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Top 8 Outdoors Destinations in New England
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Whether you're craving the small town feel or a peaceful vacation on the water, New England is the best place to go to escape from the stress of life for a while. From lakeside camping to picnic and biking spots, check out the eight best outdoors destinations in New England.
Burton Island State Park
St. Albans, Vermont
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Accessible only by boat—if you don't have your own, a short ferry ride will get you there—this state park is perfect for campers looking to spend a weekend on the beautiful Lake Champlain. Wooded sites backed up to the water make for the perfect private camping trip, with plenty of hiking and fishing, as well. If you have a boat, leave your tent at home and make basecamp in a slip at the marina.
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway
Lincoln, New Hampshire
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Leave modern luxuries behind on this 34-mile scenic byway. With nothing but open road and nature, you can immerse yourself for an afternoon or weekend of pure outdoors splendor. While it's beauty lasts year round, the Kancamagus becomes one of the best outdoors destinations in New England during fall, when the mountains turn into a collage of red, yellow and orange. If you need a place to say, be sure to stop and rest just off the byway at the quaint White Lodge Campground.
Stowe Bike Path
Stowe, Vermont
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Pack a lunch, throw your bikes on the car, and head over to the picturesque New England town of Stowe, Vermont. The small downtown area hosts a variety of local goodies, from fudge to jewelry and soft serve ice cream. But, before exploring the shops, hop on your bikes to ride the Stowe Bike Path, a 5.5-mile paved recreational trail with swimming holes and picnic areas dotting the sidelines. This is the one of the best destinations in New England for an outdoors family.
Great Island Trail
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
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Take a break from the mountains of New England to explore the seashore with your hiking boots strapped on. The 7-mile loop provides diverse terrain, ranging from marsh to woods and sand, making it a New England hike you can't experience anywhere else. Time it just right and you'll catch a sunset over the ocean; a stunning New England beauty, no doubt.
Lake Waramaug State Park
New Preston, Connecticut
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Nestled into the Litchfield Hills, Lake Waramaug is a Connecticut gem that goes overlooked by many who flock to the Long Island sound, instead. Small mountain ranges create a beautiful backdrop for the 77-site campground located here. If you're looking for a New England destination, pack up your gear for a relaxing weekend on the lake, where you can swim, fish, and hike.
Walden Pond
Concord, Massachusetts
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Walden Pond is an idyllic New England destination. Peace and serenity collide with pristine water and calming forest at this famous destination where author Henry David Thorough once penned the critically acclaimed Walden. Visitors are able to tour his replica home and the surrounding grounds year round; you can also swim in the pond and walk trails that follow the shoreline.
The Windjammer Angelique
Camden, Maine
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Maine is known to have some of the best sailing in the country. Experience it for yourself aboard the Windjammer Angelique. On your weeklong trip you can learn how to man the boat, or just relax on the deck with a good book and sunscreen close by. Enjoy family-style dinners, amazing views of the shoreline and a lobster dinner feast. This true New England trip is perfect for families and children of all ages.
Fisherman's Memorial State Park
Narragansett, Rhode Island
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A 10-minute bike ride to nearly all the best beaches in Rhode Island, this campground is the perfect New England destination for nature-loving families. Within the campground you'll find basketball courts, beach volleyball and hiking. But don't leave without visiting the stunning Point Judith harbor overlook; go at sunset and you'll never want to go back to your campsite. With beautiful beaches and local seafood, you simply can't go wrong.