Follow Maine’s wild edge from coastal paddles and mountain hikes to northern waterways and small-town stops. This adventure-forward itinerary highlights the state’s best outdoor experiences without skipping the food, culture, and scenic drives that make the journey unforgettable.
Maine is a destination where days are shaped by salt air, forest trails, and open water and evenings are spent wandering small towns, sharing good food, and slowing down. From iconic national parks to quiet, stunning state parks and friendly lakeside communities, Maine offers a rhythm that blends adventure with comfort in a way few places can.
While you’re on the coast, you’ll find all kinds of gems tucked in the craggy coastline, ready
to make your flannel beach-blanket dreams come true. And if you can pull your gaze from the lighthouses and stunning Atlantic Ocean views, there’s much to be discovered in inland Maine.
Whether you’re motoring your way along the Oyster Trail or experiencing slow travel in artistic retreats, you’ll discover a whole new world to pair with your lobster and lighthouses!
When traveling to National Parks and other incredible places on the American East Coast, you are also visiting the ancestral lands of many different Indigenous tribes. We have created a guide to help you feel prepared exploring Indigenous heritage on the East Coast during your next road trip. Indigenous communities are still very much tied to the lands and waters of this area, and you can create a positive experience for both yourself and these communities by visiting with gratitude and respect – prepared to learn about the local cultures and histories.
The best towns and communities along the Appalachian Trail are full of Appalachian history and culture. Whether you’re thru-hiking the entire trail, exploring one portion for the day, or driving a route in the general direction of the AT, these mountain towns are worth exploring.
September and October are special months on the East Coast and in particular, New England. The leaves begin to turn colors, the temperatures drop to a comfortable chill, and Americans begin to embrace the Danish “hygge”—a mood of coziness and contentment. If there’s one place to be during the cozy fall months, it’s New England and the Northeast. Between the coast of Maine and Acadia National Park, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, and the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, you’re sure to get your fill of fall foliage on this road trip.
Need some help planning your national park road trip? We’ve compiled a complete list of U.S. national parks by state and territory. Check them off one-by-one or build a multi-park extravaganza! If you need help planning, be sure to browse our helpful road trip itineraries which include maps and more!