Jane

We love hiking and have been to the Canadian rockies and other wonderful hiking spots. Next summer, we would like to go to the Northeast for a couple of weeks. Anyone have an opinion on the best places to go? I am tentatively looking at the White Mountains, the Green Mountains and the Adirondacks. Any ideas? We don't like to travel around - just nest in one place and take day hikes (6-9 miles is perfect). So I don't think we want to go to all three places, probably just one, for now. Save the others for later.

Dan

I've been to all three and enjoyed each.
My wife and I like to stay in b@b's and antique shop as well. We found the Adirondacks to be expensive for the type of lodging we like. Also make sure you don't go during black fly season. It can absolutely ruin your vacation. I enjoyed Vermont and New Hampshire hiking as well. You won't get the majestic peaks of the Rockies or other western mountain ranges, but the rolling countryside and charming New England towns make it worthwhile. I've found that New Hampshire offers the best bang for the $$$ when it comes to
lodging and dining. Seems most, but not all, of the wealthy New Yorkers head to Vermont.

Jane

Thanks, Dan. When is the black fly season - is it only a problem in the Adirondacks?

herself

Black flies are usually in June.
I love hiking in New Hampshire along the Kagamangus Highway. Summer rental of ski condos in Loon N.H.is very reasonable. Buy the AMC White Mountain Guide Book and enjoy. Don't expect the Rockies, are biggest mountain is 6,000 feet but it sure is pretty.

Sandra

Jane, I can recommend the White Mtns in NH as a great place to hike. As for black flies they are very unpredictable, I do trail maint every year in Maine (the edge of White Mtns) the end of May. Only one year were they unbearable - every other year no problem. I think it has something to do with weather patterns, temperatures, and wind. I would bring a net (you can get them in hiking stores) just in case. Doesn't it usually work that if you have it you won't need it?
As for hiking the White Mountains near Franconia are quite spectacular by our eastern standards. Nice hikes on the Presidentials, Lafayette, Lincoln, all the way to Washington. You can get some good info from the AMC. They have good books and maps and run hiker shuttles between trailheads. They also run a group of AMC huts thru the Whites that are about a day's hike apart which provide dinner, breakfast and a bunk for about $50. per night. You'll need to make reservations but they're really a nice experience.
I prefer the Franconia Notch area, towns are Woodstock, Lincoln, Franconia because it's less built up than the North Conway area. But if you choose the North Conway area (near Mt. Washington) I'd stay in one of the towns North such as Jackson or Bartlett. Rte. 16 goes thru No. Conway and it's loaded with traffic from outlet shoppers. If you like to shop - that's the place. The Kancamagus Hwy connects the two sides of the White Mtns and it's a beautiful drive.
There are lots of motels and B&B's that are quite reasonable abd a few of the larger older style hotels that are lovely. The area had quite a few large old hotels at the turn of the century but most were lost to fires.
Enjoy your planning..

dougd

I would have to agree the Whites have some of the best hiking in the Northeast. The trails are well marked, and well maintained. The Green Mountains of Vermont are also great, especially the Long Trail, but I think for serious hiking the Whites are the best. Try and pick up a copy of David Doan's 'Fifty Hikes in the White Mountains' for some good hiking itineries. We did Mt. Lafayette and Moosilauke last year, both unforgettable. As far as black flies, they generally are out from early June thru mid July in northern New England, although this has been an unusually bad year!

Jane

Thanks for all the great information. I hear a strong vote for the White Mountains in New Hampshire. I'll keep reading about the other locations but I'm going to focus on the Whites. What do you think about the Longstreet Guides? Just bought one and it seems great. Are their opinions reliable? Also have the Doan book "50 MORE hikes in New Hampshire" - ordered the one Doug mentioned.

I'm very interested in the shuttles between trail heads, I've always wondered why that isn't more common. In Europe, they have post buses to help hikers/walkers out but in the US you usually have to take two cars and shuttle. Or limit your walk and go halfway out and come back the same way.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I'm sure I'll have more questions as I do my research. I love the research part almost as much as I love to hike.