8 days road trip NE

Question

Hello! My wife and I are planning an 8 days road trip in NE at the end of august, after staying 8 days in NY and Boston. We like quaint towns, beaches and trekking.

Our plan is to spend 2 full days from Boston to Portland, with a night, maybe at Ogunquit.

Then head to the white mountains for 3 days (with a 5 hours drive to Bar harbor), , 2 full days at Acadia NP and a full day from Bar harbor to Bath, and half a day from Bath to Portland, to catch our flight back to NYC.

I would like to know if you consider that three full days for the Maine coast is OK (in an 8 days road trip, we cant spend more tome unfortunatley), or you would change plans. We are opened to suggestions

Answer

Your road trip plan sounds fantastic! The Northeast offers such a variety of experiences, from quaint coastal towns to beautiful mountain treks, and it's great that you're planning to balance both nature and scenic drives. Here's a breakdown of your proposed itinerary and some suggestions based on your interests in quaint towns, beaches, and trekking.

Regarding your plan of three full days for the Maine coast, this is definitely a reasonable amount of time for a road trip. Maine's coast has plenty of beautiful spots, but it's also fairly compact, so three days should give you a nice overview of the coast. Here's a closer look at the itinerary and a few suggestions for optimizing your trip:

Day 1: Boston to Portland - This is a great start. The drive from Boston to Portland is scenic, and Portland itself is a charming city with a vibrant food scene. Ogunquit, if you choose to stay there, is just a short drive from Portland and offers beautiful beaches and a quaint, walkable town vibe. You could also explore nearby areas like Cape Elizabeth and the iconic Portland Head Light.
Day 2: Portland to White Mountains - The drive to the White Mountains is a bit longer (about 3 hours), but once you're in the area, you'll be surrounded by spectacular scenery. You could explore places like the Franconia Notch State Park, with the famous Flume Gorge and perhaps take a hike up Mount Lafayette if you're up for a challenge.
Days 3-5: White Mountains to Acadia NP - The three full days at Acadia National Park will be a great way to immerse yourself in Maine's natural beauty. Acadia offers some of the best coastal views, plus a variety of hiking trails. Popular spots include Cadillac Mountain (a must-do for sunrise or sunset), Jordan Pond, and Bar Harbor itself. It's also worth driving the Park Loop Road, which gives you views of the coastline and numerous scenic overlooks.
Day 6: Bar Harbor to Bath - This drive is a bit long (around 5 hours), but Bath is a charming, historic town along the Kennebec River. If you're interested in maritime history, Bath is home to the Maine Maritime Museum. It's also a good spot to relax and enjoy the slower pace of a small New England town.
Day 7: Bath to Portland - You’ll likely have time for a relaxed breakfast in Bath, then make your way back to Portland for your flight. Depending on the time, you could check out the Old Port district, walk along the Eastern Promenade, or even grab lunch at one of Portland’s renowned restaurants before heading to the airport.

Suggestions for changes:

If you feel that the drive from White Mountains to Bar Harbor might be a bit much, you could consider breaking up the trip by staying somewhere in between, like Camden or Rockport. These coastal towns offer charming downtowns and are excellent spots for coastal views, so it would give you a more relaxed pace before arriving at Acadia.
If you're more interested in scenic hiking, consider dedicating more time to the White Mountains. The area is famous for its outdoor activities, and there are plenty of moderate to challenging hikes that you may want to explore, like the Mount Washington summit hike (if you're an experienced hiker).
Three days at Acadia National Park should be enough to cover the major highlights, but if you want to focus on just the most scenic and manageable hikes, you might be able to take advantage of shorter drives and walks, saving more time for relaxation and enjoying the views.

Overall, your plan is well-structured, and the three days dedicated to the Maine coast should give you plenty of time to explore some of the best areas. Be mindful of the long drives between some destinations, and consider adding a few shorter stops along the way to keep things relaxed. Enjoy your trip to New England!

8 days road trip NE

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