Ready to set off on a good, old-fashioned road trip? New England is just the place for you. You can plan a New England road trip around an epic hike, explore some of America’s oldest towns, or simply enjoy the views.
Continue reading to discover 9 of the best road trips in New England, with the details you need to choose the right route for your trip.
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The Best New England Road Trips
One of the best things about a New England road trip is that each season offers a different experience.
I’ll admit I take it for granted, having lived here all my life. But even a short trip reminds me just how beautiful this region can be.
Fall brings the brilliant foliage New England is known for, while winter transforms the landscape with snow. In New England’s spring and summer, warmer weather opens up more opportunities for hiking, beaches, and time outdoors.
Here are nine of the best New England road trips to help you decide where to go next. Some are easy day trips, while others deserve a few days of exploring along the way.
| Road Trip | Route | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kancamagus Highway | Conway, NH to Lincoln, NH | 34 miles | Fall foliage and short waterfall walks |
| Mohawk Trail | Orange, MA to Williamstown, MA | 65 miles | Hilltop views and Berkshires stops |
| Coastal Byway | Seabrook, NH to Portsmouth, NH | 22 miles | Beaches, whale watching and harbor towns |
| Old King’s Highway | Sandwich, MA to Orleans, MA | 34 miles | Cape Cod history and village stops |
| Park Loop Road | Bar Harbor, ME (loop) | 27 miles | Acadia highlights and coastal scenery |
| Providence to Newport | Providence, RI to Newport, RI | 33 miles | Gilded Age mansions and city stops |
| South Coast to Block Island | Wickford, RI to Westerly, RI | 31 miles | Beach towns and an island ferry detour |
| Scenic Route 100 Byway | Wilmington, VT to Newport, VT | 189 miles | A multi-day mountain drive |
| Shoreline Route | Stonington, CT to Old Saybrook, CT | 35 miles | Maritime villages and a river ferry |
The only trouble you’re likely to have is deciding which one to take first, so let’s take a closer look at each route.
1. Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire
Start: Conway, New Hampshire
End: Lincoln, New Hampshire
Distance: 34 miles
Must-See Attractions: Flume Gorge – A boardwalk threads an 800-foot granite gorge at the base of Mount Liberty in Lincoln NH, with waterfalls much of the way. The Rim Path is closed, so the full two-mile loop is the only route now, about 1.5 hours with uphill walking and a lot of stairs. Book a timed entry online before you go, since slots sell out in foliage season.
Related: White Mountains: 3 Fantastic Inns in Bethlehem NH You Will Love!
Kancamagus Highway Road Trip Route
Kancamagus Highway (pronounced “Kank-ah-mah-gus”) is one of the most popular road trips in New Hampshire.
Not only does this road trip offer beautiful views for leaf-peepers in the fall, but with many natural wonders along the way, it makes for a gorgeous road trip year-round.
Foliage timing shifts with the year, the weather and the elevation, so check before you commit to a date. New Hampshire posts a foliage tracker twice a week through the season.
Early October can be a good window for catching color while avoiding some of the heaviest peak-weekend traffic, though conditions vary from one year to the next.
A typical trip will take about half a day. But, it could last longer if you choose to pack in a few hikes or spend more time at some of the scenic stops along the way such as Swift River and the Albany Covered Bridge.
Fill the tank in Lincoln or Conway before you start, and bring whatever you plan to eat. Cell coverage through the forest is limited, so it’s a good idea to download your map before you set out.
Driving the byway is free, but some developed sites require a White Mountain National Forest recreation pass when you park. You can buy a day pass in advance at Recreation.gov, or at a self-serve pay station where one is maintained, and an America the Beautiful interagency pass covers it. Display it on your dash.
You should also try to see the Sabbaday Falls, about midway along the highway. It’s one of the most-visited waterfalls in New Hampshire.
After a quick 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls, you’ll be able to take in the 45-foot waterfall that cascades into the pool below.
There’s also a picnic area and a restroom there, making this a perfect place to stop for lunch or a snack as you explore New Hampshire.
Related Article: What You Should Pack for Fall in New England [Checklist]
2. Mohawk Trail in Massachusetts | New England Road Trips
Start: Orange, Massachusetts
End: Williamstown, Massachusetts
Distance: 65 miles
Must-See Attractions: Natural Bridge State Park – This park in North Adams, MA features woodland trails with views of a dam made of white marble and an old marble quarry. In fact, it’s the only natural white marble arch in North America!
Mohawk Trail Road Trip Route
The beautiful stretch of highway known as the Mohawk Trail follows a Native travel route between the Hudson valley in New York and the Connecticut valley here in Massachusetts.
Fall draws plenty of leaf-peepers to the Mohawk Trail as the surrounding hills turn shades of red, orange, and gold. However, there isn’t a bad time to catch the views of the Berkshires and the Taconic Mountains.
You’ll also find plenty of hiking trails along the 65-mile route.
One attraction that you should try to carve out time for is the Poet’s Seat Tower near Greenfield, Massachusetts. The Poet’s Seat Tower sits atop a 190 million year old basalt lava flow offering sweeping views of the Connecticut, Deerfield, and Green River valleys.
You’ll also find plenty of quaint inns and restaurants to rest after a long day of exploration.
You could also stop at one of the area’s sugarhouses for some locally made maple syrup. It’s a delicious souvenir.
If you want to extend this New England road trip a little further beyond Williamstown, you can continue on to Stockbridge for a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum. While you’re in the area, grab a bite at the historic Red Lion Inn Restaurant and stay over at the Inn at Sweet Water Farm, a charming bed & breakfast in the nearby village of North Egremont.
3. Coastal Byway in New Hampshire
Start: Seabrook, New Hampshire
End: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Distance: 22 miles
Must-See Attractions: Whale watching – Choose from many whale-watching tours along the coastline that offer tour-goers the chance to spot humpback, finback, and minke whales. The best time for New England whale watching is May through October.
NH Coastal Byway Road Trip Route
While there’s something magical about driving through the dense forest land of the northeast, the coast offers its own special appeal. One claim to fame on New Hampshire’s coastline is that it’s the country’s shortest coast of any state.
As you travel along the coast, you’ll see everything from towering mansions to inviting beaches. It’s a short drive, but you’ll want to stop plenty of times throughout the byway to take in all that the area offers.
Here are some suggestions:
- Take a walk by the ocean
- Eat fried dough at Hampton Beach
- Take a boat tour on the Atlantic Ocean
- Visit historic forts and mansions
- Sip on a craft beer in Portsmouth
You’ll find there’s something for everyone along this beautiful coastal New England road trip through New Hampshire. And if you have the time, definitely plan to stay over in Portsmouth. I recommend this lovely Portsmouth boutique hotel I stayed at.
Related: These are the Best Things to Do in Portsmouth NH
4. Old King’s Highway in Cape Cod
Start: Sandwich, Massachusetts
End: Orleans, Massachusetts
Distance: 34 miles
Must-See Attractions: Scargo Tower – Located in Dennis, this tower is about 30 feet tall and boasts gorgeous views of Cape Cod’s hills. On a clear day, you can see all the way down to Provincetown.
Old King’s Highway – New England Road Trips Route
If history is part of what draws you to Cape Cod, Old King’s Highway is a road trip worth considering.
Also known as Cape Cod’s Route 6A, Old King’s Highway is one of America’s most iconic byways and travels through the largest contiguous historic district in the United States.
In 2021, Old King’s Highway achieved National Scenic Byway Status, making it one of only four in the state of Massachusetts.
The trip starts in historic Sandwich, Massachusetts, which is the oldest town on Cape Cod dating back to 1639.
There, you’ll find the Sandwich Glass Museum known for its unique glass treasures, the Dexter Grist Mill, and Hoxie House, which is one of the oldest houses on the Cape and is open for tours where you can see original period decor.
As you wind through the Cape, you’ll see many historic attractions like:
- Yarmouth New Church in Yarmouth
- Drummer Boy Park in Brewster
- French Cable Station Museum in Orleans
History lovers will find plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Of course, on Cape Cod, you’ll want to stop for some time at the beach and get some of the freshest seafood. Raw oysters, clam chowder, fried clams, and lobster rolls are local favorites.
You could also stop at one of these excellent Cape Cod Breweries along the way for a refreshing drink.
If you’re traveling with family, I recommend staying at Sesuit Harbor House in Dennis. It’s a convenient place to overnight along the route.
Related: Click here to learn which towns in Cape Cod are the best to visit.
5. Park Loop Road in Maine
Start: Bar Harbor, Maine
End: Bar Harbor, Maine
Distance: 27 miles
Must-See Attractions: Cadillac Mountain – The loop winds up to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast.
Park Loop Road – Road Trip Route
Park Loop Road is the primary road for navigating Acadia National Park. Whether you go during the snowy New England winter or as the leaves are changing color in the fall, Acadia National Park offers breathtaking views no matter what time of year you visit.
There are many ways to explore the 27-mile stretch through the park.
Here are some great options to consider:
- Drive yourself
- Book a guided bus tour
- Ride the Island Explorer shuttle bus
You need a vehicle reservation from Recreation.gov to drive the Cadillac Summit Road from late May through late October, and they aren’t sold at the gate. Be aware that during the peak summer months, the park can get very crowded so expect delays as you’re traveling the loop.
On your way up to Bar Harbor, you might want to add a stop or overnight in Portland Maine at this hotel I love.
Related Article: What to Pack for Summer in New England
6. Providence to Newport in Rhode Island
Start: Providence, Rhode Island
End: Newport, Rhode Island
Distance: 33 miles
Must-See Attractions: The Breakers in Newport, RI – This opulent mansion is perhaps the most impressive of the Newport Mansions, which served as summer “cottages” for the rich and famous during the Gilded Age.
Providence/Newport Road Trip Route
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country, but there’s a lot to see between Providence and Newport.
The route runs from the Rhode Island State House in Providence to the 11 Gilded Age mansions overlooking the coast in Newport.
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Providence is home to the world-renown art school, Rhode Island School of Design, so you’ll have no trouble finding art galleries, open studios, and silversmiths here.
The city also offers a diverse food culture. You’ll want to make a stop (or two!) in Providence’s “Little Italy,” Federal Hill, for a taste of delicious Italian food. You’ll find lots of other options too, from Vegan to Indian to Portuguese and beyond.
There’s plenty to explore on foot in Providence, and if your drive falls on the third Thursday of the month between March and November, you might time your trip to coordinate with Gallery Night. These walking tours guided by local experts showcase some of the best galleries in Providence.
Or, take in WaterFire. This public art display sets the Providence River ablaze at night and is truly surreal.
It runs on scheduled evenings from late spring into fall, so check the calendar before you count on it. You can sit along the river’s edge or take a gondola ride to be closer to the experience.
From Providence, head south and cross the Jamestown and Verrazano bridges to reach Aquidneck Island. You’ll arrive in Newport, where you’ll find soft-sand beaches, upscale shopping, and waterfront eateries at Bowen’s Wharf.
Fun Things to See and Do in Newport
Some unique stops you might want to make while you’re exploring Newport include:
- The International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Audrain Auto Museum
- National Museum of American Illustration
And of course, you must visit the Newport Mansions. They are especially beautiful over the winter holidays, when each mansion is dressed in luxury for the holiday season.
Another good way to get a look at the mansions and their well-coiffed grounds is to walk along the Cliff Walk.
This free 3.5-mile walk follows the coast, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the grounds and rear facades of the Newport Mansions on the other. The 450-foot stretch between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street stays closed this season, with a marked detour one block inland around Salve Regina University.
While you’re on Aquidneck Island, take a scenic drive to explore the bucolic farms and winding roads of Portsmouth and Middletown. This tiny island is home to two fantastic vineyards, Greenvale Vineyards (Portsmouth) and Newport Vineyards (Middletown). Stop in to either and enjoy a refreshing glass of wine. You can take a few bottles home as a remembrance of your trip!
7. South Coast to Block Island in Rhode Island
Start: Wickford (North Kingstown), Rhode Island
End: Westerly, Rhode Island
Distance: 31 miles
Must-See Attraction: Watch Hill Carousel – This colorful, lighted amusement ride in Westerly is the oldest continuously operating flying horse carousel in the country. That means the horses, suspended by the chain from the center of the carousel, radiate out as it turns.
RI South Coast Road Trip Route
Begin this coastal New England drive in Wickford Village, a historic community on the harbor located a half-hour outside Providence.
Wickford hosts an annual summer Art Festival, but any time of year you visit, you’ll find:
- Art Galleries
- Unique shops and boutiques
- Outdoor cafes
Next, head over to Narragansett Beach for a beach break. The waves are big here, so you can watch the surfers “hang ten,” or even take a surfing or paddle board lesson yourself.
Head south to Point Judith, where many local restaurants source delicious Point Judith Calamari.
One place to stop for a bite is George’s of Galilee, a clam shack overlooking Block Island Sounds where you can enjoy local favorites like Calamari or Portuguese Clams with Chorizo.
Then, take the high-speed Block Island Ferry at Galilee for a 30-minute sunset ride to Block Island. It’s best to leave your car behind and rent bikes on the island.
The National Hotel is a lovely Victorian and the flagship of the island. It’s also the most convenient lodging from the ferry if you plan to spend the night on the island. You’ll want to take the time to visit the unique shops and galleries scattered in New Shoreham.
You can even pack a picnic lunch from Finn’s Seafood Restaurant to take with you.
Fun Things to Do on Block Island
Some natural beauty on Block Island you’ll want to see includes:
- Mohegan Bluffs
- Settlers Rock
- the nature trails throughout Block Island
Or, just relax at any of the pristine beaches along Block Island’s 17 miles of shoreline before taking the ferry back to the Rhode Island mainland.
When you return to the mainland, have a look at the Watch Hill Carousel in Westerly.
Next, head over to Saunderstown to the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum.
You can take a tour of the museum, which is set within a historic restored 1750 home and celebrates the work of Gilbert Stuart. This prolific portrait artist painted six sitting presidents!
Make a stop at Sweet Cakes in Peace Dale, a tiny village in South Kingstown, where you can enjoy a delicious coffee and pastry in their quaint patio. Take some vegan cookies or a sandwich to-go for the ride home.
8. Scenic Route 100 Byway in Vermont
Start: Wilmington, Vermont
End: Newport, Vermont
Distance: 189 miles
Must-See Attractions: The Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe) – Tour the famous home and sweeping mountain vistas made famous by the movie, The Sound of Music.
Vermont Route 100 Road Trip Route
You can drive this stretch of Route 100 in a day, but give yourself a long weekend if you want time to explore along the way.
The route along nearly the entire length of the “Green Mountain State” follows the eastern edge of the Green Mountains, ending at the Canadian border.
Summer is a great time to explore the hiking trails and waterfalls along Route 100. In winter, the ski resorts become the draw. And in fall, the foliage alone makes this one of New England’s classic scenic drives.
A few of the stops you’ll want to consider on the Route 100 Scenic Byway include:
- Appalachian/Long Trail (Stamford)
- Atherton Meadows Wildlife Management District (Whitingham)
- Wheeler’s Farm (Whitingham)
- Carinthia Ski Area (West Dover)
- Catamount Trail (Dover)
- Jamaica State Park (Jamaica)
- Magic Mountain Ski Resort (Londonderry)
- West River Fishing Stream (Weston)
- Buttermilk Falls (Ludlow)
- Lake Pauline (Ludlow)
- Vermont Country Store in Weston – free cheese and maple syrup samples
- Coolidge State Forest (Plymouth)
- Thundering Brook Falls (Killington)
- Vermont River Tubing (Stockbridge)
- Green Mountain National Forest (Rochester)
- White River Golf Club (Rochester)
- Granville Gulf State Reservation (Granville)
Impromptu Stops to Make in Vermont
In fact, keep your eyes peeled for moose, often seen by the roadside, especially the further north you go. This is important because they can be dangerous to motor vehicles if they cross your path.
Along the way, you’ll be tempted to make many impromptu stops.
You may find yourself stopping for a meal, browsing an antique shop or gallery, or pulling into a brewery or farm stand. Leave some extra time in your itinerary for the places that catch your attention.
Covered bridges and chainsaw carvings are some other regional specialties you’ll want to watch for as you travel route 100.
And be sure to bring home some Vermont maple syrup. A stop for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream wouldn’t hurt, either.
9. Shoreline Route in Connecticut
Start: Stonington, Connecticut
End: Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Distance: 35 miles
Must-See Attractions: Gillette Castle (East Haddam) – This stone structure was originally the private residence of William Gillette, best known as the actor who played Sherlock Holmes on stage. This 3.5 floor, 24 rooms “castle” overlooks the river and has a number of oddities, like trick locks and a hand-carved bar with a secret latch.
Coastal Connecticut Road Trip Route
This coastal Connecticut route from Stonington Connecticut to Old Saybrook can be a quick trip along the highway, but we suggest you meander along the coastline instead.
Mystic is a historic shipbuilding village in Connecticut where you can enjoy shops, restaurants, and waterfront scenes on the Mystic River. Movie buffs will remember the movie Mystic Pizza (1988) shot on location and in nearby towns.
A visit to the Mystic Aquarium pairs perfectly with your coastal road trip theme.
This small town can get busy in the summer, so be prepared to wait your turn for attractions and local restaurants. You can head over to Stonington Borough, which is quaint and more compact than Mystic, but just as charming.
Stops Between Old Lyme to Saybrook, Connecticut
Next, head over to Old Lyme and watch for art exhibits and presentations at the Lyme Art Association.
Tour Gillette Castle, a small but incredible stone castle that sits high above the Connecticut River in East Haddam.
Then, take a quick but scenic Hadlyme ferry ride that departs from Gillette Castle State Park to Chester. Today’s ferry is powered and can accommodate cars and passengers.
In the historic town of Essex, check out the Connecticut River Museum and then make your way over to Old Saybrook.
In Old Saybrook, you can browse the shops downtown before heading toward the waterfront.
Finally, enjoy the views at the marina at Saybrook Point, where Saybrook Point Resort & Marina and its restaurant, Fresh Salt, look out on the mouth of the Connecticut River.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your New England Road Trips
Having lived in New England all my life, I know you don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve gone somewhere. Some of my favorite days begin with a short drive and end somewhere I hadn’t planned to stop.
That’s what I like about a New England road trip. You can choose one of these routes for the destination, but it’s often what you find along the way that makes the day memorable.
So pick a route, give yourself enough time to wander a little, and enjoy the drive.
FAQs
How many days do you need for a New England road trip?
The amount of time you need for a New England road trip depends on the route you choose. Seven of the nine drives here run 35 miles or less and can work as day trips, depending on how many stops you make. The Mohawk Trail is longer at 65 miles, while Vermont’s Route 100 is the outlier at 189 miles and deserves at least a long weekend.
Which New England road trips can you do in one day?
Most of the New England road trips featured here can be completed in one day. The Coastal Byway is the shortest at 22 miles, and Park Loop Road covers 27 miles as a loop that returns you to Bar Harbor. The Kancamagus Highway takes about half a day with stops at Sabbaday Falls and the Albany Covered Bridge. How often you stop will ultimately determine how long you spend on each route.
Which of these routes are best for fall foliage?
Three of the nine routes featured here stand out for fall foliage. The Kancamagus Highway crosses the White Mountain National Forest between Conway and Lincoln. The Mohawk Trail winds through the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. Vermont’s Route 100 runs nearly the length of the state. Foliage timing shifts with the year, the weather and the elevation, so check New Hampshire’s foliage tracker before setting dates.
When is the best time of year for a New England road trip?
There is no single best season for a New England road trip, because each one offers a different experience. Fall brings the foliage the region is known for. Summer opens up the beaches and hiking trails. Winter turns the Vermont routes toward the ski resorts, and some seasonal stops close for the year, including the Flume Gorge visitor center after late October.
Do you need reservations for stops along these routes?
Some popular stops require advance reservations. Driving the Cadillac Summit Road in Acadia requires a vehicle reservation from Recreation.gov between late May and late October, and they are not sold at the gate. Flume Gorge requires a timed entry booked online, and slots sell out in foliage season. You also need a White Mountain National Forest recreation pass to park at some developed sites along the Kancamagus.
Original Contributor: Lydia McAllister is a content creator who develops helpful and compelling stories. Her passion for digital marketing and creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to lifestyle. She calls Texas home and enjoys burying her nose in a good book, exploring new locales and spending time with family in her spare time. The original post has been expanded and updated since first published.
