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RickO · 04-09-2012, 09:57 PM

DW's bucket list includes seeing New England in the fall so we're beginning to plan our trip for this coming fall. I was a bit surprised at the relative lack of history on this topic which showed up during a search so I could use some help.

I have two areas of question:

1) We can begin our trip pretty much any time in August from SW Minnesota. Is there a recommended "northern route" through Canada, around the Great Lakes and down into NE? Are there must see stops along the way? Would a southern (US) route around the lakes be a better choice for any reason?

2) What is the best way to "time" our trip if we want to work our way south with the colors? Any recommended areas, sights, CG's, etc?

We're in a 40DP w/toad and three dogs. We don't boondock or Wallydock.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Rick

Damon Outlaw · 04-09-2012, 10:02 PM

We enjoyed the colors in Canada's northeast, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario for fall colors and Canadian culture before they close for the season. Take your bicycles and enjoy the many fall off-road trails. I'd head up and travel around the north shore of Lake Superior (Called the Superior Circle Tour or something like that), over to the Canadian maritime provinces, the ferry to New Foundland, then down the Appalachian Mountains as far as you care to go, following the peak colors.

Bob and Inga · 04-10-2012, 07:11 AM

Rick,

You need to due some planning as a lot of CG's are closed. You might want to consider US-2 as a route thru the northern portions of NE. US-2 will take you from the NY border to Burlington, where the Shelburne Museum is worth a visit and there are quite a selection of other activities in the area too.

Do not use US-2 where it follows I-89 between Burlington and Montpelier, use I-89 as there are low clearances in places on US-2 due to the construction of I-89.

But from Montpelier all the way to (almost) Bangor US-2 takes you thru classic NE villages. It will be slow going but well worth it. Montpelier has an outstanding Italian place, Sarducci's, and the city is worth a visit. Between Montpelier and St. Johnsbury, US-2 is a great ride, lots of small villages. In St Johnsbbury we stay on US-2 and go right thru the city. The truck route goes way out of the way.

But in VT stay on main roads, a lot of the secondary roads are posted at 26,000 lb limits. US and State highways are ok. CG's with level sides are tough to find, but there are some.

Once in NH, a short detour S on US-3 to Mountain Lake CG (took PA at certain times when we were there, with a limited number of big rig sites so call ahead). This is a good place for a couple of days for sight seeing the White Mtns. Lots of day trips from here will keep you busy.

Into ME is Bethel, the Outdoor Adventure & CG is just ok, but the area is super nice. Stop over at the Bethel Inn for lunch or dinner. Continue on US-2 over to Herman home of the Pumpkin Patch CG. A day trip to Acadia NP or Baxter SP from here are two ideas. You could then take a southern route out of ME and consider I-495 and exit NE on the MA pike.

US-2 and 3 have some grades, but nothing that is not doable. US-2 is the main east / west truck route thru northern NE and has truck lanes where needed. You won't find any truer NE than what 2 takes you thru.

Bob

Some CG's along US-2:

RV Park Reviews :: South Hero, Vermont ( VT ) - RV Parks and Campground Reviews

RV Park Reviews :: Lancaster, New Hampshire ( NH ) - RV Parks and Campground Reviews

RV Park Reviews :: Bethel, Maine ( ME ) - RV Parks and Campground Reviews

RV Park Reviews :: Hermon, Maine ( ME ) - RV Parks and Campground Reviews

bsirby · 04-10-2012, 10:14 AM

If you travel through Northern NY, stop at Lake Placid. You can tour the Olympic winter training centers. It was amazing to see them on the ski jumps with no snow. The scenery in that area is beautiful any time of the year.

RickO · 04-10-2012, 02:00 PM

Thanks so much all. This will really help with our planning!

Rick

bdaball · 04-10-2012, 07:20 PM

RickO,
The state of Maine maintains an active website for the fall colors. Once the season starts it is updated daily with the percentage of color changes in specific areas. Check, www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/

However, be aware that at that time of year it is not uncommon to run across the "Silver-haired Leaf Peeper". This is a strange mammal that only appears for a very short period of time. Usually spotted on back roads traveling at less than the posted speed limits and most generally stops and starts with short notice. And at times will turn uncontrollably in any direction with no notice.

Please enjoy the season and come back in the summer as well.