Category Archives: Foliage

Foliage in Northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont).

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Lakes and Leaves Maine

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By Cliff Calderwood

Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation, containing over 17 million acres of natural beauty, hikes, and magnificent summer and fall foliage scenic drives.

This scenic drive is through Maine backcountry. A rugged environment of thick forests and impressive mountain terrain.

The drive is magnificent in summer but not-to-be-missed in fall foliage season.

The route follows a 218-mile loop through central west Maine along the lower western shore of Moosehead Lake, and then runs parallel with the tree-lined banks of the Kennebec River. It’s best experienced over a few days rather than a one-day excursion trip, and lodging reservations are recommended during the popular fall foliage season.

Let’s get you started…

In the first part of the tour you’ll wind your way towards the town of Greenville on the southern tip of Moosehead Lake. Begin the tour in the town of Skowhegan by taking Route 150 to Route 151 in Athens. Follow Route 151 west to Newport where you’ll pick up Route 7 to Dover-Foxcroft.

Take Route 6 to Guilford, and then follow Route 6/15 north to Greenville.

At Greenville stop and relax for a bit. Greenville is a center for those seeking the pastimes of hunting, fishing, hiking and boating in the area. It’s also home to a number of attractions in the area.

One such attraction is the 110-foot SS Katahdin, a popular steamship that cruises on Moosehead Lake during the summer and through fall foliage. It leaves from the center of Greenville.

A 20-mile excursion east of Greenville takes you to beautiful Gulf Hagas. This is a stunning 3-mile-long gorge, with waterfalls, water chutes, deep pools, and vertical walls 300 feet tall in places. The hike is especially scenic during fall foliage. For those spreading this scenic drive over multiple days this is a must-do side trip.

The Greenville area also boasts splendid hikes along the close-by Appalachian Trail.

If you’re intending to stay overnight then Greenville offers your best opportunity for lodging.

The scenic drive continues along Route 6/15 passing Big Squaw Mountain and Ski Area on the left, and winding along the Moosehead Lake shore to the village of Rockwood. Once at Rockwood you’ll see across the water the imposing Mount Kineo with its sheer cliff face rising over 700 feet from the deepest point in Moosehead Lake.

Stay on Route 6/15 and head west to Jackman. This 30-mile portion of the scenic drive is all about Maine wilderness. Look out for opportunities to stop and admire the summer or fall foliage views in the hills and on scenic lookouts across the lakes and ponds along the road.

Just south of Jackman Route 6/15 will connect with Route 201, and you’ll follow Route 201 south towards The Forks along the National Scenic Byway.

Jackman is a canoeing center, famous for the 42-mile Moose River Bow Trip. The canoe trip takes two or more days and is a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. It’s one of the few remaining wilderness canoe trips in the Northeast, and organized tours are run by local operators.

Continue on Route 201 south to The Forks where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers meet. The Forks is base for popular and awe-inspiring whitewater rafting trips on the two rivers.

A few miles west of The Forks is Moxie Falls, at 90-feet one of the tallest waterfalls in New England.

The scenic drive continues south on Route 201 to Bingham. This stretch of the road follows the Kennebec River through Caratunk, offering magnificent views of the river and surrounding hills, and is one of the best fall foliage sections on this tour.

Follow Route 201 back to Skowhegan to complete the tour.

Look for other articles in this series of fall foliage scenic drives. Or if you can’t wait you can pick up the complete scenic drive free report containing these and other New England scenic drives, along with detailed route coverage and attractions, at his New England vacations guide site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Calderwood

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Rhode Island Coast

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By Cliff Calderwood

This Rhode Island scenic drive is delightful any season of the year, but with fall foliage the added splash of color deepens the experience and appreciation of the Rhode Island coastline and surrounding villages.

This is a one-way 61-mile scenic drive on Route 1A along Block Island Sound until turning North to follow the western shore of Narragansett Bay. The drive eventually hooks up with Route 138 east over to historic Newport and the scenic 10-mile Ocean Drive.

Along the way are plenty of detours for lighthouses, wildlife refuge trails, beach walking, and quiet village rambles in autumn splendor.

Let’s get going…

Start the drive by heading south on U.S. Highway 1A from Westerly. Look for the sign to Watch Hill Road, which takes you out to Watch Hill, a marvelously preserved Victorian seaside town.

Attractions in Watch Hill include The Flying Horse Carousel, the oldest continuously operating merry-go-round carousel in the U.S., and the Watch Hill Lighthouse, a granite and brick-lined 19th Century masterpiece. The Lighthouse has no parking so you’ll park in town and stroll out the 15-minutes it takes to get there.

Continue the scenic drive by retracing the road back to US 1A and then heading east. Route 1A merges with Route 1 as you drive towards Charlestown and the Point Judith Area. This part of the drive has numerous beaches, and turnoffs for salt ponds and wildlife refuges protected by the natural beach barriers on Block Island Sound.

Follow Route 1 until it intersects with Route 108 south and head down to Point Judith and the Junction of Route 1A. Drive the short distance to Point Judith Lighthouse, which was built in 1857. Here you’ll also get another great view of Block Island and its cliffs on the horizon.

Take Route 1A North to Narragansett Pier and on to farms and countryside surrounding the Pettaquamscutt River. This area of stonewalls and forests once housed many Rhode Island plantations that gave the state its formal name of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

In the fall foliage season the forests are ablaze with autumn and add a satisfying splash of color to this coastline tour.

Continue the scenic drive north until it meets Route 138 and then head east on Route 138 over Jamestown Bridge to Conanicut Island, and then over the magnificent Newport Bridge into the city of Newport.

Newport is on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, and the final leg of this fall foliage scenic drive. It is one of my favorite cities in New England – anytime of the year – but especially during autumn.

After the Newport Bridge follow the signs to the Transportation Center. Stay on the main road as it winds through the harbor area, and eventually becomes Memorial Boulevard until it meets Bellevue Avenue on the right.

Ocean Drive is a 10-mile route that starts on Bellevue Avenue and follows Ocean Avenue around a rocky peninsular with fishing coves, swimming beaches, and public parks.

The Ocean Avenue part of the drive is probably the most scenic with magnificent houses on rocky necks amidst the backdrop of full-force Atlantic Ocean. Brenton State Park is a halfway point on Ocean Drive, and is popular for picnics and flying kites.

As you head out of the park you’re heading back to Newport Harbor, and pass the Castle Hill Lighthouse, Hammersmith Farm, and Fort Adams Park.

The Fort Adams State Park is on Harrison Avenue, and you’ll turn left at the next intersection, and left again onto Halidon Avenue. Continue right onto Wellington Avenue and you’ll pass by King Park on your left, which is at the southern end of Newport Harbor, and leads you back into the city center where the tour ends.

Look for other articles in this series of fall foliage scenic drives. Or if you can’t wait you can pick up the complete scenic drive free report containing these and other New England scenic drives, along with detailed route coverage and attractions, at his New England vacations Guide site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Calderwood

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire

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By Cliff Calderwood

You can drive the 34 miles between Lincoln and Conway on Route 112 in just about an hour. But you’d miss experiencing one of the most colorful scenic drives in the entire northeast – and some would say the U.S. for fall foliage.

Route 112, or as its better known the Kancamagus Highway, is the only road that runs directly east and west through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This is a dramatic road built to show off the magnificence of one of New Hampshire’s best-loved scenic spots.

During the summer and fall foliage months you’re likely to have plenty of company on your drive. But if the weather is clear who cares if the going is a little slow – this isn’t a drive to rush anyway.

You’ll find plenty of pull-offs to admire the views and take a bunch of photos if the weather cooperates. Be warned though… the White Mountains are notorious for generating their own weather, especially in the Presidential Range, where many of the peaks are above timberline.

So what will you see?

At the western end of this drive where Interstate 93 meets Route 112, lies Lincoln. The Lincoln, and close-by Cannon Mountain, areas abound in gift and specialty shops, including Clark’s Trading Post.

Lincoln is your starting point on this fall foliage scenic drive, and as you head east towards the Kancamagus Pass you’ll be climbing to 2,860 feet in the first 10 miles.

Just east of Lincoln you’ll find Loon Mountain, a ski resort by winter and a playground in the summer and fall foliage months. Loon is worth a side trip to ride the Gondola to the summit for breathtaking views, and exploring the Glacial Caves, and the summit observation tower.

Continuing east on the two-lane highway you’ll enter the Pemigewasset wilderness region of the drive. Close to Hancock Campground is the parking lot entrance to the Lincoln Woods Trail. This popular and easy trail leads into the wilderness area and makes a great excursion to view the Pemigewasset River, and the wildlife that inhabits the area.

As you head out to the Sandwich Range Wilderness Area the road offers interesting turns and views through the Kancamagus Pass. You’ll find plenty of scenic overlooks to admire the mountain ranges, especially during the vibrant fall foliage season. Autumn is a spectacular time to travel this part of the road.

Another side excursion along this stretch of the road is the Greeley Ponds Scenic Area. Located about one mile from the highway and about 9 miles east of Lincoln this is a beautiful place to have a picnic lunch, and view the two ponds and towering cliffs.

Continuing east you’ll enter the Swift River valley region. This area abounds in scenic stops, and hikes through the forest offering stunning views of the valley and mountains. The hike offering the best views is the MT. Potash hike but at 4 miles requires a few hours to appreciate fully.

For a shorter and easier hike drive to the Rocky Gorge Scenic area and take The Lovequist Loop Trail. This is about an hours walk around Falls Pond and offers fishing and a marvelous window into the beauty of the natural plants and vegetation of the region. You’ll cross the gorge formed by the Swift River over a rustic footbridge.

Back in the car you’ll drive a short distance east to the Covered Bridge and the trailhead to the Boulder Loop Trail. If you’ve been saving your energy for only one hike then this is it. At about 3 miles round trip it can take you anywhere from 2-4 hours but you’ll get outstanding photo opportunities of MT. Chocorua and the Swift River Valley. The hike itself is mostly a gradual climb with some step pitches. This is one of the more popular hikes during fall foliage season.

The last piece of the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage scenic drive takes you to the eastern end of the drive where Route 112 meets Route 16 in Conway.

Look for other articles in this series of fall foliage scenic drives. Or if you can’t wait you can pick up the complete scenic drive free report containing these and other New England scenic drives, along with detailed route coverage and attractions, at his New England vacation site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Calderwood

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Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Connecticut Route 169

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By Cliff Calderwood

This fall foliage scenic drive runs south to north in the eastern corner of Connecticut along Route 169. Peak fall foliage in Connecticut usually starts mid-October and lasts through end of October.

Traveling Route 169 is as much about historic buildings and communities with traditions, as about brilliant color changes – although you’ll be blessed with plenty of leaf-peeping opportunities as well.

The drive follows Route 169 from Lisbon, CT, to the border with Massachusetts – A short drive of just over 30 miles but as you’ll see it packs a lot into a small area.

Let’s turn the ignition and get moving…

You’ll begin this scenic drive in the town of Lisbon, which can be reached, from I-395 exit 83A. The center of town is known as Newent.

Visit the Bishop House Museum and the Newent Congregational Church for a flavor of some of the architectural styles you’ll get familiar with during this drive.

Take Route 169 out of Lisbon/Newent and drive the 8 miles to Canterbury.

Named for the cathedral city in Kent, England, Canterbury was originally settled in 1697, and offers a window into Connecticut’s early American past. Highlights are the classic New England Town Green and the Prudence Crandall Museum.

The Prudence Crandall Museum documents an extraordinary woman and her attempt to educate black women during a time of violent oppression. Prudence’s neighbors and friends ostracized here and forced her to close her school and eventually move away from the area.

During the fall foliage season Wright’s Mill Tree Farm offers a spooky hayride, and the chance to pick your own pumpkin. This 250-acre farm is in the north end of Canterbury.

Continue on Route 169 the 7 miles to Brooklyn, where along the way you’ll pass farms and homes set among the rolling hills in this area of Connecticut known as the “Quiet Corner.”

Brooklyn is a history buffs dream. You’ll discover historical buildings galore with a high concentration of them in a 1.75-acre area known as Brooklyn Green. Both Brooklyn and Brooklyn Green is on the National Register of Historic Districts.

Places to view include Friendship Valley Inn, a stop on the Underground Railroad, and where Prudence Crandall was given refuge during her trail, and the 18th century Old Brooklyn Burying Ground. The close-by C. Vaughan Ferguson, Jr. Conservancy offers walking trails among marshlands and hills.

The best way of visiting Brooklyn Green is simply to park the car and walk though it. With five churches on the green and a cluster of historical buildings, statues, and commemorative stones, something is bound to catch your eye to explore further.

Leaving Brooklyn on Route 169 and heading north towards Pomfret, you’ll pass the 200-acre Lapsley Orchards in the Bush Hill historic district. Here during the fall you can pick apples or purchase the perfect pumpkin for your front porch.

Another side trip worth taking before you reach Pomfret is Mashamoquet Brook State Park and Putnam Wolf Den. At the junction with Route 101 head west and take the entrance into the park less than a mile down Route 101. With the abundance of maples and oaks in the park the fall foliage dazzles. Be sure to take the path and short walk to the Wolf Den where a plaque describes the killing of the last wolf in Connecticut.

Back on Route 169 take the next few miles into the center of Pomfret.

A walk through Pomfret presents another chance to check out an 18th century graveyard at The Sabin Cemetery, 19th century churches, and a 13th century French window at the Pomfret School chapel.

Head north on Route 169 out of Pomfret for Woodstock on the last leg of this scenic drive. Before reaching the picturesque New England village of Woodstock, you’ll have the chance to explore more hiking trails at The Connecticut Audobon-Pomfret Farms and The Air Line Trail.

Once in Woodstock head for Roseland Cottage – a striking pink Gothic Revival style house which is also home to the Bowen Museum. The house has original furnishings and tours are offered June – October.

Woodstock has a classic New England village feel to it, with a village green lined by Maples and an old burying ground, meeting house, and many 18th century homes on the perimeter.

And if you prefer not to head back to home base but relax in Woodstock for the evening then the Inn at Woodstock Hill has suites and rooms with fireplaces. The inn is on the National Register of Historic places, and is a fitting end to this scenic tour in Northeast Connecticut.

Traveling on Connecticut’s Route 169 is a perfect New England ramble any season, but especially during fall foliage , when the scent of autumn fills the countryside farms and the villages along the route.

Look for other articles in this series of fall foliage scenic drives. Or if you can’t wait you can pick up the complete scenic drive free report containing these and other New England scenic drives, along with detailed route coverage and attractions, at his New England vacations site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Calderwood

Fall Foliage Scenic Drive – Central Vermont Area

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By Cliff Calderwood

This fall foliage scenic drive in Central Vermont offers some of the best views in the Green Mountain National Forest.

This scenic drive is a loop tour of about 150 miles. It follows mostly Route 12 south from Montpelier to Woodstock, before heading north on Route 100 and 100B back to Montpelier. There’s a whole bunch of surprises on the way, but it’s no surprise you’ll experience some magnificent fall foliage views all along this scenic drive.

The tour is best done over the course of a weekend or several days, although it’s possible to do the drive in one day and forgo many of the attractions and rambles suggested.

Let’s get going…

Start from Montpelier, a small city on the northern fringe of central Vermont. Montpelier can be easily reached from Interstate 89. Montpelier is 182 miles from Boston and 198 miles from Hartford.

Take Route 12 out of Montpelier and head south to Northfield Falls. Northfield Falls has four covered bridges and the famous Falls General Store. Vermont has some of the finest examples of covered bridges anywhere in New England, but two of them in Northfield Falls can be seen at once, as you look through one to other. This is unique in New England and definitely worth taking the camera out to capture.

Continue on Route 12 making your way to Bethel.

Bethel is one of those Vermont towns that’s a natural part of the scenery. Could this be why it’s home to the White River National Fish Hatchery? The hatchery focuses on restoring Atlantic Salmon to the Connecticut River. It’s open 8:00am – 3:00pm daily.

From Bethel you’ll continue your last piece of the southern route to Woodstock.

The Woodstock area offers a number of attractions, including Billings Farm and Museum, and Quechee Gorge. Woodstock itself is one of those picture-perfect Vermont villages that’s fun just to stroll around checking out the boutiques and restaurants.

The Billings Farm and Museum was established in 1871, and today it’s a working farm, and a museum depicting farm life in the late 1800s.

Quechee Gorge is Vermont’s little Grand Canyon. Not quite as big a hole in the ground as in Arizona, but at a mile long and plenty of hiking and walking trails on offer, it’s a chance to stretch the legs and admire the splendid scenery. Be sure to walk to the picnic area overlooking the falls.

The next 20 miles of the scenic drive takes you cross country on Route 4 to Killington. Killington is a world famous ski area that covers six mountains. And at over 4,200’ offers spectacular views from the summit. There’s very few better places to appreciate the fall foliage than at the top of Killington Peak. If it’s running take the K1-Gondola from base. You can ride the Gondola daily from September 24 – October 10th.

Killington is about the half-way point in this tour, and with the beautiful town of Rutland close-by plenty of lodging if you decide to linger overnight. Just be sure to make reservations during the peak fall foliage season.

The next section of the tour follows Route 100 as it borders the Green Mountain National Forest. You’ll pass through the towns of Pittsfield, Hancock, Granville, and Waitsfield as you cover perhaps the most scenic views and diverse terrain you’ll see on this drive.

Just North of Hancock and close to Route100 on Route 125 is Texas Falls. The trail to the falls is an easy hike and offers marvelous views anytime of the year, but especially during fall foliage season when the colors dazzle.

The larger of the two waterfalls is Moss Glen Falls just north of Granville a few miles up from Hancock. The drive from Hancock towards the falls is a two-lane winding road that passes through a seven mile stretch of untouched wilderness, and worth taking slow and easy.

The final leg of this central Vermont scenic drive from Granville to Middlesex and back to Montpelier continues to provide startling scenery and great photo opportunities. Route 100B connects with Route 100 just south of Moretown village, and you’ll take 100B north to Middlesex and then join Interstate 89 for the quick hop back into Montpelier.

Vermonters quip the state really has five seasons – spring, summer, fall, winter, and the famous mud season. But my personal favorite in Vermont is the fall. Take this tour and you’ll understand why.

Look for other articles in this series of fall foliage scenic drives. Or if you can’t wait you can pick up the complete scenic drive free report containing these and other New England scenic drives, along with detailed route coverage and attractions, at his New England vacation site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Calderwood