The Appalachian Trail snakes through mountains, across vistas and along creeks, rivers and country roads from northern Georgia to central Maine. There are numerous roadside trailheads for accessing various points and short sections along the way, allowing you to hike and camp from a few days to several months. In the Northeastern U.S. sections of the trail in Massachusetts and Connecticut, the hiking difficulty is rated easy to moderate, while further north in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, it is somewhat more difficult. There are camping spots and shelters (lean-tos) along the trail for use free of charge, but are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
799 Washington St.
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
304-535-6331
appalachiantrail.org
Acadia National Park, the first national park to be dedicated east of the Mississippi River, lies on the coast of Maine. In addition to spectacular scenery, visitors will find historic roads with stonework bridges crossing rivers and waterfalls, open for hiking and biking. Acadia offers two museums, open during the summer; ranger-led interpretive programs; children's activities; and boat cruises. Acadia National Park, and two campgrounds for tents and RVs, are open year-round. As of 2010, there is a $20 per night fee for camping. There is a small fee charged to enter the park from May through October.
Acadia National Park
Route 233 McFarland Hill
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
207-288-3338
nps.gov/acad
Unlike the larger, higher priced resorts, Sugarbush is an intimate resort with affordable lift tickets. The ski area boasts an average of over 250 inches of snowfall on 111 groomed trails, covering more than 50 miles, that are serviced by 16 lifts. As of 2010, Sugarbush offers a free week's pass to children under 12 with the purchase of an adult seven-day pass. While Sugarbush Resort has its own full-service inn with restaurants, lodging can be somewhat expensive during the ski season, and especially over the holidays. Budget rooms (and reasonably priced meals) can be found in the surrounding cites and towns--if you book early and avoid peak times.
Sugarbush Resort
1840 Sugarbush Access Road
Warren, VT 05674
802-583-6300
sugarbush.com
