Eights hours is the amount of time it takes to cross the border into the Green Mountain State (Vermont) from our home in Ohio. Crossing the Vermont border always feels something like a mother’s hug. Things get a little quieter. There are no billboards that line the highway. The distractions & stimulation are less. This would make our second annual trip to Vermont in the fall.
We left early Saturday and arrived as the sun was setting. The Bennington Welcoming Center was a nice surprise as our sweet, old dog, Grace, was getting restless from the long car ride. After stretching our legs, we journeyed north and setup camp in the dark at Hapgood Pond (Green Mountains NF /Site: 27 / $10) just outside of Peru. We fell in love with Peru & the J.J. Hapgood General Store on our first visit to Vermont. J.J. Hapgood is a great place to pick up some local food and goods. We grabbed delicious breakfast in the morning on the patio after hiking Pleiad Lake.
Sunday, 9/17: Peru, VT -> Burlington, VT
On Sunday we hiked in the Green Mountains, scoped out Mount Philo State Park, and treated ourselves to a maple creeme from Vermont Cookie Love on our drive into Burlington. We were lucky to grab a campsite at the pricey and jam packed Burlington City Campground / Site: 137 / $37 + tax. The campground fills up fast whenever there is a music festival. The campground does offer access to Lake Camplain and is a 2 mile walk to downtown Burlington. We fueled up with some coffee from Scout & Co. before hitting to road on Monday.
Monday, 9/18 Burlington, VT –> Twin Mountain, NH
Pit stop in Montpellier on way to the White Mountains. Chowed down on some of the best tacos at Mad Taco. Great bike shop: Onion River Sports. Arrived in the White Mountains (NH) in the early evening.
Camped: Sugarloaf II, Site 18
Quiet site overlooking the creek. Very scenic. Almost had the whole campground to ourselves.
Hiked: Zealand Trail. Had to turn around early as the sun was setting and the trail was too tough on the pups. The beginning of the trail is a large boulder field (or an old riverbed) making it unfriendly to older pups.
Would love to hike the Franconia/ Mount Lafayeete Ridge Trail Loop on a return visit.
Tuesday, 9/19: Twin Mountain, NH -> Passaconway NFS, NH
Drove to the top of Mount Washington. We started the day by following 302 through Crawford Notch to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center which serves up an unbelievably good egg sandwhich on a homemade English muffin. This visitor center is a haven for AT thru-hikers. Picked up beverages at Glen Beverage. Good selection of local brews.
Camped: Passacononway (White Mountains NFS) / Site 26 / $22
Located on the Kancamagus Scenic Highway 15 miles west of Conway, NH. The campground offers big pines and access by foot to a number of hiking trails.
Hiked: Mount Potash trail across the road from the campground.
Wednesday, 9/20: Passaconway NFS, NH –> Freeport, Maine
Headed to the Maine Coast. Ate breakfast at Sweet Maple Cafe in Conway, NH.
Camped Night 1: Wolfe’s Neck Farm, $51
Campsite on the shore of the Atlantic ocean. It was facsinating to watch the tide roll in and out. Very quiet. Saw harbor seals in the distance. Hiked on the farm property. Had a lobster roll for dinner in Freeport. When Pigs Fly serves up a diverse selection of homemade breads.
Camped Night 2:Enjoyed sleeping on the ocean but were looking for a more affordable camping option so we camped at the Winslow City Campground ($34). The campground was filled with many retirees in RVs that spend their summers living at the campground. It was very quiet. Site overlooked the ocean. We got to see an amazing sunset. We ate breakfast at the Bow Street Market (lots of to-go, cheap options) and drove into Portland for a clam chowder dinner at Gilbert’s Chowder House. The chowder was excellent. Although we did not stop there, the Maine Beer Company looked like a good local brewery. Would check it out on a return visit.
Friday, 9/22: Freeport, Maine –> Freeport, Maine
Fueled up with breakfast & coffee from Maples. Highly recommend! Drove back through the White Mountains. Went on a short hike near the Flume (Franconia). Stopped at the Green Mountain Orchards and the Putney Co-Op to stock up on our favorite Vermont cheeses and cider.
Camped: Molly Stark State Park campground on Rt 9. Site: 22, $22.
Campground is alright. Campsites are open in a mowed meadow-like area. Good option for a first or last night camp spot. The fire tower trail is a good hiking option offering great views on sunny days.
