View Full Version : Road Trip - Suggestions???
I will be driving with my family through New England next week,
from Calais Maine to Niagara Falls NY, returning the following week.
We are going to a wedding in Toronto, and also spending a day in Niagara,
but we might have half a day here or there on the way there or back.
Any good day hikes or car camping spots not to far off the beated track?
Our planned route is to go right down to the Mass Pike:
Would it slow us down much to beat a more northern path:
http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1ffi=&1l=&1g=&1pl=&1v=&1n=&2ffi=&2l=&2g=&2pl=&2v=&2n=&1pn=&1a=&1c=Saint+John&1s=NB&1z=&2pn=&2a=&2c=Toronto&2s=ON&2z=&r=f
1. Calais ME to Niagara Falls NY through Mass Pike, etc:
Total = 12:58, 795 miles (shortest route)
2a. Calais ME to Montpelier VT = 7:45, 337 mi
2b. Montpelier VT to Niagara Falls NY = 7:37, 437 mi
Total = 15:22, 774 miles (extra 2.5 hours ???)
2a. Calais ME to Burlington VT = 8:35, 375 mi
2b. Burlington VT to Lake Placid = 1:52, 49 mi (ferry across Lake Champlain)
2c. Lake Placid NY to Utica NY = 3:38, 149 mi
2d. Utica NY to Niagara Falls NY = 3:59, 207 mi
Total = 16:23, 784 miles (extra 3.5 hours ???)
Any better routes? Best route for scenery?
Think some more, I think I would like to see Fort Ticonderoga?
Also, maybe take a route past Mount Washington.
A trip like that can be extended ad infinitum... best to pick a few locations and have time to explore them in depth. Just my $0.02.
Long haul. How much do you want the family to dislike you?
The roads in the USA are not like your roads.
US2, while much improved, takes time.
HWY2 accross the top of MA is cool. (But not that cool.)
Get a Rand Mcnally atlas in the states, pick a green dotted road, and have at it on the way back.
Major construction on I95 in Bangor, Me. Be sure to take 9 to 395.
The wait to cross at Calais can be long. B4 6AM if smart.
295 thru Portland, ME saves time if you don't get stuck in rush traffic. Don't be afraid of the ME Turnpike. Better road too.
Be safe, no barrel rides...
If you run Utica to Niagara Falls on the NY Thruway you will find it flatter than Illinois. If you have a few extra hours or days, divert a little south into the hills surrounding the Finger Lakes. Start on http://nyfalls.com/ and also check out http://www.fingerlakestrail.org/ if you have more time.
Best route for scenery?
Rt 2 across Maine , NH, VT ferry across Champlain then through Adirondaks
for best scenery .4 mountain ranges.....apps, whites, greens and Adk's. Not the fastest...just the best.
modiyooch
10-01-2007, 08:04
I have two well used books for this type question.
1. Scenic Wonders of America by Readers Digest and
2. The Most Scenic Drives in America also by Readers Digest
I don't leave home without them.
Thanks. I have taken I90 once, back in 1980s. It was straight and flat. I have done the trip to Bangor zillions of times, and off towards Gorham a few times also on the way to Montreal or Kingston. I have been past Mount Washington only a few times, but just enough to know you guys built those mountains in the wrong direction for travelling west. I have never been through the Adirondacks, or the Finger Lakes. I might try and check out Fort Ticonderoga if I have enough time. I saw Old Fort Niagara back in '66 or '67 when I lived in Niagara-On-The-Lake. I would like to see it again. Cheers.
Rt 2 across Maine , NH, VT ferry across Champlain then through Adirondaks
for best scenery .4 mountain ranges.....apps, whites, greens and Adk's. Not the fastest...just the best.I am probably going to go that route, on the way there or back, either taking the 1 hour ferry at Burlington, or the wee ferry at Ticonderoga. Thanks.
I have two well used books for this type question.
1. Scenic Wonders of America by Readers Digest and
2. The Most Scenic Drives in America also by Readers Digest
I don't leave home without them.I'll bet our public library has them.
Thanks. Thanks to Mr. Carnegie also.
I did a NE diagonal from around Utica to near Plattsburg once. Crossed at the south end of the lake and jumped on 2 around Barre.
It was worthy.
Avoid Fryeburg, ME and N. Conway, NH area thru 10/7. Fair. Traffic from hell. (Stopped traffic from hell.)
What was the border wait the last time you zipped to Bangor? What I find long, may not be for you. I am a sticks dweller...
Thanks. I think I will avoid looping down to North Conway.
I understand it is a busy time of year with 'peak foilage' and all that.
If I recall we will still be able to see Mount Washington from the #2.
The Border wait was not too bad last time we went to Bangor, 10-15 minutes maybe, but like you we usually try and do better. It was about a month ago on Labour Day weekend. We crossing into Calais at Milltown and met the same car we left that went the other way. It was backed up along that main street in St.Stephen, but no further. 15-20 minutes, maybe, at around noon on a Saturday. Coming back Sunday night around 11pm it was a bit shorter, 10 minutes maybe. It's been worse. It might have been worse the next day. Going over might have been worse if we had crossed between 8am and 10am. 6am is best, but it was a last minute decision to head for Bangor, which is a fun thing to do. Anyhow. I'm like you. 10-15 minutes ain't so bad as long as it's not too hot, but it was enough to grumble a little, and we usually try and do better. The border folks are excellent on both sides though. Very professional, but very nice folks, and they keep things moving as much as they are able.
That border crossing is perhaps the most friendly anywere. So friendly that local 'rural-legend' has it that during the war of 1812 the people of St. Stephen gave some gun powder to the people of Calais so they could celebrate the 4th of July.
15 mins is cool. 90+ this summer. Time of day and some BP snit.
Jack Tarlin
10-01-2007, 17:21
JAK--
The folks telling you to steer clear of North Conway are right on the money; traffic will be bad.
One possibility for a day hike is Mt. Moosilauke, which is beautiful in early October. You could also stay (or car camp) at the very friendly hostel in Glencliff, which is right at the foot of the mountain. The hostel and Moosilauke are not far off I-91.
Appalachian Tater
10-01-2007, 21:00
Looks like you will be following the Erie Canal. Quite a bit of history and things to see and do in connection with that.
Jack,
Thanks. I'll steer clear of North Conway, then perhaps head down the I-91 and consider staying Glencliff, then hitting the Ticonderoga Ferry the next morning and driving thorugh the southern part of the Adirondacks.
AT,
Thanks for the tip on the Erie Canal. Good thing to stop and see and maybe check out a small museum. I'll look into that for sure.
Appalachian Tater
10-01-2007, 21:11
AT,
Thanks for the tip on the Erie Canal. Good thing to stop and see and maybe check out a small museum. I'll look into that for sure.
There are sections you could bike or hike but a mountain would be better.
Toolshed
10-01-2007, 21:41
Hi JAK,
Used to live by Niagara Falls and go to Campobello Island annually for about 4 years straight, also lived by Mt Wachusett and drove to just outside Niagara Falls a few times, but most of my roadtrips were from Niagara County NY (Just outside the Falls, to Adirondacks.
I might be able to give a few pointers.
If you have patience to squander behind Maine and NH Drivers going 52 MPH (With a blinker on for 15 miles) , Then I would definitely consider Route 2 all the way to Burlington, then catch the ferry to Port Kent.
From Port Kent, Take the North-way (I-87) down to North Hudson and turn right and head to Long Lake and then south to Blue Mountain Lake and then follow 28 West along the Fulton Chain of lakes and stop just short of Old forge to climb Rondaxe (Bald Mountain) with it's fire tower (1 hour climb, very close to Rte 28 West to look over the chain of lakes). The slabs are like walking on a dino's back.
From there, Follow 28 South to Rte 365 West and head thru Rome to the NY State Thruway. Where you can make up some time, driving along the heads of the glacial Till/Moraines that were formed between all of the finger lakes. (the moraines all run North-South).
After you pass Montezuma Wildlife refuge, Look for Exit 44 and head North on State route 414 all the way to the lake and plan to spend a couple of hours hiking along the hogbacks that make up chimney bluffs - straight up Cliffs on the Lake shore several hundred feet in the air that form these massive Glacial till filled fingers that extend out to the lake shore.
From there, Follow Rte 104 into Rochester and then Jump on the Long Forgotten Lake Ontario State Parkway a 4 lane white elephant limited access highway that will quickly cut the distance halfway between Rochester and Niagara Falls. Stop at Rte 98 (Point Breeze) and head 1 mile north to the boat launch and Walk out on the Jetty into Lake Ontario.
jump back into your car and when the Parkway ends (You'll be one of maybe 4 cars on the beautiful stretch of highway) and follow it to lakeside and Route 18 which will take you along the lake to Fort Niagara (Good for a few hours) which is right across from Gorgeous Niagara-On-The-Lake (CA) and your Fort George.
From there, Head south on 18 to rte 104 and either across the Lewiston Bridge to 405 and onto the QE or further south to the more scenic Rainbow bridge and watch the falls as you cross (Don't try to cross at the Whirlpool Bridge it is locals/pass only now.
IN NF US You can go to Devils Falls State Park and hike down into the Gorge or head to Goat Island and cross over the Veil/Bridal Falls.
Once you are in CA, you can travel along the Niagara Parkway to the Floral park and perhaps even the Spanish Aero Car which goes across the Whirlpool about 300 feet over the whirlpool (But does not cross the river to the US - You'll see what I mean it you Google it)
PM me and I can tell you more places of interest - Especially along the Erie Canal if you have the time. I used to bicycle a few times a year from NF US along the river to the Peace Bridge in Bflo and back down to the Rainbow bridge and back across when I was younger, or sometimes around Grand Island.
Plan on spending 2 days to drive this if you are taking in these sites and more.
In addition, you could head north to the 1000 islands, but that is another post on another night!!!:D
DSoTM gets it. I've driven from Boston to/from Ra-cha-cha more times than I'd like to admit to... and still have ties there. The 'Daks are awesome mountains. It's almost tragic that they're not part of the AT.
Stop at Hamlin Beach State Park along the Ontario State Pkwy for a picnic lunch... nice access to Lake Ontario.
Tennessee Viking
10-01-2007, 22:44
The northern terminus of the Great Eastern Trail is in the area of lower middle New York. Then connects with the North Country Trail.
Im from Niagara Falls, NY myself. If you have time you can stop at clifton hill in niagara falls canada. Its right over the bridge by the falls. Not much outdoors stuff to do but there are 2 casinos, year round haunted houses, the last I check more than 80k people chickend out on the one. The finger Lakes are geougous, and if you take the I90 you will travel right by them. ANy question on Niagara Falls NY feel free to PM me!
Hi Jak,
I have two passions.... hiking/camping and motorcycles. My best ride of all times is the Halifax to Lunenburg road (Mahone Bay/Chester etc.). My second best ride of all times is the Lake Placid area on the way to North Conway. That route is simply breath taking.
Just my 2 cents.
Jim Adams
10-02-2007, 00:14
Why not stay in Canada and hit Algonquin Park? Very nice park!
geek
The northern terminus of the Great Eastern Trail is in the area of lower middle New York. Then connects with the North Country Trail.
Rather, it will connect but now doesn't. The northernmost specifically constructed section of the GET is about 2 miles into PA. I have it on good authority that some more specific GET location information will be on the GET website soon.
Awesome amounts of information. Thanks all esp DSoTM.
I might hit some sites on the way on some on the way back.
Now I have to work out some details with my better 1 and a 1/2.
Cheers