Affordable Cape Cod Vacations
Top Ten Hiking Trails on the East Coast
The Ultimate Guide to Packing Light For the East Coast
The American East Coast Issue
ROAM
The East Coast Issue It's finally Summer in America. Which is
one of the best times to visit the East Coast. New England is finally warm and
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everyone in the East Coast is heading to the beach. We can't wait to take a trip to the Atlantic Ocean beaches and catch some rays.
We will walk you through all the
steps you will need to take in order to pack, spend as little as possible, and fully experience your East Coast adventure. Whether you’re planning a long weekend at a beach house or a week exploring coastal towns, we have your back — and your wallet. Happy travels,
ROAM
Pre - Flight
03 Letter from the Editor The editors thoughts on our Summer issue;
East Coast
04 Letters to the Editor Letters from our readers on our Spring issue 06 Review 6 ways to sail on a budget without breaking
the bank
En Route
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affordable trip to Cape Cod
you're up for a long hike with mountainous views
and foliage or shorter hikes with ocean views, we
have the cheap trails for you
Affordable Cape Cod Vacations Nomatic Matt gives his best advice on the most
Top Ten Hiking Trails on the East Coast Take a hike through the East Coast! Whether
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The Ultimate Guide to Packing Light For the East Coast The essential tips to know from an expert traveler
on how to pack light
SUMMER 2017 ISSUE 11
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The Return Trip
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The nicest towns along the Atlantic Ocean
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The items we find are often forgotten, but important
The Best Virginia Beach B n' Bs Where we prefer to stay when we visit Virginia
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Our final thoughts on the East Coast
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Cutest East Coast Towns
Beach in the Summer
Amazing Seafood in York, ME The most authentic and affordable places for sea
food when staying in York, ME
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Boating Deals and Tips
Well now is the perfect time to find a great deal and
get out there!
Ever wanted to sail or motor boat on the ocean?
Last Minute Items
Final Thoughts
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SUMMER 2017 ISSUE 11
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Letter From The Editor
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It's Summer again and the US is getting hotter. It's finally time
to get back out your bathing suits and head to the nearest body of water or pool. I love this weather and all the fun that comes with it.
For me, our last issue, Spring issue 10: Road Trips, inspired
me to drive from where I live in Boston down to Georgia this past spring. From this trip, and my other recent trip to Vermont, we were inspired to bring to you an issue specifically on the East Coast of the USA.
Planning a road trip can be hard with all the different
components but with all the tips we compiled into our last issue it didn't cost nearly as much as it could have. Hopefully it inspired you to take a road trip of your own. Whether it was down the coast or out west I hope you had a great time and saved money.
Heidi Scammon
I was really glad to hear all the positive feedback we got on
the Spring Issue. It’s great to hear about your successful
Editor
travel stories and exciting road trips. We at roam love to hear
Heidi Scammon, our editor here at roam, is from Dover, New Hampshire. She currently resides in the city of Boston, Massachusetts and shares our passion for travel. Her latest trip was to Burlington, VT and is planning to
that our magazine is making a difference for our readers. We truly believe in the things we write about and we’re glad to
explore the East Coast more this Summer. As one of roams founders, she
hear that you all do to. Thank you all for the lovely comments
strongly endorses traveling on a budget and as much as you can.
and we hope that you will enjoy the content to come in this Summer issue. I hope that you are all ready to take a trip to the East Coast this coming Summer.
I am excited to explore the East Coast more and I hope you
are too. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I have enjoyed
Contributors
putting it together for you. Happy travels always,
Jen Avery Blogger and Traveler Jen and her husband Ted travel the world as thrifty as possible and have a blog.
“Nomadic” Matt Writer Matt travels all over the United States as cheaply as possible and blogs about it.
Kevin at The Clymb Travel Website The group over at the Clymb are travel enthusiasts that love to write and talk about their own and others travels.
ROAM Heidi Scammon Editor in Chief
Jillian Pacheco Senior Designer
Matt Avery Writer
Holly Scammon Editorial Assistant
Tracy Turner Junior Designer
Robert Scammon PR Department
Dexter Morgan Editorial Contributor
Grace Potter Intern
Fred Ginger Production
Ian Bailey Creative Director
Alexa Cushing Photographer
Brady Styles Marketing
Philip Larson Art Director
Michael Restivo Writer
Place Media Inc. Distribution
Contact Info: 355 Washington Ave. Seattle, WA, 98101 P.O. Box 5522 (206) 566 8291 roam magazine is published quarterly distributed at locations throughout the United States. roam is printed on recycled paper.
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Letters to The Editor
Dear roam, I had the most wonderful road trip this past spring with some great friends. I am a college student so I took my spring break week to do a quick road trip across half of the country. You were right, spring is truly the best time to do this sort of travel. My friends and I made it all the way from Oregon to Texas. Along the way we used so many of the coast saving tips from your last issue. We were really able to save some money, especially on lodging. We still stayed in some decent hotels but definitely didn't break the bank. For three college students we can't really afford anything too expensive so this type of trip was perfect. We did run into some trouble which ended up just being a great story to tell afterwards. We got a flat tire when driving through Nevada in the desert. But luckily we were able to call a tow truck and everything ended up being fixed in no time. In the moment though we were terrified we'd end up getting stuck in the middle of the desert. I don't know if the last issue had any good tips about that sort of thing! Haha Thanks for your help and all the great tips!
Amy Lee Oregon Hi roam, I always enjoy reading your magazines as a fellow travel enthusiast. Recently I took a road trip down the state of California where I live. It was truly relaxing. I went alone which I know most people don't like doing but it was just so peaceful. I listened to the best music and just drove. I stopped a lot for taking photos, California is very picturesque. I have a film camera so I'll have to develop them soon to see how they came out. Even though I live in California, it was still really rewarding to drive it in its entirety. I could fully appreciate how much the landscape changes as you drive more north from where I am in the south. I would definitely recommend this type of trip to anyone who lives in California and likes to travel simply and cheaply. I am wondering if sometime soon Photograph by Amy Lee on her road trip across the west there could be an issue on the Amerin Spring 2017. ican deserts? I am looking to take a
SUMMER 2017 ISSUE 11
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trip to Nevada but I'm not sure how to go about it. I'd like to go to Las Vegas but I'm definitely not trying to gamble or spend too much on a hotel. Any suggestions on cheap but nice lodging? And maybe cheap places to grab dinner too? Thanks!
Randy Peterson California Hey roam, Some really great articles in your Spring issue, they ended up being extremely helpful when I took my road trip. I've been dieing to take a trip like this for forever. I decided to drive down through some national parks and see some really great nature. The west is perfect for this type of trip. I got to see so many beautiful rock formations and waterfalls; from Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon. I found some inexpensive camping around each park and saved a lot here and there. Even with food I was worried I wouldn't be able to find any cheap options but by making a lot of things myself and purchasing from grocery stores I stayed on budget. So thank you again for the great issue, I sincerely find these so helpful.
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I decided to just make a couple plans as to the general direction we were heading and a couple well known places to stop and that was it. We slept in our Volkswagon van which was by far the cheapest way to go. Because of this we could splurge a little bit more on food. We brought this magazine along with us and used it as a guide, it was so great. Thank you for such great work you all do!
Tyler Folger New Hampshire
Lily Robins Montana Dear roam, I am the biggest fan of road trips! By far my favorite issue of this magazine yet! I can't tell you how much travel inspiration all the articles gave me. I've created an entire pinterest board dedicated to my next road trip and based on the suggestions in this issue. Also as an avid reader I completely enjoyed the interview with the man who followed Jack Kerouac's On the Road. I also felt very inspired to take a road trip after reading that book. Kerouac's descriptions of the landscape are just so moving and incredible. There's something about going off in a car with no actual solid plans and just anything is possible. It is so freeing in a sense. Everyone should take at least one road trip in their lives.
Michelle Sanders Maine Dear roam, I actually had the pleasure of reading Jack Kerouac's novel On the Road this past semester in College. There was something so lovely about two friends heading out on a trip across the country just to go that I was completely inspired. Then this magazine issue came out on top of that and I knew it had to be a sign. I needed to take my own road trip. The roads were calling and I had to go. So my roommate and
Hi roam, This last issue on road trips was so cool! I had the best time reading it. It actually arrived before I jetted off on a different vacation so it was a great train read. As I took a train to Louisiana I was wishing I was in a car driving through the midwest. This magazine alone took me to some great places and was an amazing read. I feel so much more knowledgeable on road trips which I have never really been on one anyways. After reading that I feel like I could successfully take my own road trip and be fine. Before I knew practically nothing. So again, I'm a big fan of what this magazine does, thank you as always for the amazing content.
Casey Larkens Kentucky
Photograph by Randy Peterson in Yosemite Valley, CA. Spring 2017.
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| Review
Sailing on a Budget
Sailing on a Budget: 6 Ways to Avoid Breaking the Bank
Review by Zuzana Prochazka
So you want to get out on the water, hoist the sails and enjoy the
ownership companies pay the insurance, slip fees, maintenance,
breeze in your hair — but you think that sailing is out of your
and even bottom paint and some may give you a portion of
budget? Not so fast. You don’t have to be an America’s Cup
the profits back. There are usually three to five owners per boat
rockstar racer (or heaven forbid, a millionaire owner) to go
and financing is often available. As an owner, you’re guaranteed
sailing the ocean blue. There are lots of ways to own a sailboat
a certain amount of days per month to use your boat and often,
or even to (gasp) sail for free. All you need to know is where
if your yacht isn’t scheduled for other members, you can take
to look for affordable opportunities. And there are more than
it out last minute outside of your allotted time. Some companies
you think, from right in your backyard to exotic destinations.
will have an online scheduler which makes planning easy.
Here are six ways to sail and maximize the fun, without minimizing your bank account.
2. Peer to Peer Rentals
A relatively new addition to boating, P2P rentals allow users to 1. Fractional Sailing & Charter
rent a boat directly from the owner. You can rent a boat for
Fractional ownership was a concept first popularized in real
an hour, a day, or even for an extended period of time, however
estate and aviation. The objective was to share ownership of an
often or rarely you like.
asset and thereby defray costs without the hassle of finding several likeminded friends who were willing to use and care for
3. Yacht Clubs
a vacation home, plane or boat. Partnering in an asset is great,
If ownership is still out of your price range, consider a local
but the more partners and the more expenses, the more conflict.
yacht club. You can sometimes join one without owning a vessel
Many friendships have been lost over unmet expectations.
and have access to sailing programs. You enjoy the benefits
Consider the benefits of organized fractional boat ownership
of a social club that sails, has parties, and is often involved with
like SailTime, which offers over 150 Hunter sailboats in the
community projects.
U.S. and Canada. You can join as a member or an owner and enjoy other people’s new boats or defray the cost of owning
In some cases, you won’t even need to join a yacht club to benefit
one yourself.
from it. Ask if the club has a bulletin board where members post notices looking for crew. Racers especially are often short-hand-
SailTime offers membership where you take out a boat, clean it
ed for local and offshore races and need experienced or even
when you’re done and leave. Initial membership and monthly
newbie crewmembers. Be honest with your captain/owner as to
fees are your only expense. Costs vary with the size of boat you
the skills you bring and always have a can-do attitude, and you
want, the length of time you want it and the location of the
may just find yourself in demand to go sailing – for free.
base. Benefits include access to new, well cared for boats, instruction/training and access to others who want to enjoy
4. Sailing Schools
sailing with you if you’re going it alone.
One way to see if sailing is for you before you invest in a boat is to take classes. Even if you’ve done a bit of sailing, good schools
Sunfish sailing casually on Lake Sunapee NH. Photo: Becky Levinson
Many members graduate to owner status and purchase a boat
always have something to teach and it’s a great way to go sailing
that they put into the program. The boat must be new and the
with a minimal investment. I started at the Orange Coast
contract is usually for two to five years. Many fractional
School of Sailing & Seamanship in Southern California. I got hooked immediately and figured out that for a mere pittance (under $100 per four-week class at that time) I could get a boat, instruction, and new friends. It was such a bargain that over the years, I took every class the school offered – t wice. Why not? It was the least committed way to get on the water and even included off-the-water instruction such as navigation, weather, and marlinspike seamanship. There are American Sailing Association (ASA)-rated schools all around the country which offer access to good boats and great
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Sailing along the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of ME. Photo: Chris Brinlee Jr.
and make sure you understand their expectations and the costs. You have to make sure the situation is good. Some people just want help and it’s up to you to just get yourself to the boat at the start and have air fare to depart at the end. Others will want you to share in onboard expenses like food and fuel. Another way to find sailing opportunities is via a crew matching service. There are many listed online. Captains post where they are and where they want to go. Boat owners may look for experienced sailors or a newbie with skills like cooking and mechanical maintenance. If you can, try to interview others who have participated and get a feel for their experience. instructors. Another reputable school is Steve and Doris
Pick a vessel based on its condition (if you can discern it from
Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School, which has multiple locations
a phone call), the experience of the captain and existing crew,
including Florida, Chesapeake Bay and New York. They will
and personality compatibility. That last one shouldn’t be
also take groups on charter boats to the Caribbean, with
underestimated. If there are conflicts, a boat gets to feel really
professional captains. If you already sail but want to hone your
small about a week into the trip.
racing skills, learn about JWorld. This is a performance sailing school conducted on high-end J boats in San Francisco,
6. Go Small or Go Home
San Diego and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
If you want to own a boat, go small. I do a lot of seminars where I explain the benefits of older cruising sailboats. Almost without
5. Rallies & Offshore Passagemaking Opportunities
fail, attendees tell me they’re looking for a boat 40 to 50 feet on
If you have some experience and flexible chunks of time and
which to go world cruising. Some of the people in my classes
you want to try out bluewater passagemaking or spending a
will actually untie the docklines and maybe one or two will do
month or so in another part of the world, investigate organized
bluewater passages, but primarily they like to dream which is
boat rallies and crew matching services.
why I emphasize this: even if you exaggerate with everyone else, be honest with yourself about how big a boat you need and
The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is an annual migration
how far you’re really prepared to go given you finances, ex-
of sailboats from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands to St.
perience, timeframe, and health. Almost without fail, many
Lucia in the Caribbean. It’s a well-organized event with many
of my friends who have purchased big boats look back and wish
boats owned by single captains or couples who are looking
they had gone smaller so the boat was more easily managed,
for help crossing the ocean. Another annual event is the Baja Ha
easier to maintain, and less expensive to operate.
Ha, organized by the people behind Latitude 38 sailing magazine. The run is from San Diego, CA to Cabo San Lucas,
For purist sailors, smaller and more responsive boats provide
Mexico and if the arrangement works you, you could even stay
the joy of sailing better than big boats, where it’s easier to turn
aboard beyond that. Always interview the captain carefully,
on the engine rather than tack a large genoa a dozen times in a tight harbor. And speaking from personal experience, plans change and time is tight, especially if you’re still working. A large boat means you’ll be spending more time fixing and less time sailing and in the end, you can have just as much fun on a small boat as on a big one. Whether you want to sail as a boat owner, a member of a club or even as a helping hand on other people’s boats, there are affordable opportunities all around. You’ll soon be on the water with the wind in your hair — for a lot less than you imagined. T
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Affordable Cape Cod Vacations By Nomatic Matt
Need a vacation, but think you can’t afford one? With a little creativity and some advance planning, you may be able to take that much-needed vacation after all. This article includes 10 ways to stretch your dollars without sacrificing fun on your summer vacation on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket.
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Affordable Cape Cod Vacations
Best Cape Cod Cheap Eats: Daily Paper Hyannis Far Land Provisions Provincetown Corner Store Chatham Route 28 Diner South Yarmouth Hole in One Orleans Betsy's Diner Falmouth Dog House Dennis Port East End Market Provincetown Chatham Fish & Chips Chatham Cafe Alfresco Brewster Kevin's Seafood and Spirits South Yarmouth
The Lay of the Land
Stay at a vacation rental
Bounded by Buzzards Bay to the west, Cape Cod Bay to the
A vacation rental home is often cheaper than a hotel. Here’s the
north, and Nantucket Sound to the south, Cape Cod juts out
math: rent a 3-bedroom home for $2000/week. This is $286 per
into the Atlantic Ocean like a crooked arm making a fist.
night for six people. Can you find two hotel rooms for that price
UPPER CAPE
per night? And imagine how much you can save by being able
Perhaps to confound outsiders, the names of the four distinct
to cook at least some of your meals in the fully-equipped kitchen
regions don't really make geographic sense. The Upper Cape
that comes with rental homes and condos. And think of the
should be called the West Cape, since it runs north to south
added space and privacy a home affords over a hotel room.
along the Cape Cod Canal and Buzzards Bay. On the "shoulder" of the arm is Sandwich, the Cape's oldest and most historic
Share the cost with another family
town. To the south are the more residential Bourne and
It’s very common for two or even three families to stay together
Pocasset. In what would be the armpit is Falmouth, though its
in one rental home and divide costs and responsibilities. It can
boutique-lined main street and windswept waterfront facing
be lots of fun for kids and adults alike!
Vineyard Sound suggest nothing so uninviting. Across a small spit is Woods Hole, a little fishing town and home to a famous
Owner Specials and Availability Alerts online
oceanographic institute.
Homeowners often offer deals or discounts to attract
MID-CAPE
vacationers. You’ll find more of these specials closer to summer,
The only region with a name that actually makes sense, the
when homeowners are trying to fill last-minute vacancies.
Mid-Cape really is the middle of the peninsula. Hyannis, that
Learn more about using our Power Search or visit our Last-min-
famous Kennedy enclave, acts as Cape Cod's big city — a nd is
ute Availability Alerts and Deals page.
therefore often avoided by residents from other parts, unless they need to shop at the mall, get their car repaired, or catch
Vacation in the shoulder season
a ferry to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard. But the place does
Most vacation rentals are significantly less expensive during the
have a buzzing downtown and the appealing sheltered coves
shoulder season months of June and September. The rates are
of Hyannisport. The Mid-Cape also includes the wealthy,
generally lower, and many homeowners offer shorter stays than
whitewashed village of Osterville, Barnstable Village,
a week. The weather can be just as warm and beautiful as in
family-friendly Dennis, and Yarmouthport, great for shopping
the summer, and, of course, there are much fewer crowds.
and restaurants.
Avoiding the high summer season will save you money on all
LOWER CAPE
sorts of things, including a beach sticker, for example, because
Confusingly, this area doesn't just include the lower reaches; it
most beaches require stickers only from the last week in June
runs from the elbow of the arm all the way north to the crook, at
until Labor Day.
the bay. The Lower Cape's atmospheric villages are Chatham; Brewster, nicknamed the Sea Captains' Town; Harwichport, a
Consider a property on a lake or pond
former whaling center; and Orleans, on a site that allegedly
Want to vacation in a waterfront
hosted its first European visitor in 1003 — Leif Eriksson. Who is
property but lack the wallet to pay
a distant relative to our editor herself.
top dollar for one? Consider a
OUTER CAPE The Outer Cape encompasses both the inner, western side of the forearm, bordering Cape Cod Bay, and the protected Atlantic beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore on the eastern side. The peninsula starts to get narrower and the landscape wilder in Eastham, which has no town center per se, but plenty of walking trails and beaches. Next up is Wellfleet, a longtime magnet for artists. Bracketed by dunes, narrow Truro is lined with waterfront cottage communities. Last stop: Provincetown, also called P-town, a haven for gay men and women, painters and photographers, writers and poets, fishermen and whale-watchers.
Matt found that around Eastham a lot of locals go surfing. Photo: Rob Smith
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waterfront property on one of the many beautiful fresh and salt water lakes or ponds! Some even include small, sandy beaches or docks. The water is always calm and usually warm and clear. Plus, these homes are often a greater value compared to a seaside, waterfront property. And remember, there’s always a saltwater beach nearby, too, when you’re on the Cape or Islands! Prepare your own meals With your own kitchen, you can make your own meals 24/7, saving lots of money over eating out. Many vacation rentals provide an outdoor grill, making it easy to BBQ right outside your door. Think about the daily savings just for a family of four. Imagine how much you could save for a larger group! With the money you save, we hope you will treat yourself at least once to the many wonderful Cape restaurants. Use coupons You’ll find plenty of food, activities, and shopping coupons in most Cape and Islands Chambers of Commerce and anywhere else that has local tourist information, including the WeNeedaVacation.com Vacation Planner. Find free fun There are plenty of fun things for you to do on the Cape and Islands without spending lots of money. Check out the WeNeedaVacation.com Vacation Planner for activities, and be sure to scroll to the Events section – where you can even search by events that are free! And here are some articles on our site that may be helpful:
+ Stroll the local art galleries. + Bike, ride, hike, walk, run or roller blade on the many paved and unpaved trails in the area.
+ Attend one of the many outdoor band concerts that are held throughout the Cape all summer.
+ Take in a Cape Cod Baseball League game. This is the premiere collegiate summer league in the country, and many
movie buff? Many vacation rentals also provide a DVD player as
of today's Major League stars once played for one of the 10
well as games and books. So, ask the homeowner about their
Cape League teams.
collection, and bring movies from home or borrow them from
+ Window shop and people watch in the many charming
your local library.
town centers.
+ Enjoy the beach during non-peak hours to fly a kite, collect
Bring your bikes
seashells, take a leisurely walk, or just read a book.
In addition to leisurely bike rides, you can also use your bike as
+ Hit the local library to peruse the books and magazines and
a main mode of transportation, saving you gas money – espe-
check your email.
cially if you are vacationing on Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. Lots of vacation rentals are close enough to the beach and
Provide entertainment the old-fashioned way
other activities to ride your bike. And, if you bike to the beach,
Board games will provide hours of vacation fun for all ages.
you won’t need to buy a beach sticker! There are numerous
Bring family favorites such as Clue, Monopoly, Candy Land,
trails throughout the Cape and Islands, made for biking.
Scattergories, Trivial Pursuit, or Scrabble. Many rental homes
These are just a few tips to help you spend less and enjoy more
include a nice selection of board games, too. And, when was
during your Cape or Islands vacation. Follow these
the last time you played a rousing game of charades? Are you a
suggestions, and you’ll have a great vacation! T
(Top) Sand path heading to the beach in Chatham. (Bottom) Rock Jetties along the ocean off of Dennis Port. Photos: Rob Smith
Taking a break on the Appalachian trail after a couple days backpacking. Photo by Jerry Tradden.
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| On Jack’s Road
Top Ten Hiking Trails on the East Coast
Beyond the big cities, the Eastern USA is criss-crossed with glorious hiking trails
our list starts with the longest hike and ends in the shortest hike.
that take you from lush forests to mountain meadows, or from rugged peaks to tumbling waterfalls. Whether you’re after a day hike or a longdistance trek, we have the best routes for discovering
The first and most obvious hike we recommend is the Appalachian Trail. This trail starts in Maine and goes all the way down the coast to Georgia. This is one of those trails that is perfect
America’s great outdoors.
for hopping on and off.
I have always found that the Eastern USA has some amazing
Appalachian Trail
hiking. Whether you are just getting into hiking or are a pro we
Best for: bragging rights
have some great hikes for you. Hiking is great when you're
Total distance: 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
trying to stay on a budget but also explore a place. All you need
Total duration: 5 – 7 months
to have is some good sneakers and you can do any of these hikes. Even just parts of the trails can be explored if you aren't
The East Coast’s most famous
up for the entire thing. All the views are going to be amazing
long-distance trail features on every
whether it's a mountainous view or ocean view. Additionally
keen hiker’s bucket list. Known as
Part of the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire in the Summer. Photo by Jerry Tradden.
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Vermont's Long Trail, breaking for lunch on a large rock. Photo by Courtney Karen.
the A.T., it passes through 14 states on its way from Springer
especially awesome during the fall foliage season when the
Mountain in northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
leaves are colorful.
If you want to visit the A.T. Vistors Center and A.T.C headquarters it is located in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
The southern section, which overlaps the Appalachian Trail, offers some easier terrain if you need some easier hiking trails,
Thru-hikers generally begin in the spring, and tackle the route
while the rugged north is particularly peaceful if you love
from south to north. Running through green forestland or
casual nature walks.
along mountain ridges, the trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, often emerging near roads and towns.
The next trail is one of the more intense trails on this list. We recommend only experienced hikers to tackle this one. The
A good section for novice hikers parallels the Blue Ridge
Presidential Traverse is very physically challenging but for
Parkway and Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National
those who love a challenge this ones for you.
Park, which boasts splendid mountain-top views. The next trail we recommend is in the north part of the Eastern
Presidential Traverse, White Mountains, New Hampshire Best for: a physical challenge
USA in Vermont. If you're visiting Vermont you have to check
Total distance: 23 miles (37 km)
out this beautiful trail. Similar to the Appalachian Trail you can
Total duration: 1 – 3 days
hop on and off of this one at any point. You have to be fit – physically and mentally – for this challenging The Long Trail, Vermont
hike over some of the highest peaks in New England. It tackles
Best for: solitude
the 10 mountains of the Presidential Range in one continuous
Total distance: 272 miles (438 km)
trek, with an elevation gain of nearly 9,000 ft (2,743 m).
Total duration: 20 – 30 days Most of the route is above tree line, and it’s subject to extreme Completed in 1930, the Long Trail is the oldest long-distance
weather which can make it dangerous. But if you plan according-
hiking trail in the United States. It runs up the spine of
ly and are well-prepared, the lunar landscape and sweeping
Vermont’s Green Mountains, from the Massachusetts state line
vistas amplify the thrill of your accomplishment. It's amazing
to the Canadian border.
views are truly worth the physical effort.
Known as the “footpath in the wilderness”, this backcountry
If you love being out in the wood this next ones for you! This
route can be steep as it crosses most of the chain’s major
trail is truly immersive if you love the outdoors. Its beautiful
summits, including Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield. It is
forest trails lead to a lovely mountainous view.
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| Top Ten Hiking Trails on the East Coast
Acadia National park in the summer along the Ocean Trail. Photo by Holly Freight.
Northville-Placid Trail, Adirondack Mountains, New York
One of the most satisfying views after a hike is an ocean view.
Best for: wilderness
This next hike is an amazing ocean view right in Maine. It's
Total distance: 133 miles (214 km)
perfect for those who want a shorter hike with a rewarding and
Total duration: 8 – 11 days
beautiful view.
Following an old logging road, this trail takes you into some
Ocean Trail, Acadia National Park, Maine
of the most remote wilderness areas of the Adirondacks. It
Best for: ocean views
traverses a high plateau strewn with lakes, rivers and streams,
Total distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)
as well as regal stands of hardwood and spruce.
Total duration: 2 hours
Wet weather and wilderness can make a thru-hike very
You’ll find some of the most family-friendly hiking trails
challenging. You can tackle easier sections of the route, leading
in Acadia National Park, where 50 miles (80 km) of car-free
to hermits’ camps, waterfalls and a suspension bridge over
carriage roads wind through the park and across quaint
the Sacandaga River.
stone bridges.
ROAM
For beautiful views of the magnificent tree-lined coast, take the Ocean Path. This largely flat, gravel trail between Sand
Upper Hawksbill, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Best for: fall color
Beach and Otter Point leads to viewpoints overlooking rocky
Total distance: 2 miles (3 km)
coves, cliffs and pink-granite rock formations. There’s
Total duration: 1.5 hours
parking at either end of the route. The views over the Shenandoah Valley are stupendous from the If you're looking for a national park along the East Coast this is
top of Shenandoah National Park’s highest mountain, Hawksbill.
definitely a great place to go just to enjoy the views even if you
From Skyline Drive, the trail leading through the woods and
don't plan on hiking.
along a fire road is a gradual climb, making it suitable for families with older children.
This next hike is great all year round but mainly in the Fall. So if you end up coming to the East Coast in the fall this hike is
In fall, during peak foliage season, the slopes of the Blue Ridge
ideal. It isn't too long and the whole way up you see the
Mountains are an undulating blanket of red, orange, and gold
beautiful colors all around you.
stretching west as far as the eye can see.
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Top Ten Hiking Trails on the East Coast
Taking a break on the Mount Cammerer Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. Photo by Tyler Perry.
In the Great Smoky Mountains you will find some great
cross four of the area’s highest peaks, at more than 6,000 ft
panoramic views. The next trail is a 360 view of mountainous
(1829 m) high.
horizons and it is very inspiring. The trail runs along peaks and ridges, through miles of the Mount Cammerer Trail, Great Smoky Mountains
Appalachian balds – a treeless yet diverse landscape that offers
Best for: panoramic views
big skies and sweeping views. There are lots of shorter options
Total distance: 12 miles (19 km)
for day hikes or loop trails to scenic spots, such as the trial's high
Total duration: 6 – 7 hours
point at Black Balsam Knob.
Out of more than 800 trails in this vast national park, many
Another North Carolina trail is known for its
hikers rate this one as their favorite. It’s a steep and strenuous
view variety. It not only has lovely mountain
climb up through hardwood forests, past bubbling creeks and,
views but also great ocean views. This is a long
in season, blankets of wildflowers.
trail that you can again just hop on and off.
At the 4,928-ft (1502-m) summit of Mount Cammerer, you can
Mountains-to-Sea Trail, North Carolina
look out over the Pigeon River Gorge, beyond which the
Best for: scenic variety
Smokies seem to stretch on endlessly. For the most amazing
Total distance: 1150 miles (1850 km)
panoramic view, go up on the deck of the old wood-and-
Total duration: 2 – 3 months
stone fire tower. From the lofty heights of the Great Smoky The Great Smoky Mountains contain the highest peaks in the
Mountains to the tranquil shores of the Outer
eastern USA. There are also dozens of easy-to-moderate trails
Banks, this trail across North Carolina has
that lead to the mountaintop meadows.
it all. Sections are still being built, but it’s already one of the country’s most celebrated long-
The next trail is found in North Carolina. It is known for being
distance hiking routes.
"bald" which means it has less trees. You can see for miles when climbing this trail.
It starts at Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the Smokies’ national park at 6,643 ft, and ends at
Art Loeb Trail, Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Jockey’s Ridge, the tallest natural sand dune on
Best for: big skies
the Atlantic coast.
Total Distance: 30 miles (48 km)
In between are
Total Duration: 2 – 4 days
hardwood forests, waterfalls, swamps,
Pisgah National Forest is known as the land of waterfalls, but
farmlands and
this challenging and popular route climbs far above them to
beautiful coasts.
An amazing view in the Great Smoky Mountains. Another great photo by Tyler Perry.
ROAM
Scenic parts of this trail are perfect for family day-hikes, as
The reward is crystal clear swimming holes to cool off in,
well as weekend backpacking trips.
especially below the stunning, double-tiered Jacks River Falls with its 80-ft (24-m) drop. If you’ve only got a day to spare,
The last trail we recommend is great for swimming along the
the Beech Bottom Trail offers a shorter, easier route to the falls.
way. It has great swimming holes and waterfalls to explore. Whether you're hiking up in Maine or Vermont or down in Jacks River Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, Georgia Best for: swimming holes and waterfalls Total distance: 16 miles (26 km) Total duration: 1 – 2 days For the most part, the Jacks River Trail offers a moderate hike through dense, wild forest with patches of old-growth trees and a gorge overlook. But you’ll also wade through creeks and cross the river more than 40 times on this north Georgia wilderness trail, so be prepared to get wet.
North Carolina or Georgia, we hope you have beautiful views and safe, inexpensive travels. T
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