What is the best scenic route from Bar Harbor, Maine to Stowe, Vermont? I don't want to miss the White Mountains in NH and I don't mind heading south before going up north to Stowe,Vermont.I want to see all the beautiful mountains and foliage? Thanks!

Follow the route prescribed by Google Maps with the following exceptions:
(1) you can follow a route parallel to I-95 or take a detour to see Waterville, before joining US 2.

(2) When you get to Gorham, NH, turn south on Route 16 through Pinkham Notch and Jackson to Bartlett. Turn west or north onto US 302 back up through Crawford Notch to Twin Mountain.

(3) In Twin Mountain, follow the signs for Franconia Notch. After visiting Franconia Notch, make a U-turn and go back up I-93(don't worry it is not soulless) through Littleton to St Johnsbury. You have just seen the White Mountains. If you are lucky, there will be snow on the peaks.

From St Johnsbury, follow the route suggested by Google through beautiful Vermont countryside.

One warning: this is a LOT farther than it looks on a map. A LOT farther because much of it is 2 lane road, some of it 2 lane mountain road.

I would try to make this a two day trip if I could find a place to stay on the way. Maybe Jackson? Franconia? Littleton?

If you are adventurous and outdoorsy,Google the Applalachian Mountain Club and see about staying at Pinkham Notch on the side of Mt Washington.

This will be a great trip!

Ackislander , Thanks so much for the info. I have changed my plans just a little. I think I am going to go south on 16 and go west on Kancamagus Hwy.Is that a great scenic view?(Kancamagus Hwy) We will head south and stay in Woodstock. Do you still think that is too much for the day? Bar Harbor to Woodstock? Thanks so much for your info! Oh yeah! What is there to see in Waterville,Me?

Kankamaugus Highway is beautiful. It will be packed with tour busses, especially right before and after Columbus Day. BUT it is not the high part of the White Mountains.

To see both, follow my directions from US through Pinkham Notch to Bartlett, NH, (views of Mt Washington) then ask locally about the bypass around North Conway that leads you to Conway and Rte 16. Then take the K highway west.

If you are planning this trip during leaf season and you do not already have reservations, you had better get on the phone. Woodstock is likely to be very busy.

It is still a long day, and I am sorry to see you miss Crawford Notch. It is spectacular, but you can't do it all!