New England’s beautiful scenic drives epitomize the cliché “quaint”. However, a journey along one of these roadways will transport you to a place where clichés are a comfortable blanket of sights, sounds and smells. Explore three of the most desirable roadways in New England with these quality suggestions.
Acadia National Park Loop, Acadia National Park, Maine
Enchanting views of lobster boat filled harbors and craggy seaweed covered shores trace the 27-mile Acadia National Park Loop. Breathtaking mountain sunsets and Atlantic sunrises make for incredible late afternoon or early morning drives. Thunder hole explodes with nature’s fury of glacial blue Atlantic waves creating a symphony of sonic boom cymbal crashes. A stretch of 300 yards of coastline is Sand Beach, untouched beauty so often the subject of local artists. The many scenic lighthouses stand sentient for mariners, guiding them safely to port as they have for hundreds of years.
The wet rocks play host to honking harbor seals and colorful Atlantic Puffins while the bays teem with dolphins. Keep an alert eye out for breaching whales coming in close to play in the summer months. The pink granite, formed millions of years ago, is an ever changing stage for the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Mount Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington, New Hampshire
When Ulysses S Grant reached the summit of Mount Washington on a drive with his family, he said “Man seems so small when looking at the Universe.” You are sure to have that same awe inspiring experience as you drive the thirty minute drive to the top of America’s first natural attraction. The construction of this scenic road began in 1853, attracting visitors for horse driven carriage rides of stern solitude.
The weather changes as quickly as the flora on Mount Washington. Beautiful hardwood forests paint the landscape of the lower regions, but as you climb closer to the top, twisted and gnarled 2-foot trees are more than 100 years old. The slopes of Mount Washington are home to moose, deer and bear which have adapted to the harsh weather. A warm summer day at the base quickly turns into climes comparable to the arctic tundra 600 miles north.
On a clear day the summit of Mount Washington offers some of the best views in America. Expect strong breezes at the summit; the highest recorded wind in the world was documented here at 231 miles per hour.
Vermont Covered Bridges
New England drives have become almost synonymous with covered bridges. Originally built to prevent horses from being spooked while crossing rivers and streams, covered bridges have been restored and maintained as part of New England culture. Bennington County Vermont is densely populated with these architectural works of art.
The best course starts on route 7 to 67A West where you will find the first covered bridge with a left on Silk Road. Back track after you explore the bridge to 67A West to continue on to the next bridge. Less than a quarter of a mile will be Murphy Road where the Paper Mill Village covered bridge is found. Continuing on Murphy road you will find Henry Bridge where you will turn right onto River Road. River Road connects with 67A again to continue your journey to 67 East and then to route 7 to the town of Arlington where you will discover Chiselville Bridge. Warning: A steep fine of 1 dollar is imposed for crossing the bridge faster than a walk, as depicted on the sign at the top of the bridge.
Vermont is filled with these famous red painted covered bridges. Getting lost is part of the fun as most bridge locations are depicted by signs on the major roads. Chances are you will find more than you expected by driving along the tree lined roadways.
Sources:
http://www.acadia.national-park.com/
http://www.mountwashingtonautoroad.com/
http://www.bennington.com/chamber/Bridges/index.html
