10 National Parks in New England That You Shouldn't Miss

September 24, 2021 Harland Bartelt

Discover the best top things to do in New England, New England including White Mountain National Forest, White Mountain National Forest, Eagle Lake Acadia National Park, Acadia National Park, Gulf Hagas, Weir Farm National Historic Site, Minute Man National Historical Park, Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park, Lowell National Historical Park, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
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1. White Mountain National Forest

Fryeburg, ME
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 42 reviews

White Mountain National Forest

This park draws skiers in the winter and is recommended for viewing foliage in the fall.

Reviewed By drmkeithm

can't wait to return and explore further, next time want to ride the scenic railway north out of Conway, NH

2. White Mountain National Forest

Kancamagus Highway Supervisors Office, NH 03246-2741 +1 603-536-6100 http://www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 236 reviews

White Mountain National Forest

Great outdoors activities all year long.

Reviewed By WaitForIttttt - Hazlet, United States

My husband and I visited White Mountain National Forest this week for some pandemic-safe hiking because we heard it was forecasted to be peak foliage. We were so glad we did because the scenery was breathtaking, featuring all the gorgeous colors of autumn. There were tons of beautiful overlooks to stop at and a diverse selection of trails. We decided to hike the Champney Falls Trail and it was a lovely trail that followed the brook through the leaves to the waterfall. This Forest is definitely a must-see in Autumn!

3. Eagle Lake Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-288-3338 http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 140 reviews

Eagle Lake Acadia National Park

Reviewed By suzannef795

Free parking and entrance! Just choose to walk or rent a bike. I walked because I love to stop and take pictures of the wildflowers, lake, and rock. The trees have such beauty with the sun reflecting off their leaves. It is truly tranquil and it's a level path around the lake but if 6 miles is too much for you then just walk or bike what you can.

4. Acadia National Park

20 McFarland Hill Dr, Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-7387 +1 207-288-3338 http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,883 reviews

Acadia National Park

Reviewed By emktraveller2018 - Richmond, United States

This was our second trip to Acadia and it didn't disappoint. We hiked for two days - the Great Head Loop Trail - Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, hike/walk around Jordan Pond, tea and popovers at Jordan Pond Restaurant, sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, the Beech Mountain trail and the Ship Harbor Nature Trail.

5. Gulf Hagas

Rockwood, ME http://www.northmainewoods.org/ki-jo-mary/gulfhagas.html
Excellent
69%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Gulf Hagas

A four-mile-long gorge with vertical walls rising up to 400 feet.

Reviewed By Escape817059

My husband and I (57 & 56) did this hike on the Friday of Columbus Day weekend. We left the trailhead at 10 a.m and got back to the lot at 4:30. We started from the lower parking area, took the rim trail, and returned by Pleasant Brook. We did every spur and overlook trail and took a 15-minute lunch break. That is to say, it's a rigorous and long hike if you do the whole thing but it's very well worth the time and effort. Note that you want to take a pair of water shoes to cross the stream at the beginning. We did not, thinking we'd rock hop. Not an option. We had water over our boots but we both had on wool socks so wants the squishing sound stopped, we were fine. But I would have preferred dry feet going in and out. There's a lot of elevation transitions throughout the hike and some rock scrambling and pulling yourself up by trees and roots. Not for the timid or terribly, terribly out of shape. There are several opportunities to shorten the hike with cut-offs but we persevered and were rewarded with many, many amazing views. It was $16/person. The woman at the gate was extremely kind and helpful. If you're looking for a waterfall-rich, full-day hike, this is it. Happy trails!

6. Weir Farm National Historic Site

735 Nod Hill Rd, Wilton, CT 06897-1309 +1 203-834-1896 http://www.nps.gov/wefa/index.htm
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 118 reviews

Weir Farm National Historic Site

The summer home of J. Alden Weir, a pioneer of the American Impressionist movement.

7. Minute Man National Historical Park

174 Liberty St, Concord, MA 01742-1705 +1 978-369-6993 http://www.nps.gov/mima/index.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 774 reviews

Minute Man National Historical Park

The more than 900 acres of this national park run along the route of the battle of Lexington and Concord.

Reviewed By djanel2016 - Knoxville, United States

I would recommend starting your tour of the Minute Man National Historical park with a stop by the visitor center and watching their great multimedia presentation. They use a variety of methods to explain the Battles of Lexington and Concord. I have been to several national historical parks and this was, by far, the best multimedia presentation i have seen, both entertaining and educational. Make sure to go to the North Bridge visitors center as well,

8. Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park

54 Elm St, Woodstock, VT 05091-1023 +1 802-457-3368 ext. 222 http://www.nps.gov/mabi
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 440 reviews

Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park

Nestled among the rolling hills and pastures of eastern-central Vermont, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park tells the story of conservation history and the evolving nature of land stewardship in America.

Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States

PLEASE SCROLL TO END FOR IMPORTANT NOTE. This is Vermont's only national historical park (the other NPS sites are Green Mountain National Forest in Rutland and Moosalamo National Recreation Area in Hancock). That makes it special for people who live here and an interesting attraction for those who come from out of state and want to learn a little history while taking in Vermont's beautiful natural scenery. From late September to late October it is the perfect place to enjoy the fall foliage. Admission is free. The park centers on the 1805/7 mansion and gardens, along with the 1895 carriage barn which serves as its visitor center. Unfortunately, these are temporarily closed due to the pandemic. If getting a tour of the mansion to view things like Albert Bierstadt's famous 1870 painting "Cathedral Rock, Yosemite" or other fine works of art, architecture and decoration is the sole reason to come here, I suggest you confirm in advance if it is open for tours. The park is opening by phases. As to the visitor center, while it is closed you can still pick up a very nice park guide right at the entrance. This gives a good deal of historical information and includes a map of the very extensive grounds, almost 450 sq. acres that include a large pond with a lovely view of Woodstock, many old carriage roads for easy strolling, and trails for those who would enjoy hiking through the forest, with each section's trees identified on the map by type and year of planting. This is very much a conserved place, where the three families who made it their home put into practice the principles of responsible, science-based stewardship that have not only sustained but improved it for future generations. If it's a beautiful day and you'd like to spend even more time outside, right across the street from the park entrance you will find the Billings Farm and Museum, which features a working dairy farm and exhibits about agriculture and rural life. Scenery there is also delightful in the fall. IMPORTANT NOTE: The parking lot that serves both the Billings Farm & Museum and the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Site was nearly full on the day I visited. I noticed that many cars had out-of-state plates. If you plan to visit Vermont, please be aware that there are travel restrictions and quarantine requirements depending on your state and county. Make sure you know the cross state travel information for the place you live. It is available online via the Vermont Official State Website. Be aware also that Vermont has a mask mandate requiring both Vermonters and visitors to wear masks or cloth facial coverings over their noses and mouths any time they are in public spaces, indoors or outdoors, where they come in contact with others and it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet. I was frankly shocked by the number of people NOT wearing masks and NOT keeping 6 feet of social distancing. Please follow the rules so that wonderful places like this can stay open for everyone to enjoy.

9. Lowell National Historical Park

67 Kirk St, Lowell, MA 01852-1029 +1 978-970-5000 http://www.nps.gov/lowe/index.htm
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 304 reviews

Lowell National Historical Park

This park commemorates Lowell's integral part in America's Industrial Revolution.

Reviewed By karenp2017

We enjoyed every minute of the day we spent in Lowell and at the National Historical Park. After parking in the lot (free) behind the visitor center, we watched a good introductory video and then met our group for 11AM canal tour. (I had called ahead to reserve places for two tours – recommended, since space is limited, especially on the boats.) Our ranger told us interesting details about how the canals were made and how water powered the mills as we motored along the Pawtucket Canal, through the lock at the Francis Gate, and into the Merrimack River to see the Pawtucket Falls. We had enough time before our afternoon tour to have a good Greek lunch at the Athenian Corner Restaurant across from the Visitor Center, and a walk to the Boott Cotton Mill. The weaving floor here is filled with working looms, and we had a fascinating talk with a volunteer, a former mill worker, who was operating several of the machines, making dishcloths that you can buy at the museum store. Next was the 2:30 Mill and Trolley Tour where a restored, historic trolley took us to the Wannalancit Mill for more information on the machinery and the Industrial Revolution. Every ranger we met was knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic, and the Park Service did a great job of interpreting what makes Lowell so historically important. We finished our day with dinner at good Columbian restaurant called Panela (7 Hanover St.) a few blocks from the Visitor Center.

10. Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

191W Atlantic Ave, Hull, MA 02045-3303 +1 617-223-8666 http://www.nps.gov/boha
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 570 reviews

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

This National Park consists of 34 small islands just off shore in Boston Harbor. The most popular, George's Island, is home to Fort Warren, a Civil War Landmark that housed Confederate prisoners. Visitors to the 12 islands open for exploration can camp, kayak, tour lighthouses, ride harbor ferries, hike and swim.

Reviewed By jenray1 - Boston, United States

Everything about this trip was perfect, from the friendly and informative park rangers, to the entertaining boat captain, to the lighthouse keeper in period costume and the helpful Coast Guard Auxiliary on the island. Make sure to get a climbing ticket if you can, the actual light is gorgeous and the view is stunning. I have sailed in and around Boston Harbor for 20 years and still found this trip to be informative and great fun.

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