New England Road Trips

A ribbon of charming communities wraps around the Atlantic Ocean along this picturesque route. For much of the drive, you’ll see beautiful homes that range in size from tiny to gargantuan and rocky shores that give way to sandy beaches. Parking is available right off the road in many places. During the summer, expect some congestion in the hopping Hampton Beach area.

Trees and rolling hills comprise most of the view along the James H. Darcey Memorial Highway. The terrain becomes noticeably hillier and densely forested as you enter Mattatuck State Forest near Waterbury, Conn. Fall is the best time to experience this scenic drive, but the landscape offers a peaceful respite year-round.

SR 138 connects Narragansett Bay's eastern and western shores, crossing Conanicut Island en route. From the bridges there are spectacular bay views; the island roadway passes through a tranquil, park-like setting. Descending Newport Bridge eastbound affords views of Newport Harbor, where tall ship events and America's Cup races are held. A $4 bridge toll is charged.

This 27-mile loop road on Mount Desert Island within Acadia National Park reveals the natural beauty for which Maine is known. Striking views accompany each turn, from the basic yet lovely simplicity of a tree-lined road with rock ledges to expansive ocean views. Sand Beach provides an interesting contrast to the wooded, pink-and-gray granite hills.

The rural countryside along SR 77 is dotted with white farmhouses, meadows, red barns and stone walls. Pullouts allow you to stop and take in the postcard scenery as well as snap a few photographs. Enjoy fabulous vistas of tranquil waters as you pass alongside ponds and Quonnipaug Lake.

The Housatonic River Valley Scenic Route (US 7) crosses its namesake river twice and enters two state parks as it meanders through the forests of northwestern Connecticut. The byway also passes within sight of the iconic 1864 West Cornwall Covered Bridge, and farther south, a short trail just off US 7 leads to picturesque Kent Falls.

Beginning in the historic town of Bennington, Route 9 follows sparkling streams through the Green Mountain National Forest, passing through the charming mountain towns of Woodford and Searsburg. Approaching Marlboro, the Hogback Scenic Overlook offers a breathtaking 100-mile view encompassing three states.

Enjoy a delightful drive through the countryside, capped off by a jaunt through Connecticut's largest state forest. Pachaug State Forest Scenic Road (SR 49) traverses a diverse landscape of thick trees, farms with stone and wooden fences, and open grassy fields. Autumn color, white winter, floral spring and lush green summer attracts visitors all year round.

Flanked by the Presidential and White Mountains, this byway abounds with glorious mountain scenery that makes up Crawford Notch State Park and the surrounding White Mountain National Forest. Drive through the valley and gaze up at the granite promontories of Crawford Notch, which were carved by an ice sheet in pre-glacial times.

Mature trees create a tunnel of greenery on the Merritt Parkway (SR 15) in spring and summer. Dozens of Art Deco and Art Moderne bridges provide architectural interest along the route, as do wood guiderails and unique highway signs with a rustic sawtooth border. Billboards and commercial development are absent from this Connecticut byway, and trucks are prohibited.