| Not many people can hike all 2,167 miles of the | | | | Junction; exit through Bennington. |
| Appalachian Trail, but plenty use a ROAD TRIP | | | | * The historic town of Woodstock |
| PLANNER to create a car or RV version of it. | | | | * Gifford Woods State Park in the heart of the |
| While some expert hikers can manage the | | | | Green Mountains |
| footpath in one season, most of us don't even | | | | * A panoramic view of Mt. Snow as you descend |
| have that kind of free time available. So exploring | | | | into Wilmington |
| the Appalachian Trail via car or RV is the | | | | IN MASSACHUSETTS: You'll be skirting the west |
| alternative of choice alternative you could can | | | | on Highway 7 all the way from Williamstown to |
| cover the same distance in about two weeks at | | | | Ashley Falls. |
| the leisurely pace | | | | * Mount Greylock State Reservation |
| This scenic road trip closely follows the | | | | * Hancock Shaker Village |
| Appalachian Trail, with many spots where trail and | | | | * Mount Washington State Forest in South |
| road cross paths. This allows you to immerse | | | | Egremont (stay at the Weathervane, a great B & |
| yourself in the deep woods with a daily hike but | | | | B). |
| also enjoy nature's colors unfurling before you as | | | | IN CONNECTICUT: Enter in Canaan on Highway 7 |
| you cruise along the two-lane highway. Choose a | | | | and exit through Danbury. |
| Fall start date in your road trip planner because | | | | * Norfolk, for its sheer beauty, including its private |
| then you'll reap the benefits: Experience the | | | | forest |
| Appalachian Mountains AND see New England's | | | | * The Appalachian Trail crosses Highway 7 and |
| legendary Fall Colors. | | | | the Housatonic River at Cornwall Bridge. |
| That's not to say your trip itinerary will include | | | | * Allow one luxury stay at the Berkshires. The |
| nothing but trees and trails. You're passing through | | | | Berkshires is to western Connecticut what the |
| 14 historically significant states so you'll come upon | | | | Catskills is to New York and the Poconos to |
| many cultural places like quaint villages, country | | | | Pennsylvania. |
| stores, historical museums and memorials to add | | | | IN NEW YORK: We're only going to include the |
| to your road trip planner. | | | | Appalachian Trail segment in this road trip planner |
| Even though the Appalachian Trail runs through 14 | | | | and keep the "other" New York for another trip |
| states, this blog will include details on the first 6 of | | | | (unless you really can't help yourself & decide to |
| them (not including Maine): New Hampshire, | | | | spend a few days in New York City...it's your |
| Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, | | | | vacation after all :>). Drive along US 6 to Highway |
| Pennsylvania. This leaves New Jersey, Maryland, | | | | 7, touching the southeastern part of New York |
| West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina | | | | and exiting through Port Jervis. |
| and Georgia for another blog. Remember, in order | | | | * West Point, the Army's famous military |
| to follow the Appalachian Trail, you'll be | | | | academy |
| meandering through the states, so even though | | | | * Bear Mountain State Park |
| your initial road trip planning might indicate a | | | | * Harriman State Park |
| 1200-mile route, you'll actually be driving an | | | | IN PENNSYLVANIA: Come in at Dingman's Ferry |
| additional 200 miles on this road trip. | | | | and exit through Gettysburg (you'll actually dip a |
| RECOMMENDED PLACES TO ADD TO YOUR | | | | bit in the Garden State of New Jersey). |
| ROAD TRIP PLANNER: | | | | * Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area |
| IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: You'll be traveling west from | | | | * The Poconos |
| Gorham to Orford before turning south. | | | | * Roadside America in the village of Shartlesville |
| * Pinkham Notch Camp | | | | to see a scale model of bygone Americana. |
| * Mt. Washington in New Hampshire's Presidential | | | | * The Pennsylvania Dutch Country |
| Range | | | | * Gettysburg |
| * Mount Washington Cog Railway | | | | That's it...so far. Check back again soon because |
| * The five granite ledges of Old Man of the | | | | we've got another 7 states to add to your Road |
| Mountain at the Franconia Notch Montshire | | | | Trip Planner to make this a truly magnificent Fall |
| Museum of Science in Norwich | | | | exploration of the Appalachian Trail. |
| IN VERMONT: Your entry point is White River | | | | |