Road Trips in New England

Part of Route 112, this scenic highway runs through a 34 mile stretch of Carroll County in New Hampshire. The Kank rises to heights of nearly 3000 feet as it winds through the White Mountain National Forest. Stop off at Sabbaday Falls, which has picnic and parking areas and an easily walkable trail to the top. Or for a splash of white water, visit Rocky Gorge, a stretch of rapids on the Swift River.

This journey on Routes 4 and 17 links several lakes and rivers in western Maine. From the town of Madrid, it crosses the Appalachian Trail and curves around the northern edge of Rangeley Lake, then bends down past Mooselookmeguntic Lake's eastern shore before stopping just short of the town of Byron. "Mooselookmeguntic" is Native American for "moose feeding place", so don't be surprised to see these huge animals close to the roadside.

Maine's Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island covers 47,000 acres, but this convenient coast road gives you a taster of the key sites. A favourite stop is Wildwood Stables, where you can go for a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. Jordon Pond is a popular walking spot with an adjoining restaurant. Off the Loop, you can drive up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the island's highest peak. Or stop at the Sand Beach parking area for a swim or stroll along the shore.

Cape Cod is a promontory at the bottom Massachusetts, and the Old King's Highway is a section of Route 6A that goes from Sandwich to Orleans on the north shore. Sandwich has a historic village and a heritage museum as well as a family beach. For lovers of antiques, the Winslow Crocker House in Yarmouth has an impressive collection of Early American furniture. You can also pack a bike and follow the cycle trails that link villages Brewster and Harwich to explore the surrounding salt marshes and tidal flats.