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5.22.08
Straight-Up Trippin'
Summer is checking in, and it's time for you to get out.
Here's a few trip ideas so you can use your vacation time wisely . . . or,
better yet, call in sick.
Paddle the
Northern Forest Canoe Trail - Maine to New York -
Stretching 740 miles from northern Maine to upper state New York,
chances are you won't paddle the entire epic trail this year . . . or
ever. But paddling a section for a long three- or even four-day weekend
will be one of the highlights of your year. And there's plenty of great
sections to choose from, as the waterway offers everything from
flatwater to whitewater, rivers to ponds, as it winds its way through
remote stretches of northern New England.
 Hike
The Other Mount Washington -
Massachusetts - Some people might be surprised to know New England
has more than one Mount Washington. In southwestern Massachusetts, Mount
Washington State Park is part of a cluster of spectacular state parks
that offer great hikes, wilderness camping and amazing scenery. The
South Taconic Trail tops out with great views from the summit of
2,250-foot Alander Mountain. And a beautiful section of the Appalachian
Trail is nearby. Trails also connect to nearby
Bash Bish Falls State Park,
Mount Everett State Reservation
and
Jug End State Reservation and
Wildlife Management Area.
Mountain Bike the Arcadia Management
Area - Rhode Island - New England's smallest state
has a huge and killer place to ride in the Arcadia Management Area. The
area has more than 14,000 acres of forest filled with trails. The
terrain has something for all abilities. Given the AMA's size, if you're
new to the area be sure to use a map so they don't have to send a search
party for you.
Hike the Carter
Loop Trail - New Hampshire - To enjoy the taller peaks and
great views of the White Mountains, but without the crowds of Mount
Washington, spend a day hiking the Carter Loop Trail. The 10.2-mile
trail provides a challenging hike, summiting Carter Dome (4,832 feet)
and Mount Hight (4,675 feet) along the way. But those summits also
reward hikers with some of the best views in the Whites. For one hiker's
account of this trail, check out this site:
http://www.angio.net/personal/climb/tr/ws-2k-carter.html.
Kayak the
Deerfield River - Massachusetts - Winding through the
northern towns of western Massachusetts, the Deerfield River is the
premier whitewater river in southern New England. Whitewater paddlers
flock to the river when the hydro dams release water, and, depending on
what you're looking for and when you go, sections of the river can range
from Class I to Class IV. If you want to hook up with an outfitter,
Zoar Outdoor and
Crabapple Whitewater
operate on the river. To find out dam release schedules, check out
www.h2oline.com/ma.asp.
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