Eat on Cape Elizabeth
The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. This isolated lobster shack sits right along the rocky shoreline, providing sweeping views of the blue coast. The Lobster Shack at Two Lights is always bustling with friendly locals and travelers enjoying fresh lobster rolls and seafood delicacies.
A Bite Into Maine. This critically acclaimed food truck is located inside Fort Williams State Park. They serve lobster rolls, chowder, and lobster grilled cheeses. Their lobster rolls hold critical acclaim from The Food Network, Food & Wine, and USA Today.
Find more things to do in our Guide to Cape Elizabeth.
Portland
By the time you reach Portland, chances are you’ll be exhausted. We recommend checking into your hotel and then treating yourself to a nice dinner to unwind.
Where to Eat in Portland
Portland is a foodie’s haven, where every block has another great restaurant to try. This makes narrowing down a list of where to eat difficult. Based on what I have gathered from TripAdvisor and travel bloggers, these are some of Portland’s top-rated restaurants.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Portland:
- DeMillo’s On the Water
- Luke’s Lobster Portland Pier
- Portland Lobster Company
- Highroller Lobster Company
DeMillo’s On The Water
More Great Restaurants:
- Fore Street
- Evo Kitchen + Bar
- Solo Italiano
- Duckfat
- Honey Paw
Where to Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
Situated right in the heart of downtown Portland, this hotel is conveniently close to many restaurants, shops, cafes, and the Old Port area. Its central location was a great advantage as we could easily explore the city on foot, without concerns about parking, taxis, or safety. The hotel staff was welcoming, and the rooms were tidy and cozy. Our experience staying here was highly enjoyable, and we felt that paying a bit more for the excellent location was definitely worthwhile.
Other great hotel locations in downtown Portland include:
- The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
- The Docent’s Collection
- The Chadwick Bed and Breakfast
- Hampton Inn Portland Downtown – Waterfront
- Portland Harbor Hotel
Just a short distance from Crescent Beach State Park, at the southern edge of Cape Elizabeth, you’ll find Inn By the Sea, a high-end oceanfront resort. It’s a perfect choice for anyone seeking a tranquil vacation escape. The resort provides a variety of rooms, including beach suites, multi-bedroom options, and single-bedroom accommodations. Additionally, the resort offers convenient beach access, pet-friendly suites, a soothing spa, upscale dining, and enjoyable activities for families.
Day 6: Portland, Maine
I included an extra day in the itinerary because we both felt that spending more time in the Portland and Cape Elizabeth area would be truly worthwhile. Our initial visit felt incredibly rushed, and we found ourselves wishing for more time to fully enjoy these locations.
Things to Do in Portland
- Walk the Portland Freedom Trail
- Explore Cape Elizabeth
- Go on a lobstering tour
- Take a cruise around Casco Bay
- Go on a whale cruise
- Watch the sunset from a historic sailboat with the Schooner Company
- Learn about Portland’s history from a Trolley Tour
Day 7: Boothbay Harbor (Optional)
Time on the Road: 1.5 hours to Boothbay Harbor, then 1 hour to Camden.
We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try and spot some whales in Maine. When I came across Cap’n Fish’s Cruises and their highly rated Whale and Puffin Cruise in Boothbay Harbor, I could not say no.
Given Boothbay Harbor’s convenient location between Portland and Camden, we decided to include it in our road trip, and it turned out to be a delightful experience. It provided a pleasant break from our long days of driving and sightseeing.
The first half of the cruise takes you into prime whale territory, providing an amazing experience. On what seemed like an average day, we spotted a few humpback whales beneath the surface.
The guides were exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging narrators, enhancing the overall experience. The second half of the cruise takes you to an island inhabited by puffins, adding an interesting dimension to the tour. Though the puffins were small and somewhat distant, it was still a cool addition to the tour.
Cap’n Fish’s Cruises provides a variety of tours tailored to showcase different types of wildlife over varying durations. I highly recommend considering one of their tours as an addition to your trip!
Drive to Camden. Spend the night in Camden, a coastal town with a delightful Main Street and easy access to outdoor adventures.
Note: If you want to spend time in Acadia National Park, I recommend staying in Bar Harbor instead of Camden. Read about how you can add on a visit to Acadia in this itinerary ↓
The Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary for 2026
How to plan your time in Acadia National Park and see the top sights.Where to Stay in Camden
Lord Camden Inn. Reside in a quintessential inn that is located on the main road in downtown Camden. The beautifully decorated rooms are spacious, and are equipped with minifridges and a balcony that overlooks the town. We loved our stay here, the staff was incredibly friendly, and parking was provided.
Where to Eat in Camden
Peter Ott’s on the Water. Looking for something more casual with a reasonable price? Peter Ott’s on the Water is a great seafood restaurant with scenic views of historic Schooner boats and the marina. This restaurant had a comfortable, friendly vibe with amazing service, and a wide variety of delicious foods.
Peter Ott’s on the Water
Long Grain. This more upscale restaurant has been featured in numerous publications for its variety of amazing Asian cuisine.
40 Paper. This Italian bistro and bar is located in the Knox Woolen Mill, a mill that was in operation from the mid 1800’s to the late 1900’s. With a menu that is frequently changing there is always something new to try throughout the year.
Day 8: Isle au Haut
Time on the Road: 4 hours round trip
Isle au Haut is a secluded island in Maine’s Penobscot Bay, offering coastal hiking trails, scenic bike routes, and a peaceful fishing village. A significant part of the island is home to Acadia National Park, and its isolation from Bar Harbor keeps the crowds at bay, making Isle au Haut a dream escape for outdoor enthusiasts.
We loved our time on Isle au Haut, often feeling like the island was entirely ours. This was our favorite experience on our trip to Maine, though I only recommend it to experienced hikers, campers, and explorers, as this island is isolated. Hiking about the southern end of the island is the best way to spend a day here.
Isle au Haut Day Trip: Things to Do & How to Get Here
Everything you need to plan a trip to Isle au Haut.
Alternative Suggestion: If you are not up for a remote hiking experience, but still wish to take a day trip to a remote destination, visit Monhegan Island instead! This island is a haven for artists and historians. Some of the island’s main attractions are the artists’ colony, the Monhegan Museum of Art and History, the Monhegan Lighthouse, and peaceful walking trails. Ferries leave from three different spots on the mainland: the Monhegan Boat Line from Port Clyde, Hardy Boat Cruises from New Harbor, and The Balmy Days II from Boothbay Harbor, with each boat having multiple departure times to and from the island.
Important Planning Tip: Ferry service to Duck Harbor, the starting point for the hike described below, operates seasonally. If you plan to visit Isle au Haut, check the official Isle au Haut Boat Services schedule before booking accommodations. Ferry departure and return times vary by season, and the dates of Duck Harbor service could determine when you plan this portion of your road trip.
7 am: Drive to Stonington
Start the day early with a 2-hour drive from Camden to Stonington. This is the town where Isle au Haut Boat Services offers trips to and from Isle au Haut.
Year round this ferry takes visitors to Isle au Haut town, a small settlement on the north of the island. From mid-June to September, the ferry will also take visitors to Duck Harbor on the southern end of the island. For the best day trip experience, we recommend riding the ferry all of the way to Duck Harbor and spending the day hiking this side of the island.
At the moment, reservations for the ferry cannot be made in advance. The ferry runs on a first come, first serve policy. Tickets are limited so it is important to reach Stonington at least an hour before the ferry departure so that you have enough time to reserve a spot. Round-trip and over-night tickets can be purchased on site. Parking is also available on site for all customers.
Make sure to pack food, water, sunscreen, and bug protection. There is no food available on the island outside of Isle au Haut town.
10 am: Ferry to Isle au Haut
Board the Isle au Haut ferry. The ferry ride between Stonington and Isle au Haut Town is 45 minutes long. The ferry will drop off passengers at Isle au Haut town dock, and then it will continue another 30 minutes to Duck Harbor, where the remaining passengers will land. There is only one ferry that runs between the three stops, and all passengers with a ticket are guaranteed a seat.
11:30 am: Explore Isle au Haut
Land in Duck Harbor and enjoy a beautiful day exploring the island!
A loop hike up the Duck Harbor Mountain Trail, and then along the Goat Trail, Cliff Trail, and Western Head Trail makes for a wonderful day of exploration that encapsulates all of the island’s best views. This loop hike is a total of 4.5 miles. Read our Isle au Haut Guide to get more details about this loop hike.
The hiking trails here are not strenuous, but hikers need to stay vigilant and be able to hike across rocky terrain, over boulders, and along forested trails in a place where there are few people to turn to for assistance. If you have little hiking experience, I do not recommend hiking in Isle au Haut.
4:00 pm: Return Ferry to Stonington
Board the ferry at Duck Harbor to ride back to the mainland. Reference the Boat Services schedule to plan the exact time you’ll be leaving Duck Harbor. This time is only for Monday through Saturday June-September and may be subject to change.
5:30 pm: Stonington to Camden
Have dinner in Stonington and then drive 2 hours back to Camden where you will sleep tonight.
Stonington doesn’t offer an abundance of dining options, but hunger after a day of hiking led us to explore. The standout choice in Stonington is Fin and Fern, conveniently located next to the Boat Services dock. However, it’s a more upscale dining option and it fills up quickly. Instead, we opted for a quick and budget-friendly meal at Stonecutters Kitchen. While the food wasn’t exceptional, it served the purpose for a cheap and easy meal.
Day 9: Camden
Spend a day in Camden to enjoy this idyllic fisherman’s town. Take your pick of how you want to spend this day.
Camden Hills State Park. If you enjoy hiking, visit Camden Hills State Park, an excellent location for outdoor activities. Parking costs $6 for out-of-state adults. Within the park, two of the most renowned hiking trails are Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook. These relatively short trails offer captivating panoramic vistas that overlook the Camden area.
View from Mt. Megunticook
Sunset Sail. For those who want to experience sailing on a decade’s old schooner, Schooner Appledore hosts a relaxing and interactive sunset sail. The crew does an amazing job entertaining the passengers, allowing them to help hoist the sails, constantly keeping the drinks flowing, and walking around chatting with everyone on board. Each sunset sail hosts around 25 people so prepare for a bit of a crowd. Schooner offers both day sails and sunset sails, each lasting 2 hours. Find more information about timing and prices here.
Day 10: Kancamagus Highway
Time on the Road: 3-hour drive to reach the Kancamagus Highway from Camden.
The Kancamagus Highway is one of New Hampshire’s most scenic drives, as it travels past rolling mountains, lush pine forests, and cascading waterfalls. Along the way are opportunities to complete several short hikes, in addition to quick overlooks to gaze over gorgeous mountain views.
This drive is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the White Mountains in a low effort way. Driving the highway is easy-going, for it follows a wide paved road. It is best driven in the fall when the leaves transform into their autumn glory.
8:00 am: Drive to the Kancamagus Highway
Drive 3 hours from Camden, Maine to Conway, New Hampshire. Conway is located on one end of the Kancamagus Highway.
11:00 am: Early Lunch
At the start of the Kancamagus Highway lies Cheese Louise, an artisan grilled cheese shack. Cheese Louise offers yummy grab & go meals that will fuel a day of exploration on the Highway. They serve multiple varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as some salad options. Everything we ate here was fresh and delicious!
11:30 am: Drive the Kancamagus Highway
Begin the drive of the Kancamagus Highway. There are many stops to take along the way including waterfall overlooks and short hiking trails. We were interested in just seeing the best sights, which we have listed below in order from Conway to Lincoln.
Top 10 Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway
Best places to visit along the Kancamagus Highway.Albany Covered Bridge. This scenic covered bridge was built in 1858. New England has many covered bridges with the purpose of protecting trusses and decks from harsh weather. This a quick stop and is worthwhile to see one of these scenic bridges. Regular sized vehicles can drive through the bridge, and visitors can walk inside of it.
Lower Falls. Lower Falls provides a scenic view of small waterfalls cascading over granite rocks. During the summer, it becomes a popular swimming spot, filled with children playing in the falls. If you’re seeking a quiet and tranquil experience, it might be best to skip this stop unless you’re interested in swimming.
Rocky Gorge. Rocky Gorge is a picturesque stop along the Kancamagus Highway. The Swift River flows through a narrow flume, creating a charming small waterfall. Visitors can walk onto the rocks when the water level is low, and there’s a bridge for great views. Additionally, visitors can cross the bridge and follow a short path to reach Falls Pond.
Rocky Gorge
Champney Falls. Champney Falls, considered by some as a top experience and by others as a walk in the woods, unfortunately didn’t fit into our schedule. The falls are reached by a 3-mile round-trip hike, attracting those seeking a more immersive nature experience.
Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is the most popular stop along the Kancamagus Highway, and for good reason! To reach the Falls there is a short 0.7 round trip hike along a wide gravel path. Boardwalks travel next to the rushing waterfall, granting visitors a close look into the gorge and crystal-clear pools.
Sabbaday Falls
The following overlooks each provide scenic views over forested mountains:
- Sugar Hill Overlook
- CL Graham Wangan Overlook
- Pemigewasset Overlook
- Hancock Overlook
Pemigewasset Overlook
5:00 pm: Arrive in Lincoln
Arrive in Lincoln, NH. This town is a convenient place to stay during a trip to the White Mountains, since this small town is located only 10 minutes from Franconia Notch State Park, and it sits on one end of the Kancamagus Highway.
Where to Stay in Lincoln
Lincoln is a convenient place to stay during a trip to the White Mountains, since this small town is located only 10 minutes from Franconia Notch State Park, and it sits on one end of the Kancamagus Highway. Sadly, there is not much to see or do in Lincoln, and it is not the prettiest area to wander. It is best to spend your time inside of the park during a stay here.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn and it provided a standard and comfortable hotel experience. Its proximity to many of Lincoln’s restaurants was convenient for our stay.
Other highly rated hotels include the Lincoln Log Cabins (stay in your own private cabin with a view of the mountains), InnSeason Resorts Pollard Brook (a resort with one- and two-bedroom suites, making this a great pick for families), and Launchpoint Lodge (a beautiful property that is adult-only).
Day 11: Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park lies in the heart of the White Mountains National Forest. With forested ridges to climb, gorges to wander, lakes to play in, and signs for moose crossing, this is a park perfect for outdoor lovers, family road trippers, and weekend campers.
You have the whole day to see this park. Read our Guide to Franconia Notch State Park for a full list of things to do here ↓
Best Things To Do in Franconia Notch State Park
Things to do and how to plan a visit to Franconia Notch State Park.We spent the day hiking the Franconia Ridge Loop, a challenging 8-mile hike that takes travelers to the summit of three mountains. With steep grades and considerable distance, it’s ideal for fit mountaineers seeking stunning views of New Hampshire’s forests and distant peaks. But despite its difficulty, completing this loop doesn’t require extensive hiking experience. This hike takes 6-8 hours to complete. Read more about our experience hiking the Franconia Ridge Loop.
Of all of the activities we did in Franconia Notch State Park, hiking the Franconia Ridge Loop was our favorite as it provided the most beautiful views and rewarding experience. However, there are many other great things to do here that do not require extensive hiking. These experiences include:
Flume Gorge. Franconia Notch’s Flume Gorge is a beautiful outdoor adventure past cascading waterfalls, across historic covered bridges, and amidst New Hampshire’s pristine forest. Hiking the Flume Gorge is a top experience in Franconia Notch State Park, and its two-mile-long trail is possible for people of all ages to enjoy.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (Currently Closed). One of our favorite experiences in Franconia Notch was riding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to enjoy sweeping views of the White Mountains. Unfortunately, the tramway closed in October 2025, and plans are underway for its replacement. Until the new tramway opens, consider visiting Echo Lake, hiking Artists Bluff, or exploring the other viewpoints and attractions in Franconia Notch State Park. Check the official Cannon Mountain website for updates.
Echo Lake. Echo Lake is a scenic natural lake nestled amongst the White Mountains. Canoes, kayaks, and peddle boats are available for rent at the Lake, allowing visitors to take in its crystalline surface and wondrous views.
Artists Bluff Trail. A popular hike from Echo Lake is the Artists Bluff Trail. This is a 1.5-mile loop hike that takes hikers to a viewpoint over Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain. This hike is relatively easy and is many visitors’ favorite experience in the Park.
View of Echo Lake in the fall from the Artists Bluff Trail | haveseen/shutterstock.com
Day 12: Drive or Fly Home
Return home or continue your travels.
If you have some time in the morning, consider adding a short activity in Franconia Notch State Park. We chose to explore the Flume Gorge before heading home and found it to be a serene and enjoyable short walk. The walk around the Flume Gorge typically takes about an hour.
How to Customize This New England Road Trip
This itinerary covers some of our favorite places in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, but it doesn’t include Boston or the main section of Acadia National Park. If you have a few extra days, both are fantastic additions.
Add Boston (1 to 2 Days)
Boston makes a great starting or ending point for this road trip, particularly if you’re flying into Boston Logan International Airport.
With one day, you can walk the Freedom Trail, explore historic neighborhoods, and visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks. With two days, you’ll have time to visit more museums, explore the waterfront, and enjoy Boston at a more relaxed pace.
How to add it: Spend one or two days in Boston before driving to Cape Cod, or visit at the end of your road trip before flying home. See our Best Things to Do in Boston for ideas on how to spend your time.
Add Acadia National Park (2 to 3 Days)
This itinerary includes Isle au Haut, a remote section of Acadia National Park, but skips the main section of the park on Mount Desert Island. If you love hiking and coastal scenery, I highly recommend adding Acadia to your trip.
With two or three days, you can drive Park Loop Road, watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, hike the Beehive or Precipice Trail, stroll along the Ocean Path, and explore the charming town of Bar Harbor.
How to add it: After visiting Camden, continue north to Bar Harbor and spend two or three days exploring Acadia National Park. From here, drive to New Hampshire’s White Mountains to rejoin the original itinerary. This adds some driving, but it’s well worth it if you enjoy national parks and hiking.
For more information, see our Acadia National Park Travel Guide and Acadia National Park Itinerary.
Have time for both? Adding Boston and Acadia turns this into a fantastic 15 to 17-day New England road trip, giving you time to experience historic cities, charming coastal towns, beautiful beaches, and some of the region’s best hiking trails.
Best Time to Do This New England Road Trip
The best time to do this New England road trip is June through early October, when most seasonal attractions are open and the weather is generally pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
For warm weather, beaches, and sailing, plan your trip between June and August. If you’d rather have cooler temperatures and a chance to see fall foliage, September through early October is a wonderful time to visit. Keep in mind that fall colors typically appear earlier in New Hampshire’s White Mountains than along the coast, and the timing varies from year to year.
If traveling in fall, pay close attention to ferry schedules and seasonal attraction closures, particularly for Isle au Haut and Franconia Notch State Park.
More Guides for Your New England Road Trip
Planning a road trip through New England? Here are more of our guides to help you explore Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.
- Exploring Cape Cod? → Our One Day in Martha’s Vineyard Itinerary and Best Things to Do in Provincetown cover two of the highlights of this road trip.
- Visiting Portland and Cape Elizabeth? → Our Portland, Maine Guide and Cape Elizabeth Guide cover historic neighborhoods, iconic lighthouses, scenic coastal parks, and some excellent places to eat.
- Spending time in Camden? → Discover the Best Things to Do in Camden, Maine, including our favorite hikes, a sunset schooner sail, and nearby day trips.
- Want to explore more of Acadia? → Our Acadia National Park Travel Guide covers the best hikes, scenic drives, top attractions, and everything you need to plan your visit.
- Heading to the White Mountains? → Our Kancamagus Highway Guide and Franconia Notch State Park Guide will help you plan your time in New Hampshire.
- Looking for more road trip inspiration? → See our Best USA Road Trips for more itineraries and scenic drives throughout the United States.
If you have any questions about this New England road trip itinerary let us know in the comment section below.
Explore More of New England & the USA
If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips.
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