Spring (April) New England trip
 

Family of 8 (4 grandparents 65-72), 2 parents, and 2 boys 10 and 7 looking for good location for trip spring break (Apr. 10-17). Interested in flat biking, easy hiking and other adventures. Concerned about "mud season" and/or road conditions. Advice welcomed.

I'd probably go around the Burlington area in VT. Because at least there is enough to do there for everyone, hopefully. And there are some lower altitude trails there that shouldn't have as much of a mud problem as the freeze isn't as deep.

I hope you know that you shouldn't hike on a trail if there is mud, you can ruin the environment and trail.

like Mt Philo is nearby and low
https://vtstateparks.com/philo.html

Of course the Burlington Greenway for biking or "hiking" and it is paved. Same for the Stowe rec path, those would be good.
https://enjoyburlington.com/place/burlington-greenway/
https://www.stowerec.org/parks-facil...creation-path/

Burlington is close enough to Stowe to check out for fun, it's an easy drive.

YOu should look at the VT state parks website also to see which trails are open or closed.

Burlington area would be a great trip. Nearby ski mountains should still be operating until mid April unless there’s an unusually warm March.

Sorry I totally disagree with going to Burlington in April. Depending on the year, the ski areas will be closed and that could be 'peak' mud season that far north. If there is still any snow around it will be dirty brown not pretty white. I can't understand why anyone would suggest this. I live in New England and I try to never go to Vermont in April (I love Vermont at other times).

But there are plenty of places that will be lovely in April in New England. Anywhere along the coast from about Portland Maine south - that includes Portsmouth, NH, the "north shore" north of Boston (Cape Ann, including Gloucester, Rockport, Salem, etc.), Boston itself if you like cities (it's great in April), Cape Cod and/or Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket (major daffodil festival in late April), Rhode Island - Newport (another daffodil festival) and/or Providence, Block Island, etc.

I think two young boys are key here. Most roads will not be a problem but hiking trail conditions could be. Mountain biking is very popular in NH sometimes sharing hiking trails but I think Concord NH has at least one paved bike trail among its numerous hiking trails. Trails | Concord, NH - Official Website The rail trail system is also flat with probably a more firm and less muddy base and it goes thru many towns.

Concord's location provides easy day trip access to museums the boys would enjoy. Concord Christa McAuliff planetarium, Manchester SEE science center a favorite), Squam Lakes Science Center depending on weather, Montshire Museum in Norwich VT, Warner NH Kearsarge Indian Museum, Seacoast Science Center. If there is late season skiing and tubing, that can be added to possible activities.

there are easy hiking trails all over NH so once you choose a base, google local trails. There is biking at Odiorne State Park near Portsmouth. Great video to watch https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/s...int-state-park. This is about an hour from Concord. Nice hike at Wagon Hill Farm in nearby Durham.

You might plan a trip to Boston and Cape Cod. The boys will love the Museum of Science and the Aquarium and if some of the adults do not want to do those, they could do one of the art museums or a food tout when the kids were with one or two adults. The freedom trail and a tour of the USS Constitution are both worthwhile for some history.

It will be shoulder season on the Cape, so no swimming in the ocean, but nice bike trails, hiking in the National seashore, beach combing, maybe a whale watch. Perhaps a stop at Plymouth on the way to or from.

for better rates on lodging, do weekends in the city, mid week on the Cape.

Thank you all SO much. This is very helpful! Digesting all of your thoughts and I may have more questions later. You are all a blessing when trying to plan a trip in these times.

Thank you!

The worst time of the year.
Dirty mattresses and dog poop emerging from melting snowbanks, winter road grit floating in the air.
Any snow left will look like dirty corn kernels.

That's a bit harsh but not totally wrong either if you are talking about the northern half/third of New England. Most of Southern New England including the coast and central/western Massachusetts is lovely. That description (again, pretty harsh and only pertains to a few places) would only apply in early/mid March, not mid April. Like I said - Maine COAST ( not inland) up as far as about Portland) would be good as would all of Massachusetts and RI (and Connecticut, although I don't think that state has anywhere near as much to offer as Mass and RI). One of the prettiest times of year to visit Boston and both north and south of it, including the cape and islands and way fewer crowds. I went to Newport, RI last spring in late April it was great (parking in town is free until May 1).