marjjohn

I live in Indiana and am planning a solo roadtrip. I am thinking around 2 weeks total (but am flexible with that).

I love to hike (as does my dog!) and Acadia is known as being fairly dog friendly.

I have a campsite booked at Blackwoods, in Acadia, for 5 nights. Trip is set for the first week of May. Where I need some help is where to stop on the way there and back. I'll have my dog with me and would like to make the most of the trip both ways -- stopping to hike/camp along the way.

A couple of ideas I have for possible stops (I've attached a first draft map but need a little help with the details) --
Cuyahoga Falls NP OH
Allegany State Park NY
Lake Placid NY
Whites in NH (send me some good hikes please!)
Fundy National Park Canada
Ricketts Glen State Park PA
Shenandoah National Park VA

Open to ideas/number of days per stop/etc. I don't necessarily need to hit all of these but do want to stop and enjoy the journey of the NE along the way. I've never been out east so any help is appreciated!

elberko

My late husband and I hiked in Acadia with our cairn terrier during 5-6 trips. He was even allowed on the Island Explorer shuttle we used to get to a trailhead.

I don't have any useful info for you, but maybe bringing this post back up will help somebody see it.

J62

The stretch through northern NY Adirondacks is a gold mine for great hikes ranging from short to very very long. The most popular are the NY high peaks hikes. There are trailheads all along the road in that part of the state. If you are interested I can point you to some resources.

dfrostnh

Perhaps this website will be helpful https://www.kurgo.com/blog/10-great-...new-hampshire/
I'm not a hiker so I'm only familiar with the Arethusa Falls hike. Very wooded/shady along a stream. I only went as far as the falls and let my teens do the loop on their own. I would check out popularity of trails since parking at trail heads has become a problem in NH. This website is far more detailed with recent comments so might be more helpful. https://www.alltrails.com/us/new-hampshire/dogs
Since you are headed to Acadia, you might want to take a route that goes thru the top of the White Mountains, into Maine and over to Augusta - either 112/113 or the more northern 302 to 202 and then connect with I95. These routes are rural and avoid the very boring southern I95 busy interstate. Googlemaps always thinks people want to cross NH via Rt 101 to the coast and coming from the Whites, it would add an hour to your drive to Acadia. But, if you want to see something of southern Maine (i.e. sandy beaches) and decide to go east, I would recommend Rt 4 from Concord. This will take you past Wagon Hill Farm which would be an easy hike and good place to stretch legs before connecting with I95 at the Portsmouth traffic circle. https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_cons...agon-hill-farm

marjjohn

That sounds like exactly my style! I would love additional info on hikes/trailheads in this area. Thanks!!

J62

Here is some general info about the ADK high peaks, https://www.adirondack.net/things-to...ck-high-peaks/

You say you're planning 1st week of May. Unfortunately, the best months for hiking are Sept/Oct, or Aug. May can be hard due to both bugs and trail conditions.

In addition to the 46 high peaks there are countless other hikes across the Adirondacks. In May you'll want to avoid any flat trails, or ones along old RR tracks - they will be wet. We use the alltrails app /website.
Consider canoeing/kayaking. The area just west of Lake Placid (around Saranac Lake) is prime canoe/kayak area, either on small lakes, or along the Saranac river. There are outfitters who will transport you from start or end point.

Months we avoid

• April - trails still icy, wet, muddy. Any rock surfaces are slippery. - this is the worst month of all to hike...
• May - "mud" season, transitions into black fly season - we don't go near the trails in May, so you may need to do more research about which trails are in ok condition. - on alltrails you can see recent reviews from other hikers on trail conditions. You'd be better off with a more open trail. Consider something like Whiteface -(@ lake placid). Can take the gondola up and hike down.
• June - trails less muddy, but black flies still present, and mosquitos are as big as condors.
• July - trails generally in very good condition. blueberries ripe. Morning hikes ok. A cool sunny day & we'll go. Afternoon hikes, or on hot muggy days and the mosquitos will eat you alive. Many people hike with full head mosquito nets.

Vttraveler

This discussion of spring hiking in VT explains why hiking in May is not recommended. It is not just that you will encounter bad hiking conditions. It is also that hiking at that time is bad for the trails.
https://www.greenmountainclub.org/mud-season-arrived/

cindyj

We camp for a week in Acadia every August and never get tired of the hikes. Something for every ability and beautiful views. I do not know about dogs on the shuttle, but they require leashes in the National Park, although well behaved dogs aren't usually a problem. Early May - the shuttles might not even be running. It can be pretty cold and wet at that time of the year. Camping sounds burrr to me. Oh, and it is peak season for black flies and mosquitoes! But it definitely won't be busy so that's a plus. I just hope bad weather doesn't ruin your impression of our state!

IMHO, its not worth the drive to Fundy. Yes, it is a nice park, but it is a long drive from Acadia. If you really feel like you have time, I would recommend going to Eastport, ME instead. Quoddy Head state park is beautiful and it will be relaxed. You can also drive to Campebello Island (Canadian) and see Roosevelt's summer place. But bring all your vaccinations for crossing the border with your dog and your passport! Eastport/Lubec is a very unspoiled area. Fishing towns but quirky. We camped at Cobscook Bay State Park years ago, its right on the water and a good base for exploring the area. You won't need reservations at that time of the year and it might be best not to make any. If it were me and it was cold or wet I'd like the option to be under a real roof.

Echoing another post, I would recommend going through the White Mountains on your way rather than down to Portsmouth. Just keep in mind that all east-west roads are slower and not direct. On your way to or from Acadia you could also take Route 1 back to Portland. Lots of nice places to stop, including Camden Hills State Park - a good camping spot.

tom_mn

There's no reason to add Shenandoah National Park VA to this trip. It doesn't fit geographically and adds nothing scenery-wise.