5 Places In New England You Need To Explore!
Many underestimate New England’s backcountry. However, for those that venture into its wilderness know that there are both difficult challenges and peaceful tranquility to be had. Whatever adventure you seek you will find it within one or all of these five places that you need to explore!
Catskill Mountains:
Whether you’re looking for a serene walk through nature or a challenging steep uphill trek, this wilderness has what you’re looking for. This New York Forest is lush and filled with thick underbrush and vegetation that appear to carpet the rocky uprights of this chain, and offer Trails that wind through all the best parts! Set up camp next to a babbling creek deep in the quiet hollows or under the stars from atop one of the many peaks.
Adirondack Mountains:
Also in New York, and not far from the Catskill Mountains, the Adirondacks offer adventure in several forms. Although this spot is well populated you would never know while exploring its alluring backcountry. Scattered all around the Adirondacks are numerous peaceful forest lakes perfect for a canoe or kayak float or a dip after a long trail. This area is also home to Mt. Marcy (5,343’/ 1,629 m) the highest point in New York, which is a popular challenging day hike.
Green Mountains:
The Green Mountains extent along the entire western portion of Vermont and provide backcountry athletes with a variety of opportunities for adventure. The Greens are a part of the Appalachian Range and, of course, the Appalachian Trail traverses through a great portion. There are also several other trails such as the Long Trail that travel through and explore this beautiful and tranquil area. To the north within the range is Mt. Mansfield (4,393’/ 1,339 m) the highest peak in Vermont. Much like in all of New England there are year round opportunities for adventure to include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter sports.
White Mountains:
The Whites are as treacherous as they are beautiful, and they are very beautiful. This area is a backcountry athlete’s paradise with steep mountains, rushing rivers, high rock faces, and, just to mix it up, a restful wilderness. Trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trial, in the Whites travel through a varying mix of terrain: rich forests, muddy river side banks, flat mossy bogs, sunny meadows, and of course the sheer rocky alpine. This a big boys and girls area so come prepared for a challenge, but also a lot of fun!
Baxter State Park:
Probably the most popular in all of Maine, Baxter State Park is home to either the end or beginning of the Appalachian Trail at the summit of Mt. Katahdin (5,267’/ 1,605 m). Though it is Katahdin that draws most of Baxter’s visitors, this preserve provides backcountry athletes with plenty to explore and do. It’s lake area, with trails that connect each lake, offers swimming, canoeing and kayaking along with outstanding wilderness vistas from the banks or while afloat. Its mossy forests filled with several species of trees and vegetation gives an other worldly feel to the explorer as they enjoy the ever-changing views from the trail.
