Hikes in Maine, N.H., and Vermont?

“I will be visiting Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont from September 27 - October 13. This will be my first trip to northern New England and I'm looking for some great hiking trails that will really showcase the scenery (and fall colors) of this area. I enjoy anything from an easy stroll to a strenouous mountain climb. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!”

“The hike up to Zealand Falls is beautiful in the fall.

Very easy stroll. 2-3 miles. Abandoned railway bed. Birch, beaver ponds, waterfall. The trailhead is at the end of the Zealand road. Zealand road leaves Route 302 Between Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods. About 2.5 miles East of the intersection of Route 3 and Route 302.

Hike up to the Zealand Falls hut for some lunch. Hike out to Thoreau Falls.

NOt strenous, but a beautiful day.”

“OH. A big reason for my mention is that Route 302 traverses Northern New England and Zealand is therefore an easy stop (if you are going across that far north).”

“I am very confused. I just saw a very simliarly named thread to which Pedxing had replied.

His reply links with mine in that one of the hikes he suggested comes through to Zealand.

To go further.

The hikes he suggested are the "classic" White Mountain hikes.

In your face, tough trails, open ridges distant views (also, wind, sleet, fog etc )

Zealand is a little more introspective and sublime.”

“Which thread should we respond to?

I like the Long Trail in Vermont. You say 'hiking trails', not backpacking so I assume you are talking about day hikes. Camel's Hump is a very popular day hike for good reason. On a clear day, you can see into the NH White Mountains, the NY Adirondacks, Maine and Canada.

If you want a good 3-4 day backpacking trip, I’d suggest the section of the Long Trail from Lincoln Gap (just south of Mt. Abraham) to River Road (just north of Camel's Hump). It was one of my favorite hikes ever. It’s an area known as the “Monroe Skyway”. You're above treeline for several miles and cross several of the highest peaks in Vermont. It's truly beautiful. There are places so steep, they had to install ladders. We had some company at Mt. Abraham and it was very crowded at Camel's Hump (tons of dayhikers and peakbaggers come up side trails) but we had the trail pretty much to ourselves in between during October. My photo on Phil’s Photo Page is from there. It was a great hike that I'd definitely do again.”

“In VT check out:
Lake Willoughby in the NE Kingdom-spectacular cliffs & the lake looks like a Scottish loch.
Mt Hunger near Stowe-easy day hike,good views. Not a crowded as Camels Hump

In NH:
Mt Garfield-@4.5 miles to the summit. Great views of the Pemigawassett wildnerness area.
Mt Carrigain-makes a for a long dayhike or moderate overnight. Well worth the effort.

In ME:
There is some great hiking and a number of mountains in the area around Bigelow-The Crockers, Mt Abraham, Saddleback and more.
If you can, go to the coast and visit the Cutler Coast Preserve, its @2.5 hrs north of Bangor. The scenery rivals Arcadia but without the crowds. There a some walk in campsites for an easy backpack.”

“Saddleback in Maine... what a wonderful ridge to walk across when the weather is good!”

“Thanks so much for the tips! They have been very helpful in planning my trip. If anyone else has good ideas for hikes, or suggestions on the best places to go to photograph fall foliage in Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine, please let me know. Thanks!”