Stunningly beautiful rocky coastal ride on the Park Loop Rd. Lots of hiking, climbing, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities scattered throughout the park lands and Mt. Desert Isle in general.
Beautifully manicured gardens in a Japanese style.
Wooded crash site of a USAF B-52 that crashed during a 1963 training mission. Wreckage is strewn through acres of forest, but there are fairly well-marked paths to guide you on the hike. You will need to ride several miles of rough unpaved road to reach the parking area. There are no facilities.
3/4 mile hike to Bash Bish Falls
Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site is the location of a Revolutionary War battle between the British forces of General John Burgoyne and Colonel Friedrich Baum against the American forces under Brigadier General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner.
An immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon is so called because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void.
There is an admission fee and a 15 min self-guided trail.
A 5-mile gorge, plunging to 1650 feet, in this “Grand Canyon of the South.” Lots of hiking and boating opportunities.
Bryce Canyon National Park
There is plenty to do in Bryce if you are staying for a while and want to get sweaty, with many hikes available to view the various hoodoos and other rock formations. But it is also worth a few hours for the casual motorcyclist visitor passing through, Highway 63 provides an easy out-and-back route down along the rim of the canyon, with many stunning scenic viewpoints.
The speed limit is low, traffic can be thick, and the road is well-patrolled so plan for the time needed to do the whole thing and stop for photos.
Tip: To help avoid traffic, try to arrive when the park opens in the morning and make a beeline straight for Rainbow Point at the end of the road. Enjoy the vista there, then take your time coming back along the park road, against the flow of the other tourists.
1:15 ferry ride between Burgeo and Ramea village on Northwest Island, where you can find pitcher plants and do some hiking/birdwatching (puffins!).
An 80-passenger cable car brings visitors to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of four states and Canada! At the summit, you’ll find spectacular scenic walking paths, a 360 degree observation deck, a cafeteria, bar and restrooms.
When we come here with the kids we spend most of the day on the property. The house itself has breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the hills and mountains beyond. There are miles of hiking trails on the site as well. We usually eat a light lunch in the old horse barn, were the tables are set up in the stalls. You can also take a tour of Castle Springs bottling plant and see the actual spring that produces the water for bottling.
10,000 acres of uninhabited land preserving the Civil War battlefields. Guided or self-guided hiking tours available.
One-way 3.5 mile hike over seaside cliffs and pathways, over public right-of-way through mansion properties. Plan your parking and getting back to your vehicle.
Lots of sightseeing, hiking, paddling, tubing opportunities – research recommended before you go. This is the visitor center at the southern end of the National Recreation area near I-80.
It’s a large field of ice-age dunes outside Freeport, ME
An 800-foot gorge that extends from the base of Mount Liberty. Geological formation, Scenic/historic walking area, Waterfall
Scenic road along the coast with many points of interest.
Privately owned acreage within the state park lands. There is a hefty per-person admission fee to drive your own vehicle in, which grants you access to the summit, rugged hiking trails up on the ridge, a swinging bridge, a museum and a wildlife habitat center.
Soaring fjords and moody mountains tower above a diverse panorama of beaches and bogs, forests and barren cliffs. Spot moose and caribou.
Bruce Peninsula National Park – 45 minute hike out to a scenic shore cave containing a pool of blue water. Parking space is limited and quickly fills up. A new reservation system for the 4 hour Grotto parking time slots allows you to plan your trip in advance.
Lots of activities to explore and enjoy this historic area.
Nice spots for a picnic, a hike, or a ride. Try Seven Lakes Drive and Route 106.
The second-largest park in the parks system boasts 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, camping areas, and a network of scenic views and sites.
Extreme tidal range presents many interesting opportunities for learning and fun. Rent kayaks, walk the seabed, etc.
Explore these great underground caves. What is a stalagmite?
Scene of the Battle of Lake George. Walking tour map available, with many interpretive signs scattered throughout the property.
Tour of underground caverns.
Huge cavern system with guided tours.
On April 19, 1775, British soldiers and American militia, “minute men” met in a series of unplanned skirmishes along a 22 mile stretch of road that ran from Boston to Concord.
Country estate lands and manor house to explore along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Seasonal hand-crafting demonstrations.
The 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone arch carved out by Cedar Creek. 30 minute hike from visitor center.
Experience a village of traditional Cherokee culture, via guided tour.
Hiking trails and suspension footbridges over a scenic gorge.
3000 foot long tunnel you can walk through along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Bring a flashlight.
Hiking, kayaking, guided fishing trips, ziplines in the beauty of West Virginia landscapes.
1.2 mile easy hike along a scenic trail that celebrates Frost’s poetry. A terrific place to get off the bike and stretch your legs. The trail is in one of the very best areas to ride – near Rtes 100, 17, Lincoln Gap, 125, 73, Bethel Mountain Road, and Roxbury Mountain Road. Watch for moose.
12 waterfalls, rugged gorge, and great swimming hole
Massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking “See 7 States” panoramic views
Foot bridge over a scenic rocky gorge. Mile long hike around a fishing pond. Restrooms available.
Enjoy nature, history, and sightseeing on this tucked-away island accessible via bridge from Lubec ME or via ferry.
Roughlock Falls
Located in an gorgeous side canyon off of Spearfish, just a short mile or so on a well-graded gravel road gets you to the parking area for the uppermost cascade. There is a boardwalk and staircased hiking trail following the stream down to view more parts of the falls.
The nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public. Cave tours and ziplining.
Pleasant 0.3 mile walk to a scenic waterfall, by the Kancamagus Highway. Restrooms available.
32 acre property on Lake Champlain with religious statues and grottoes dotting the area. Nice tranquil place for a stroll.
Beaches, boating, hiking, a fort, old missile bases, and a lighthouse.
This is one of Vermont’s best kept secrets and a very cool place. Americana is exhibited in 39 buildings and includes an outdoor history collection with many relocated items: a lighthouse, a steam locomotive, a covered bridge, an operating vintage carousel and the huge steamboat Ticonderoga. Their website does not convey just how terrific this place is. To do it justice plan on 4 hours however, you could easily spend a day.
.8 mile hike to see the natural stone bridge formation.
Exhibits many different wild animals, including river otters, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, bears, birds, foxes, and skunks. Most are orphaned, injured, or otherwise unable to survive in the wild. Hiking and lake cruises also available.
Consult the tidal charts to find the best time to walk the ocean floor out to sea caves, caverns and arches.
One of the last major Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies occurred on this dramatic peninsula, which rises high over the Hudson River. There is about a quarter mile hike up a steep but paved driveway from the parking lot to the museum, then a nice foot path with interpretive signage and great views of the river.
The Stony Point Lighthouse, built in 1826, is the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River.
Rugged hike up to see the Earth’s exposed mantle.
Visitor center in downtown Ticonderoga, next to Bicentennial Park and LeChute Falls. I
Series of five waterfalls along the LaChute River Walk Trail (3 miles).
Famous portage place for Native Americans and Armies moving from Lake Champlain to Lake George.
Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 ft. This waypoint provides trail access to the 411 ft upper falls.
1.28 mile footbridge with unforgettable views from 212 feet above the Hudson River. Map coordinates link to the western end. The eastern end in Poughkeepsie is at 41.7117, -73.92495.
Where he did it.
Take a short hike on the Appalachian Trail to see the first monument dedicated to George Washington, with nice views of the area. There is also a museum for the nearby South Mountain Battlefield.
Don’t miss this spectacular gorge hike.
A scenic fjord within Gros Morne National Park, explorable via hiking trail or guided boat tours. There is a 45 minute walk to the boat dock from parking area.
Museum dedicated to learning about Adirondack wildlife and fauna. Live animals and hands-on exhibits.