Top Hikes in New England for an Early Start: Exploring Pioneering Trails
Embark on a captivating adventure through some of New England's most breathtaking landscapes, as we delve into two of the region's favourite backpacking destinations: Sandy Neck in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the Taconics in Northwest Connecticut and Southwest Massachusetts.
Sandy Neck, a six-mile-long dune spit along the south shore of Cape Cod Bay, boasts a broad sandy beach at its northern margin. Nestled within its rolling swales of sand, inland, beach grass and twisted pitch pines create a picturesque scene. In the heart of this natural wonder, a small backcountry camping area awaits, offering a unique overnight experience for backpackers. The round-trip distance to this camping area is approximately 7.9 miles, making it an accessible yet rewarding journey.
The cost for camping at Sandy Neck is $20, and sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information about backcountry camping at Sandy Neck, visit the DEP's Backpack Camping page.
Meanwhile, the Taconics hike, spanning nearly 17 miles, offers a unique experience as it travels atop an ancient bedrock without crossing a single road. This hike includes visits to the highest peak in Connecticut (Bear Mountain) and the second-highest in Massachusetts (Mount Everett), old-growth hemlock forest, bonsai'd pitch pines, waterfalls, and nine different places to spend the night.
Connecticut State Forests offer nine backpacking shelters and seven designated backcountry camping areas for those looking for a more remote overnight spot. Please note that permits must be requested by mail for backcountry camping in Connecticut State Forests.
For a comprehensive overview of these hikes, join the presentation at REI in Reading, Mass., on May 27 at 7 p.m. This event will feature favourite trips and photos from the guidebook AMC's Best Backpacking Trips in New England, as well as insights into other popular early-season backpacking destinations in New England, such as the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the 100-Mile Wilderness section of the Maine Appalachian Trail.
Whether you're an experienced backpacker or a beginner, these hikes offer a diverse range of ecosystems and stunning vistas that are sure to make your journey unforgettable. So, gather your gear and embark on a New England adventure that promises to be both challenging and rewarding. Happy trails!
Engaging in backpacking trips in New England's extraordinary landscapes not only offers an opportunity for outdoor-living and home-and-garden-inspired moments, but also serves as a gateway to a unique lifestyle that blends sports with nature's wonders. Throughout your adventure, Sandy Neck's backcountry camping area and the Taconics' elaborate hike provide memorable overnight experiences, together with the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the 100-Mile Wilderness section of the Maine Appalachian Trail.
