From Boston’s historic streets to New Hampshire’s scenic byways and Maine’s rugged coastline, this seven-day New England road trip showcases the best of the region. The journey begins in Boston, heads into the White Mountains, then continues east to Acadia National Park before looping back to Boston along the coast, where lighthouses, harbors, and seaside towns round out a quintessential Northeast experience. This route feels especially magical in autumn when colorful fall foliage drenches forested slopes, country roads, and rocky shorelines. With mountain-to-coast scenery in one route, this is arguably one of New England’s best road trips.
Here’s your guide to planning the perfect seven-day New England road trip.
About the 7-Day New England Road Trip
This itinerary begins and ends in Boston, where Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) makes it easy to fly in, pick up a rental car, and set out on a scenic loop through New England. With three nights at Under Canvas White Mountains, three nights at Under Canvas Acadia, and a scenic drive back to Boston, this trip feels balanced and unhurried. It leaves room for iconic drives and standout sights, while still allowing for the spontaneous moments that make a road trip memorable, like a harbor stroll, a lighthouse stop, or a great meal in a beautiful setting.
7-Day New England Road Trip Snapshot
| Day | Route | Where to Stay | Top Sight |
| 1 | Boston to White Mountains | Under Canvas White Mountains | Kancamagus Highway |
| 2 | White Mountains | Under Canvas White Mountains | Franconia Notch
Flume Gorge Scenic rail journey |
| 3 | White Mountains | Under Canvas White Mountains | Diana’s Baths
Mount Washington Auto Road North Conway |
| 4 | White Mountains to Acadia | Under Canvas Acadia | Fort Knox
Artist’s Covered Bridge Coastal Maine |
| 5 | Acadia National Park | Under Canvas Acadia | Cadillac Mountain sunrise
Park Loop Road Bar Harbor |
| 6 | Acadia National Park | Under Canvas Acadia | Jordan Pond
Carriage Roads Sunset cruise |
| 7 | Acadia to Boston | Boston | Portland Head Light
Portsmouth Salem |
Total distance: 900 miles
Start/end point: Boston, Massachusetts
Best time to go: Late spring through early fall (May through October)
Day 1: Start in Boston, Drive the Kancamagus Highway, & Arrive in the White Mountains
Drive time: 3.5 hours | Distance: 200 miles
Fly into Boston, pick up a rental car, and head north toward New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The drive only takes about 2.5 hours, but it’s worth leaving room for a few quick stops along the way. You might pause for a few sights along Boston’s Freedom Trail or stop in Concord to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and admire the gold-domed State House. Keep these stops light, though. The main event is the scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway.
The Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112) is one of New England’s most scenic drives. This 34.5-mile byway runs between Lincoln and Conway through the White Mountain National Forest, with sweeping views, forested slopes, and scenic pullouts along the way. Drive it east from Lincoln to Conway, then turn around and return the same way to take it in from a different perspective. Experiencing the Kanc in both directions makes it a true highlight of your first day in the White Mountains.
Continue north for 45 minutes to Under Canvas White Mountains, where you can settle into your safari-inspired glamping accommodations for comfort in nature, surrounded by rolling meadows, orchards, and views of the Presidential Range.
Day 2: Explore the White Mountains: Franconia Notch, Flume Gorge, & a Scenic Rail Journey
Drive time: 2 hours | Distance: 85 miles
Spend the day exploring the White Mountains, where dramatic scenery, rushing water, and timeless mountain charm make this one of New England’s most rewarding regions. Start in nearby Franconia Notch State Park, one of New Hampshire’s most spectacular mountain corridors. One of the park’s signature attractions is Flume Gorge, a natural granite chasm at the base of Mount Liberty where boardwalks along a 2.2-mile trail lead past towering rock walls, covered bridges, waterfalls, and mossy forest.
Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance, as walk-up availability is not guaranteed.
Later, choose one of two classic rail experiences. For a more dramatic adventure, ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which climbs toward the highest peak in the Northeast for big mountain scenery and summit views. For something slower and more romantic, choose the Café Lafayette Dinner Train in North Woodstock (not far from Flume Gorge). This experience is less about elevation and panoramic vistas and more about atmosphere: a relaxed two-hour ride aboard vintage rail cars through the Pemi River Valley paired with a five-course meal.
By evening, return to Under Canvas White Mountains for upscale glamping and al fresco dining capped off with delicious s’mores around the campfire.
Day 3: Explore the White Mountains: Diana’s Baths, Mount Washington Auto Road, & North Conway
Drive time: 2.5 hours | Distance: 100 miles
With a third night in the White Mountains, you have time to explore the eastern side of the range around Mount Washington at a more relaxed pace.
Start at Diana’s Baths, just outside North Conway, where an easy ¾-mile walk leads to a series of waterfalls and pools along Lucy Brook. It’s a worthwhile stop because it rewards with little effort with picturesque, smooth granite, rushing water, and a peaceful forest setting.
From there, continue to the Mount Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch for one of the region’s signature experiences. This 7.6-mile drive climbs to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast at 6,288 feet, with dramatically changing scenery along the way. The drive typically takes about 30 minutes up and 30 minutes down. There is a fee to access the road. No reservations are required, though conditions are weather-dependent.
Afterward, head back to North Conway for lunch, a stroll through town, or some time near the Saco River, then return to Under Canvas White Mountains for one more night of glamping in the mountains.
Day 4: Drive from the White Mountains to Acadia
Drive time: 4.5 hours | Distance: 220 miles
Enjoy breakfast and get an early start to leave New Hampshire behind and make your way toward Maine.
A great first stop is Bethel, a classic New England town with a walkable downtown that is ideal for coffee or lunch. If you want to stretch your legs a bit more, you can also visit the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum or stop by the picturesque Sunday River Bridge (Artist’s Covered Bridge) in nearby Newry.
Farther along the route, stop by Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Observatory, where one of the best-preserved forts in New England is paired with sweeping river views. For a coastal-town stop, stop in Belfast instead, where the waterfront and historic downtown offer a charming introduction to Maine’s coast.
Check in at Under Canvas Acadia, set on 100 acres of waterfront property near Acadia National Park. After a long but scenic travel day, it’s the perfect place to refresh and unwind. Settle into your safari-inspired tent, relax on your private deck, and take in the fresh air and water views before your park adventures begin.
Day 5: Explore Acadia National Park: Cadillac Mountain, Park Loop Road, & Bar Harbor
Drive time: 4 hours | Distance: 70 miles
Start early for sunrise at Cadillac Mountain, one of Acadia’s must-do experiences. From the summit, you’ll take in sweeping views over the Porcupine Islands and Frenchman Bay. Reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from mid-May through mid-October from sunrise to sunset. You can visit without a vehicle reservation by arriving before sunrise, hiking the 2.2-mile one-way North Ridge Trail, or biking to the top.
Continue onto Acadia’s Park Loop Road, the park’s scenic 27-mile driving route that links many of its iconic sights. For a classic coastal stop, pull over at Sand Beach for a swim and walk part of Ocean Path, a scenic shoreline trail that runs toward Otter Point. Stop at overlooks like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff as you make your way around the loop.
Pro tip: The best time to check out Thunder Hole is 1–2 hours before high tide, when the splashes and thunderous booms are at their peak.
Pack a picnic lunch from Under Canvas Acadia to enjoy by the shore. Food options inside Acadia National Park are limited unless you leave the park for Bar Harbor, so bringing lunch will help you make the most of your time.
When you’re ready to leave the park, head into Bar Harbor for a dose of small-town coastal charm, strolling past colorful buildings and browsing shops for a souvenir before returning to camp.
By late afternoon or evening, settle back in at Under Canvas Acadia for live acoustic music, fresh Maine seafood, and s’mores around the campfire beneath the stars.
Day 6: Explore Acadia National Park: Jordan Pond, Carriage Roads, & Sunset Cruise
Drive time: 2 hours | Distance: 45 miles
Spend your second full day in Acadia exploring a quieter side of the park. Start at Jordan Pond, one of Acadia’s most photographed spots, reached from the Park Loop Road. Enjoy a famous popover on the lawn of the historic Jordan Pond House with stunning views. Reservations recommended.
After lunch, you can hike the easy 3.5-mile round-trip Jordan Pond Loop Trail around the entire pond to admire the surrounding hills known as “The Bubbles.”
From there, continue onto Acadia’s historic carriage roads, a 45-mile network of motor-free roads that weave through mountains, forests, and lakes. Whether you choose to bike or walk a scenic stretch, this part of Acadia offers a completely different feel from the coastal overlooks of the day before.
Round out the day with a sunset cruise on Acadia’s waters, where breathtaking coastal views, local history, and the chance to release a wish lantern make for a memorable evening. Enjoy fresh lobster rolls as the sun dips toward the horizon, then return to Under Canvas Acadia for one last night of glamping.
Day 7: Drive from Acadia to Boston
Drive time: 5 hours | Distance: 282 miles
Depart from Under Canvas Acadia and begin the scenic return south. This is the day that turns the trip into a loop, with time to enjoy a few meaningful coastal stops on the way back to Boston. Rather than trying to fit in too much, choose one or two places to linger and enjoy them well.
As you make your way down the coast, Portland and Cape Elizabeth are a natural stopping point. Break for a lobster roll, then visit Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, dramatically set on the rocky shoreline at Fort Williams Park just 15 minutes from downtown Portland. It’s one of New England’s most photographed views and a fitting finale to Maine’s scenery.
Farther south, for a true step back in time, stop in Portsmouth, NH, to stretch your legs and admire 1700s buildings and classic New England charm.
Just 30 minutes outside of Boston sits Salem, MA. Spend time here to learn about dark history and embrace autumn magic. Wander the charming streets and learn about the Salem Witch Trials. Keep an eye out for filming locations from the movie Hocus Pocus.
Continue to Boston for the night and check into a hotel near the airport or in the city. Ending with a simple overnight here makes departure day much smoother and allows you to enjoy the last stretch of your road trip to the fullest.
Tips for a New England Road Trip
- America the Beautiful Pass: If you visit multiple national parks in a year, the annual pass quickly pays for itself.
- Park Day Essentials: Pack snacks, plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection to stay comfortable.
- Timed Entry Requirements: Check the National Park Service website for reservation, timed-entry, and permit requirements.
- Fuel & Cell Service: Fill up when you can, and download offline maps if cell service is limited.
- Stay & Save: Staying at two or more Under Canvas camps gets you 20% off your multi-camp stay. Contact the reservations team at 888-496-1148 or reservations@undercanvas.com.
Where to Stay on a New England Road Trip
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with upscale, safari-inspired glamping at Under Canvas camps in New England. Each camp blends comfort and adventure through thoughtfully designed canvas tents, upscale amenities, optional en suite bathrooms, cozy king-size beds, dining, and campfire traditions. Enjoy daily camp programming for all ages, nightly s’mores, and adventures for an unparalleled experience in nature.