New York Circular 12 – A scenic comprehensive and highly recommended route in New England (in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont) that includes Cape Cod, Acadia National Park, the White Mountains, the Green Mountains, as well as the city of Boston. In summer there are many water activities along this route (and other attractions such as zipline, alpine slides and whale watching), while in autumn these regions are colored by a spectacular fall foliage. It is of course recommended to add a few days in New York City at the beginning or end of this route.
Day 1 – Land in New York and drive to the Southern Green Mountains towards the town of Woodstock (Vermont), 4.5 hours drive
(This is a relatively long day. If you intend landing in New York late, you should add a night in New York before setting off or add a night on the way to Woodstock)
Lodging location: Woodstock
Day 2 – Cross the White Mountains from west to east through route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) and visit sites along the way, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: North Conway
Day 3 – Travel in the eastern part of the White Mountains
Lodging location: North Conway
Day 4 – Enjoy one more day in the White Mountains
Lodging location: North Conway
Day 5 – Drive to Acadia National Park and take a whale watching tour, 4 hours drive
Lodging location: Bar Harbor
Day 6 – Visit East Acadia National Park
Lodging location: Bar Harbor
Day 7 – Visit West Acadia National Park
Lodging location: Bar Harbor
Day 8 – Drive to Boston, 5 hours drive
On the way south stop at the small coastal town of Cape Elizabeth (3 hours south of Acadia) which has a beautiful lighthouse. You may also choose to drive the northern portion of this route through HWY 1 and the scenic town of Camden (in this case the total drive for this day will be 5.5 hours)
Lodging location: Boston
Day 9 – Visit Boston
Lodging location: Boston
Day 10 – Enjoy one more day in Boston
Lodging location: Boston
Day 11 – Drive to the Cape Cod Peninsula and visit Cape Cod National Seashore, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Provincetown
Day 12 – Enjoy a day of leisure in the Cape Cod National Seashore
Lodging location: Provincetown
Day 13 – Drive to the town of Mystic and on the way stop for a visit in Newport (Rhode Island), 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Mystic
Day 14 – Visit Mystic and take the ferry to Long Island (from New London to Orient) and drive to NYC, 1.5 hours ferry ride plus 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: New York
Day 15 – Fly home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Northeast USA destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
