What to do and see in New England, New England: The Best Historic Walking Areas

July 14, 2021 Brain Ambrose

Discover the best top things to do in New England, New England including Height of Land, Marginal Way, The Long Trail, Ship Harbor Nature Trail, Minuteman Trail Bikeway, Cliff Walk, Freedom Trail, Mount Agamenticus, Ocean Drive, Benefit Street.
Restaurants in New England

1. Height of Land

Rangeley, ME +1 207-864-7311 [email protected] http://www.rlht.org
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 281 reviews

Height of Land

This 512 acre- parcel has been conserved by RLHT to forever ensure that this spectacular vista remains unspoiled. Located along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and bordering the Maine Bureau of Public Lands, the Appalachian Trail, Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Bemis Stream, the “Height of Land” parcel is identified on virtually every map, tour guide, brochure and website that focuses on the Rangeley Lakes region. This spot provides one of the most stunning overlooks in New England. With magnificent views of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes and the White Mountains, this forested lake landscape provides the perfect setting for artists, tourists and all who appreciate mountain air and spectacular scenery. RLHT purchased the 512-acre property in 2008 from a large timber company and is currently engaged in a campaign to complete the funding of the acquisition.

Reviewed By suehZ5112FZ - New Gloucester, United States

Wonderful views of the Rangeley Lake region. Fall is definitely time to visit and take panoramic pictures.

2. Marginal Way

Ogunquit, ME +1 207-641-2200 https://www.marginalwayfund.org/marginal-way/history/
Excellent
89%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5,225 reviews

Marginal Way

A scenic 1.5 mile oceanside cliffwalk.

Reviewed By billwetherhornsr - Greenfield, United States

A gorgeous seaside walk on a well paved path that twists and turns its way from Beach Street to end in the picturesque village of Perkins Cove, perhaps one of the prettiest hamlets in Southern Maine. Tiny shops and restaurants wind their way around this small village, each on begging to be explored. Enjoy a succulent lobster roll at one of the dozen restuaranta and watch the boats glide into the cove. Cross the white drawbridge and enjoy the view. Then make your way back onto Marginal Way to enjoy the ocean vistas. A perfect Maine day!

3. The Long Trail

VT +1 802-244-7037
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

The Long Trail

Hiking trail in the Green Mountains that extends the length of Vermont.

Reviewed By Thelongtrail-1

We must keep The Long Trail available for hikers and nature enthusiasts forever!!! This is one of the few places you can truly feel free and at peace.

4. Ship Harbor Nature Trail

Bass Harbor, Tremont, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.acadiamagic.com/ship-harbor-trail.html
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 132 reviews

Ship Harbor Nature Trail

This scenic hiking trail winds around a tiny cove.

Reviewed By danihawk - New York City, United States

This trail was a highlight of my visits to Acadia because it's a short, fun hike/nature walk that offers minimal effort, maximum payoff on the gorgeous landscapes that make the area so unique. It's a few minutes from Bass Harbor Lighthouse, and my husband and I were able to do both in one morning without even having to get up early. We probably arrived around 10am and didn't have any trouble finding parking. You pass through beautiful woods and a lake before hitting the ocean and tide pools. We ran into maybe 10 other families on the Thursday before Labor Day weekend, but it was still a great place to find some peace away from the crowds around Ocean Trail and Jordan Pond. I'd love to visit again in late spring/early summer when more wildflowers are blooming.

5. Minuteman Trail Bikeway

+1 781-316-3090 http://www.minutemanbikeway.org/
Excellent
58%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

Minuteman Trail Bikeway

This 10-mile paved path covers part of the route of Paul Revere's midnight ride.

Reviewed By oldbiker52

The Minuteman rail trail runs from Bedford to Cambridge, Ma. 12 miles one way. It is a very well maintained trail rich in history. The trail runs along the side of Lexington green the site of the Revolutionary battle. Bedford, Arlington and Cambridge are also rich with history. There are two addition trails that start in Bedford. One of which leads to the Old North Bridge in Concord five miles away. Definitely worth the ride or hike.

6. Cliff Walk

Newport, RI 02840-3659 401 849-8048 https://www.discovernewport.org/things-to-do/cliff-walk/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,342 reviews

Cliff Walk

A scenic 3.5 mile walkway that borders the back lawn of The Breakers and many other Newport mansions.

Reviewed By Kirkpatd - Whitehead, United Kingdom

We parked at Easton beach (free) so you also get the benefit of the beach before you start the walk At this point the walk is pathed so very easy and on one side you get great views of the Atlantic Ocean and views back over the town. On the other side you get a view of the mansions and stately homes of the rich and famous About a mile into the walk the path becomes a little more challenging as you have to manoeuvre across rocks and uneven ground but this is not majorly difficult and you can pass with care. Make sure you have good soled shoes or trainers to give a bit more support The walk itself is about 3.5 miles and you end up at a small beach and from there you can get a trolley bus back into town if you don’t want to do the return leg Bring water, sun cream and a camera you won’t be disappointed

7. Freedom Trail

139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111 +1 617-357-8300 [email protected] http://www.thefreedomtrail.org
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17,358 reviews

Freedom Trail

The red line on the sidewalk leads you on this 2.5-mile, self-guided tour of American Revolution sites. It starts at the Boston Common, America's oldest public park, and ends at the famed Bunker Hill Monument.

Reviewed By 434eileenb - Wheaton, United States

American history starts here- Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Boston Tea Party Site, the Granary Burial ground, King's Chapel, Old Corner Book Store are all must see sites. The "Red" trail takes you to all these places and more. Very easy walking short segments of the trail. Everyone friendly and wearing masks. We started at Boston Common. Visitor center didnot have any free maps -the one they had was $3.00 and it was the same as we got at our hotel..so pick one up at your hotel if possible. They also had bathrooms. Parking is free on Sundays on the streets so get there early in the day We stopped at Faneuil Hall for lunch and shopping. Visitor center was closed (not sure if is opened at all) We drove over to USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). We found parking on the street. We didnot see any parking lots. Visitor center/museum was $10 per adult and worth visiting. The ship is free but they only allow 25 people at a time so go early in the day. Be prepared to stand in sun as they have limited shade and they do security and virus checks.

8. Mount Agamenticus

21 Mount Agamenticus Road, York, ME 03907-3622 +1 207-361-1102 http://www.agamenticus.org
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 306 reviews

Mount Agamenticus

Excellent trails for mountain biking and hiking.

Reviewed By omarg129 - Phoenix, United States

A must do for everyone, beautiful scenery, easy access, hiking trails very well delineated, beautiful viewers. The best time to go during sunset, is magical, for photographers and enthusiastic a great opportunity to capture nature. Amazing place to commute with nature.

9. Ocean Drive

Newport, RI http://www.oceandrivenewport.com
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,924 reviews

Ocean Drive

The marked scenic route along the dramatic Atlantic shoreline that circles Newport.

Reviewed By 1973romabella - New York City, United States

It’s just a wonderful drive or you can stop and sun bathe , or just have a picnic , you can also fly a kite , lots of fun for the whole family

10. Benefit Street

Providence, RI http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/listing/benefit-streets-mile-of-history/97
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Benefit Street

A mile of history is packed onto this cobblestone street lined with historic buildings. The Nightingale-Brown House, built in 1792, home to five generations of the Nicholas Brown Family (of Brown University) is a "must see" on the block.

Reviewed By MayLehmannNYC - New York City, United States

Shy of two miles long, Benefit street is a veritable "stroll" back in history as the street highlights 18th and 19th architecture. Modern street lights are replaced by faux gas lights which only add to the charm of this street. A walk at dusk when the lights come on is a must!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.