10 Epic New England Scenic Drives for Your Summer Bucket List

We’ve created a guide featuring 10 remarkable routes that wind through picturesque New England landscapes, historic sites and vibrant cultural scenes. These drives let you experience New England’s summer charm completely, taking you from mountain peaks to coastal vistas.

The region’s scenic routes showcase everything from rugged shorelines to rolling farmlands. Cape Cod National Seashore stretches 40 miles along protected coastline, while Cadillac Mountain in Maine is the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard and witnesses the first rays of sunshine in America. Our New England road trips teach us that each byway has its own unique story. Select your route and go off on a grand summer road trip adventure!

Let’s help you choose between New England’s 10 most popular scenic byways for an epic summer road trip!  We’ll take a look at:

• Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine
• Kancamagus Scenic Highway, New Hampshire
• Route 100 Scenic Byway, Vermont
• Cape Cod Rt 6A, Massachusetts
• Ocean Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island
• Scenic Route 169, Connecticut
• Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Maine
• Green Mountains Byway, Vermont
• Coastal Route 1A, New Hampshire
• Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

Park Loop Road (Acadia National Park, Maine)

The Park Loop Road stretches 27 miles and is Acadia National Park’s most spectacular scenic drive. This winding route showcases Maine’s stunning landscapes – from dramatic rocky coastlines to peaceful lakes and dense forests.  The road becomes very busy in summer months and you will need a vehicle reservation to drive the Cadillac Mountain summit road.  You may wish to consider riding the free Island Explorer rather than taking your own car.

Essential Stops Along Park Loop Road

The eastern side of Mount Desert Island features several incredible locations:

• Sand Beach – A beautiful sandy beach tucked between granite mountains. This spot becomes very crowded, so visit before 9am if possible.
• Thunder Hole – A semi-submerged cave where waves create ‘thunderous’ powerful booms an hour or two before high tide each day.
• Otter Cliffs – Stunning rocky coastline with breathtaking views
• Jordan Pond – A photographer’s paradise with views of the iconic Bubble Mountains
• Sieur de Monts – Often referred to as “The Heart of Acadia”, this lovely historic park houses a Spring House, Nature Center, Wild Gardens, Abbe Museum and a variety of walking trails.

The best way to experience Acadia starts at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center. From there, follow the one-way road for easy access to popular spots while protecting Acadia’s natural beauty, as it is one of America’s most visited national parks.

Best Times for Photography

Perfect photos depend on great timing during this iconic New England road trip. The best shots come early morning and late afternoon when the light is perfect and crowds are smaller. Here’s when to go:

• Sunrise – Ocean Drive gives you great alternatives to the iconic Cadillac Mountain sunrise.
• Sunset – Watch the rocky coastline glow in golden hour light.  Sunset at the top of Cadillac Mountain is always very popular.
• Fall foliage – From mid-September to mid-October view stunning landscapes painted with dazzling autumn colors 
• Spring – Rivers and creeks flow with snow melt and create awesome flows from May through June 

Make sure to download offline maps before your visit and visit the National Park Service website to check for park conditions and seasonal rules.

Connecting Hiking Trails

Park Loop Road provides access to some amazing hikes:

Ocean Path is a 2.2 miles walk along the shoreline between Sand Beach and Otter Point. You’ll get endless ocean views without worrying about parking. The Beehive Trail near Sand Beach offers an adrenaline-filled climb with narrow ledges, iron rungs and breathtaking views.  Be sure to read up on this trail before giving it a try.

Families will love the relaxed Jordan Pond Path with its mountain views.  Be sure to stop in at the Jordan Pond restaurant for some hot popovers – their specialty! The Gorham Mountain Trail gives you a moderate one-mile climb, gaining 429 feet in elevation and delivering stunning views.

Where to Find Parking in Summer

Summer parking becomes a real challenge, particularly mid-day in July and August. Here’s how to handle it:

• Show up before 8 AM or after 5 PM to avoid the midday rush
• Sand Beach’s parking lot fills up early, arrive before 9 AM
• Jordan Pond area, the stretch between Sand Beach and Fabbri Picnic Area, and Echo Lake parking area often get completely full

The Island Explorer shuttle runs free of charge and serves most major spots, with the exception of Cadillac Summit.

Have a backup plan ready if you can’t find parking.  Tray at another time when the crowds have thinned.  A $30 weekly parking pass makes it easy to access all trail-heads and popular spots.

The Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

Known as ‘The Kanc’ locally, the 35-mile Kancamagus Highway winds across New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest and provides many breathtaking views.  While it is a popular route all summer long, it’s the fall season that has brought it to fame. This National Scenic Byway connects Conway to the east and Lincoln to the west.  You won’t find any gas stations, restaurants, or cell service along its pristine natural route so plan in advance.  There are lots of scenic spots along the way as long as hiking trails and even waterfalls to splash in.

Must-See Waterfalls on the Kancamagus

The highway’s waterfalls are its crown jewels, each with its own unique charm:

• Sabbaday Falls: This crowd favorite features a multi-tiered 45-foot drop that cascades through a narrow gorge into emerald pools. A short 0.7-mile round-trip on flat gravel makes it easy for visitors of any age.
• Rocky Gorge: Glacial erosion carved this powerful 10-foot waterfall that tumbles into a narrow gorge with rushing rapids. The footbridge over Swift River gives you perfect spots to snap photos.
• Lower Falls: The Swift River flows over smooth granite rocks to create nature’s own water slides and swimming holes and is perhaps the most visited stop on the drive. It’s a must for a summer swim with the whole family. The sun heated rocks help warm the fresh clear cold water coming down from the White Mountain peaks.

Summer Wildflower Viewing Spots

Saco Ranger Station sits at the highway’s eastern end near North Conway with its stunning native wildflower garden that showcases White Mountains’ indigenous plants. The educational garden splits into three growth zones – woodland, transitional areas, and meadow sites. Gardeners planted over 1,000 pots of 92 perennial species here, including red trillium, maidenhair fern, Canada lily, and steeplebush.

Family-Friendly Recreation Areas

The Kancamagus shines as a family destination with plenty of spots to explore:

Lower Falls stands out as the family favorite. Kids can safely hop between rocks and explore the riverbank as water levels allow]. Be aware that spring runoff often makes the water flow too intense for wading, but by mid-summer, the area becomes a water playground.  A viewing platform shows off the cascades while picnic tables and grills make it perfect for family gatherings.

Rocky Gorge welcomes everyone with easy access from the parking lot – great news for visitors with mobility challenges. Falls Pond lies just beyond the gorge, surrounded by dense forest.

Historic Sites Along the Route

The Russell-Colbath House built in the early 1830s is the oldest standing homestead in the Swift River Valley. The family home also served as a boarding house for summer guests. Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the homestead serves as a small museum where interpreters share tales of 19th-century life amid period furnishings.  You’ll also marvel at the historic covered bridges still standing strong.

Avoiding Summer Traffic

The Kancamagus can be closed in winter due to large snow falls, but from spring through fall it is a popular thoroughfare. Fall foliage brings the biggest crowds, especially during Columbus Day weekend and during Fryeburg Fair week. Travel early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak traffic.

Tips to beat summer traffic:

• Do the drive before 10 AM when roads are quieter
• Plan your visits for weekdays instead of weekends
• Popular spots like Sabbaday Falls need a $5 daily parking pass, and lots fill up fast.

While there are few amenities along the route (no gas stations), there are a few restaurants along the west end where the road approaches Lincoln, NH.

Spectacular Round Trip Option

For a truly spectacular round trip drive, consider pairing The Kanc with a return drive through the heart of the White Mountain Forest through dramatic notches and scenic vistas.  Simply  head north from Lincoln on Route 93, to Route 3 and connect with Route 302 all the way back to Conway – or visa versa of course.

Route 100 Scenic Byway (Vermont)

Route 100 stretches 146 miles through Vermont’s heart, earning nicknames like “Vermont’s Main Street” and “The Skier’s Highway.” This scenic road connects charming villages and gentle rolling hills.  Nature’s beauty is in abundance in all seasons. Travelers can see everything from gentle rolling hills and winding rivers, to pristine lakes, mountain views and bucolic farms.

Charming Vermont Villages Along Route 100

Route 100 Scenic Byway connects several picture-perfect towns that showcase Vermont’s traditional charm. Warren welcomes visitors with its beautiful covered bridge over the Mad River. Waitsfield nearby has art galleries, restaurants, and a peaceful riverside walking trail. Stowe and Waterbury are home to some of Vermont’s best kept secrets with unique places to stay, eat, shop, and experience local culture]. Down south, Rochester gives you that classic small Vermont town feel with its local shops and art galleries.

Summer Adventure Activities

Route 100 isn’t just about winter fun. The area comes alive in summer with outdoor activities. Mountain bikers head over to Evolution Bike Park at Okemo and the area’s extensive trail networks.. The famous Long Trail attracts hikers, while spots like Warren Falls draw swimmers with its easy access right off Route 100. Okemo Mountain Resort keeps families busy year-round with its mountain coaster, challenge courses, bike parks and other ski mountain amenities.

Local Craft Breweries and Distilleries

Craft beverage lovers will find plenty to enjoy along Route 100:

• Smugglers’ Notch Distillery makes award-winning spirits using pure Vermont spring water
• Mad River Distillers crafts whiskey, rum, and apple brandy in Vermont’s Mad River Valley
• Prohibition Pig in Waterbury pours house-made brews from 22 taps, featuring IPAs, ales, lagers, and porters

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center serves fresh-pressed apple cider, cider donuts, and hard cider options

And for true aficionados, there’s the Vermont’s Brewers Trail to discover.

Best Mountain Views

The route’s most spectacular views come from its mountain surroundings. Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak at 4,395 feet, rewards climbers with amazing summit views. Down south, the Bluebird Express chair lift at Mount Snow shows off Somerset Reservoir and mountain panoramas. Moss Glen Falls in Granville makes a perfect quick stop to see an impressive waterfall. The Height of Land Overlook on the Rangeley Lakes section offers some of the most dramatic views across the Green Mountains.

The drive treats visitors to classic Vermont scenes everywhere – rustic barns stand against mountain backdrops, making Route 100 one of New England’s most beautiful scenic drives.

Cape Cod’s Route 6A (Massachusetts)

Route 6A on Cape Cod, also known as the Old King’s Highway, stretches from the Sagamore Bridge all the way to Provincetown and constitutes America’s largest  historic district. This scenic road takes you back in time as it travels through quiet Cape towns with beautiful views. Native Americans created the original trail, which became a settler’s path in the 1600s, later a stagecoach route, and finally transformed into an auto road in the early 1900s.

Historic Cape Cod Architecture

The road showcases an amazing collection of American architecture from four centuries. You’ll see authentic Cape Cod houses from the 1600s, Greek Revival buildings from the early 1800s, and Victorian styles from the late 1800s as you drive through Sandwich, Barnstable, Yarmouth, Dennis, Brewster and Orleans, and many varied examples of traditional gray shingled homes. Barnstable’s Main Street alone features nearly 500 historic buildings, some dating back to the 1630s.

Beach Access Points from Route 6A

The bay side road connects to several calm and beautiful beaches. First Beach at Town Neck Road and Freeman Avenue in Sandwich offers removable access mats from Memorial Day through Labor Day to boost accessibility. Snake Pond and Wakeby Lake at Ryder Conservation provide resident-only swimming spots. The Sandwich Recreation Department lends beach wheelchairs at no cost with a refundable deposit.

Antique Shopping Spots

This stretch of road has become a paradise for antique lovers who love to meander through shops and search for yesteryear treasures.  Here are some notable stops:

• Sandwich Antiques Center: This is Cape Cod’s largest collection of antiques from the 1700s through mid-1900s, including prized Sandwich Glass and 600 vintage lighting pieces.
• Antiques Center of Yarmouth: Cape Cod Life magazine named it the best antiques store for 11 straight years. The shop features everything from classic records to mid-20th century decor.
• Antiques Center of Cape Cod: This warehouse in Dennis showcases hundreds of dealers selling depression glass, collectible dolls, and beautiful furniture.

Cape Cod Ice Cream Stands Worth the Stop

Nothing says summer like a stop at the ice cream shop!  A drive on Route 6A isn’t complete without trying some of the area’s locally crafted  ice cream:

• Ice Cream Sandwich (Sandwich): They make their own ice cream and Belgian waffle cones right here, with two dozen flavors plus eleven soft-serve options.
• Hallet’s Store (Yarmouth Port): This 1889-old family business makes fresh ice cream daily through an eight-hour process.
• JT’s Seafood Restaurant (Brewster): The shop serves delicious Bliss Dairy flavors, including crowd favorites Cowabunga Crunch and Monster Mash.
• Cobie’s (Brewster): Right on the rail trail, this spot serves baseball helmet sundaes and fun seasonal flavors like Campfire S’mores.

Ocean Avenue (Newport, Rhode Island)

Ocean Avenue curves around Newport’s southern tip and showcases 10 miles of commanding coastline views where the Atlantic Ocean meets the grandeur of the Gilded Age]. This winding road creates one of New England’s most captivating drives. The experience becomes magical at dawn when the sunrise bathes the sky in peaceful solitude you won’t find any other time.

Gilded Age Mansions Viewpoints

The remnants of America’s wealthiest families’ summer playground unfold as you drive along Ocean Avenue. These grand “summer cottages” display the Gilded Age’s pageantry, back when new millionaires and society’s elite tried to outdo each other with lavish parties and magnificent mansions]. The Preservation Society of Newport County has helped preserve these treasures so visitors can experience this glittering piece of history.  Purchase tickets to visit, or just ogle these grand residences as you drive the ocean road.

Secret Beaches Along Ocean Avenue

Several hidden beach gems lie beyond the more prominent beaches and are ready to discover through legal right-of-way paths. People’s Beach, the eastern end of exclusive Bailey’s Beach, remains Newport’s best-kept secret. Gooseberry Beach along Ocean Drive offers a quiet, calm cove with gentle waves. Just remember – you can’t walk in. You’ll need to bike, ride a scooter, or buy a daily parking pass.

Sunset Viewing Locations

Brenton Point State Park sits at Aquidneck Island’s southwestern tip and boasts one of the East Coast’s most stunning sunset views. The parking spots face the Atlantic Ocean, perfect to watch sunsets from your car. Castle Hill Lighthouse delivers Newport’s ultimate sunset show – the sun dips across the water and paints the sky in yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds.

Newport Dining with Ocean Views

Newport’s waterfront restaurants range from casual clam shacks to upscale dining spots. These waterside venues treat diners to stunning views of Newport Harbor, Narragansett Bay, and Easton’s Bay. The Mooring Restaurant has graced Newport’s historic waterfront for over 35 years. It features indoor and outdoor seating with sweeping sunset views of Newport Harbor. During warm weather, guests can enjoy the mahogany-planked patio that floats right above the water for an exceptional maritime dining experience.

Connecticut’s Route 169

Route 169 runs 32 miles through Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner,” connecting charming New England villages with stunning countryside views. This National Scenic Byway is one of New England’s most peaceful drives. The route starts in Lisbon and extends north to the Massachusetts border through landscapes that look just like they did when early American settlers first arrived.

Historic New England Villages

Woodstock stands as the centerpiece of this historic route’s northern section, featuring the remarkable Roseland Cottage. Built in 1846, this pink Gothic Revival-style home creates a bold contrast against white churches and classical houses that line the tree-filled town common. The Prudence Crandall Museum in Canterbury tells the story of a brave teacher who started the first academy for young Black women during times of oppression. Brooklyn features a 1.75-acre space filled with historic churches, Greek Revival homes, and significant monuments.

Connecticut’s Rural Farmland Views

The scenic byway showcases classic New England countryside. Woodstock has more working dairy farms than any other Connecticut town. The route offers views of rolling fields covered in corn stalks and apple orchards that stretch to the horizon. Old barns with tall grain silos create picture-perfect scenes against forests and the rolling hills of the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley.

Antique Shopping Destinations

Route 169 is a paradise for antique lovers. Scranton’s Shops in Woodstock operates from an old blacksmith shop with over 85 dealers spread across two floors and 3,800 square feet and it has won First Place Best of Eastern Connecticut Antique Shops multiple times. Woodstock remains a hotspot for antique shopping where visitors can find vintage furniture, collectibles and unique pieces].

Local Cuisine and Farm-to-Table Restaurants

The strong farming heritage along Route 169 makes it perfect for farm-to-table dining. Local restaurants have used farm-fresh ingredients for generations, well before farm-to-table became trendy]. Chefs proudly display their farm partners’ names on menus and websites. River Tavern and Millwright’s for instance, offer unique dining experiences at local farms that create unforgettable memories.

If you’re looking for a meandering road trip through charming towns and minimal traffic, this Connecticut journey may be the perfect choice.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway (Maine)

The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in western Maine fascinates travelers with its pristine wilderness and breathtaking mountain vistas. This remarkable route stands out among New England’s scenic drives. As you travel through Maine’s rugged lakes region, you’ll find countless ways to connect with nature.

Height of Land Overlook

The 512-acre Height of Land showcases what many visitors consider to be one of New England’s most spectacular views. You’ll see sweeping vistas of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes, as the White Mountains in the distance create a dramatic backdrop. Note that Height of Land appears on every map, tour guide, and website about the Rangeley Lakes region. Byway Ambassadors welcome visitors during summer months and provide individual-specific recommendations based on their interests.

Wildlife Viewing Areas

Wildlife thrives throughout the Rangeley region. Moose watchers with their heads on swivel, should head to these prime spots:

• Route 16 between Rangeley and Stratton
• Route 17 between Rangeley Scenic Overlook and Height of Land [9]

Your chances of spotting wildlife peak from late spring to mid-summer or September, especially at dawn and dusk. Be cautious on the roads as wildlife can pop out into the road at any time. The area hosts more than just moose. Watch for common loons with striking black-and-white plumage, bald eagles, deer, foxes, black bears, and bobcats. Hunter Cove Wildlife Sanctuary’s 1.5 miles of easy trails lead through habitats where songbirds, wading birds, and amphibians make their home.

Rangeley Lakes Swimming and Boating Spots

Lakeside Park on Main Street welcomes visitors with a sandy beach, dock with slide, lifeguards daily during summer, and covered picnic tables—all free. Rangeley Lake State Park provides another option with its sandy swim area and lifeguards for a small fee. Boaters can launch at these locations or at Route 4 in Oquossoc. Note that sudden storms can create dangerous conditions quickly, as high winds push waves up to 5-6 feet!

Local Maine Cuisine

The local food scene celebrates authentic New England flavors. You’ll find rotating New American cuisine in the rustic setting of the historic Loon Lodge Inn. Parkside & Main Restaurant serves fine dining at reasonable prices, specializing in local chowders and burgers. South Shore Boulevard comes alive on Tuesdays with farmers markets that showcase Maine’s agricultural bounty through fresh produce, baked goods, and local meats. Be sure to sample local treats like Whoopie Pies, Needham Bars, Moxie Milkshakes and Blueberry Pie!

Green Mountain Byway (Vermont)

The 71-mile Green Mountain Byway winds through Vermont’s Mount Mansfield region and connects the towns of Waterbury, Stowe, Morristown, Hyde Park, Johnson, and Cambridge. This scenic route shows Vermont’s natural beauty with the majestic Green Mountains to the west and Worcester Range to the east.

Stowe and Waterbury Attractions

The Boston Globe named Waterbury the “Best foodie little town in New England”, but great food is just the beginning. These vibrant communities have deep roots in rural Vermont tradition. You’ll find the world-famous Smugglers’ Notch mountain pass near historic Stowe Village. Waterbury draws visitors with its classic New England architecture. Both towns earned spots on the Vermont State Historic Register because of their architectural beauty, transportation history, and recreational significance.

Mountain Recreation Areas

Outdoor enthusiasts can access amazing activities year-round from the Green Mountain Byway. Mount Mansfield stands tall at 4,393 feet as Vermont’s highest peak and offers a unique experience for adventurers. Summer activities include:

• Mountain Biking: Stowe and Waterbury’s extensive trails spread across Perry Hill, Cotton Brook, Cady Hill Forest, and Sterling Forest.
• Hiking: The area connects to the famous Long Trail and leads to Sterling Pond through Smugglers’ Notch
• Water Recreation: Vermont’s ninth-largest water body, the Waterbury Reservoir, welcomes boaters, anglers, swimmers, and picnickers.

Vermont’s Famous Food Producers

Food lovers flock to this byway’s collection of Vermont’s best artisans. Waterbury feels like “a foodie trip from heaven” with stops at Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, Cabot Farmers Store, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill]. The local craft beer scene runs on five breweries in Waterbury alone, including Tropic Brewing, Freak Folk Bier, and Prohibition Pig. Local farmers markets showcase Vermont’s creativity—check out the Jeffersonville Farmers and Artisan Market (Wednesdays, June-September) and Waterbury Farmers Market (Thursdays in summer).

Scenic Overlooks and Photo Opportunities

Beautiful views appear around every corner of the byway. Some spots really stand out. Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch shows off dramatic rock outcroppings as it crosses Mount Mansfield’s shoulder. Stowe’s Moss Glen Falls, Vermont’s highest natural cascade at 100 feet, creates perfect photo moments. Sterling Falls Gorge and Bingham Falls highlight the region’s natural wonders, while classic covered bridges dot the byway with quintessential Vermont charm.

Coastal Route 1A (New Hampshire)

Route 1A in New Hampshire may be just 18.5 miles long, but this scenic stretch from Seabrook to Portsmouth packs quite a punch. My New England road trips have shown me that this compact coastal drive makes a perfect day trip. You’ll find stunning ocean views, historic landmarks, and some of the best seafood around.  And if you wish to venture further north, the whole coast of Maine is before you.

New Hampshire’s Best Beaches

The Granite State might only have 13 miles of coastline, but every inch counts with its popular beaches. Hampton Beach has been attracting families for generations.  A main tourist spot, it has a lively boardwalk, arcades, and shows every night in summer]. North Hampton State Beach is my go-to spot for peace and quiet, with its metered parking and great facilities.  Wallis Sands State Park is a hit with families thanks to its 700-foot sandy beach that stays 150 feet wide even when the tide comes in. Jenness State Beach gives you another great spot to swim and picnic in a cozy setting.

Historic Coastal Sites

Military history comes alive along this route as well. Fort Constitution in New Castle lets you take self-guided tours of this Revolutionary War site while taking in amazing ocean views. Fort Stark Historical Site gives you views of the Piscataqua River, Little Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean. This fort played a role in every war from the Revolution through World War II. Fort Dearborne at Odiorne Point State Park shows off hidden bunkers tucked into hills and plants that once kept Portsmouth Harbor safe.

When you reach Portsmouth, you will want to visit the Strawbery Banke Museum complex.  Here you can tour historic homes and shops and learn about life and legends in this harborside community beginning with the very first Colonial settlers.

Seafood Shacks and Dining

New England’s best seafood spots dot this coastal drive. Food Network crowned Brown’s Lobster Pound in Seabrook as New Hampshire’s top seafood spot Petey’s Summertime Seafood sits 5 miles south of Portsmouth, serving fresh lobsters, steamers, and mussels with a view of an old shipwreck. The Beach Plum in North Hampton has been feeding beachgoers for generations.

Summer Events Along the Seacoast

Summer brings the coast to life with celebrations. Hampton Beach lights up with shows at the Seashell Stage from 7-9:30 p.m. nightly, plus the yearly Country Music Fest brings big-name performers to town. Portsmouth kicks off summer with its Chowder Festival in June, where 20-30 local restaurants compete for the Golden Ladle. Portsmouth Pride (June 22) and harbor cruises round out the summer fun.

Mohawk Trail (Western Massachusetts)

The 109-year-old Mohawk Trail, New England’s first scenic tourist route, winds through Western Massachusetts for 63 miles from Boston to New York along Route 2. This historic path showcases dramatic mountain views and rich cultural heritage. The trail started as a Native American trade route that connected the Hudson and Connecticut River valleys. Today, it serves as a gateway to natural wonders and artistic treasures.

Hairpin Turn and Natural Bridge

In far western Massachusetts, the Hairpin Turn sits 1,700 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of the Hoosac Valley, Mount Greylock, and southern Vermont. Native Americans called this spot Spirit Mountain, and its dramatic U-turn has become one of my favorite photo spots during New England road trips. The Natural Bridge State Park stands nearby with North America’s only natural white marble arch. This 48-acre geological marvel features a marble bridge carved by Hudson Brook and an old marble quarry that’s worth a visit.

Outdoor Adventure Stops

Mohawk Trail State Forest covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and thick woodland. Visitors can choose from 53 wooded campsites and 6 log cabins for overnight stays. The park’s rivers and streams are perfect for trout fishing, while hikers can explore extensive trails, including parts of the original footpath now known as the Mahican-Mohawk Trail. Lucky visitors might spot bobcats and black bears among Massachusetts’ tallest trees.

Local Artisan and Craft Shops

Art lovers will find many galleries and craft shops along the byway. Salmon Falls Gallery in Shelburne Falls lives in a 100-year-old post and beam building that displays works from over 90 independent artists. Ann Brauer Quilt Studio lets visitors watch a nationally known artist create beautiful quilts in her studio above the Deerfield River. Native Views in Shelburne Falls carry unique items that reflect local culture.

Historic Points of Interest

The trail’s history comes alive through its landmarks. “Hail to the Sunrise,” a striking statue in Mohawk Park, celebrates Native American heritage. Shelburne Falls features the unique Bridge of Flowers, a former trolley bridge that became a beautiful garden in 1929. The Bissell Covered Bridge in Charlemont stands as a classic example of New England architecture and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Comparison Table of New England Scenic Byways

Conclusion

New England’s 10 remarkable scenic drives showcase everything from Acadia’s rugged coastline to Vermont’s rolling farmlands. Route 6A along Cape Cod features 500 historic buildings, while the Rangeley Lakes Byway leads to pristine wilderness views from Height of Land.

Summer beckons with adventures at every turn. Visitors can swim at Hampton Beach along New Hampshire’s Route 1A or hike Mount Mansfield near Vermont’s Green Mountain Byway. These routes connect you to authentic New England experiences. Antique shopping thrives on Connecticut’s Route 169, and fresh seafood awaits at Brown’s Lobster Pound.

These amazing road trip destinations remain the perfect way to experience New England’s timeless charm, natural beauty, and rich heritage.