Beautiful Vistas, Washington to Maine
When planning a road trip in the United States, you can take 3 options: the northern route, the southern route, and the middle. We'll be analyzing the northern route here, covering the states from Maine to Washington state. If a road trip is in your future, you can easily cover two different routes on your trip.
This route will cover the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Idaho, Michigan, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington.
Open up that Atlas!

Or, open up that Google Map. Now, figure out where you live on the big old map of the United States. Your beginning point should be as far east or west as you can make it to cover the most ground and see the most area. Heading directly east or west is best.
Northern States Poll
The northern states covered in this lens number at 21.
The Bulk of this Route
will be covered by only two interstates-- I-90 and I-84, as well as parts of I-5, I-15, and some smaller interstates in Wyoming.
What can you Expect to See on this Route?
This route will wind through the backroad areas New England has to offer, and shoot down to Manhattan and up New York state to see the Big Apple. From there, you'll head upstate to see the Catskills and Adirondack region. Once over those mountains, you'll proceed to Niagara Falls and across the cities of Erie, Pennsylvania, and over to Cleveland. This industrial area will lead to open prairie land until you reach the city of Chicago, which will turn back into prairie once leaving (very quickly, too!). Wisconsin and Minnesota landscape on the southern side will be flat farm land, but to the north lies some excellent parks and boreal forests. Once across Minnesota, you will enter the barren state of South Dakota. This will progressively become the Badlands region, culminating with Badlands National Park. This arid region transforms into the dry plains region of eastern Wyoming. Half-way across Wyoming, you will reach the Continental Divide, which abruptly seperates the state. As the interestate becomes less and less crowded, you'll visit the national parks of Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. A slow descent and over Hells Canyon in Idaho will bring you to Washington state. The high, mountainous region contains many national parks. This road will seemingly slant directly towards Seattle and the Washington shore. A trek down the Washington coast is an amazing journey, perfectly complimented with the high cliffs and waterfalls of Oregon. 
Sunset behind Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park
Starting in Maine
Maine and Washington are beautiful destinations to set your trip to. The rugged coastline of Maine is unlike the rest of the east coast, as you will quickly notice if you visit the rest of the eastern seaboard. Craggy shores lined with pines and firs make for dramatic New England scenery and a relaxing vacation spot.Maine is famous for a number of old lighthouses...over 60 to be exact! These antique maritime navigational aids are easy to reach from Route 1. Just like the Pacific Coast Highway of California, Maine's Route 1 provides outstanding views and the most direct route to all of the shoreside destinations of Maine. A few lighthouses you may recognize in particular. The massive Portland Head Light is the oldest in the United States (1791). At the top of the state, right on the US-Canada border, is West Quoddy Head Light. This striped red and white lighthouse is on the easternmost point of the United States.
The weather in Maine is very cool, nearly all year long. Temperatures rarely crest over 80° due to the high latitude and closeness to the cool Atlantic air. Expect nighttime temperatures to take a drop. Bring sweatshirts with you everywhere towards the end of the day or on the open ocean.
Starting at Acadia National Park, you can take Route 1 south along the coast to see all of the small Maine towns like Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Kittery, the capital of Portland, Rockland, Freeport, Kennebunk and Wells. From Portland, I-302 will take you directly into the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
What's cool: The small beach communites, rocky shores, great food and unique seascapes.
Disputed Land
You would think that everything is completely settled and concrete in terms of boundaries between the United States and Canada.
Wrong!
Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine and New Brunswick is still disputed as being part of either country.

Portland Head Lighthouse, Cape Elizabeth, Maine
New Hampshire
The Tax Free State!
From the White Mountains area, hop onto I-302 again west until you reach I-91 south. Heading south on I-91 will hug the Vermont-New Hampshire border until you reach the town of White River Junction. At this point, head north on I-89 to visit some small Vermont towns.
What's cool: The unmatched foliage of the fall, the easily accessible mountains, and the clean pine air
Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
Vermont
Vermont is best known for its stunning green mountains, rural towns, hilly backdrops and beautiful pastures. A trip down Interstate 4 will give you a good impression of what this state is all about. Starting from I-93 in White River Junction, you can find multiple exits for I-4 west to the Queechee Gorge. Past the Queechee Gorge, you'll find the small town of Woodstock--a great place to stop for lunch or stay for the day. Winding rivers criss-cross the road here, and many side roads will give just as impressive views. An excellent place to explore. Heading further west on I-4, you'll find the tall mountains of Killington and the city of Rutland. From here, enjoy the ride up I-7 north to Burlington and the views of the massive Lake Champlain, which is shared with Canada, or head south to the small towns and rolling hills of Massachusett's Berkshires.
What's cool: Quaint towns and babbling brooks surrounded by the lush Green Mountains
Massachusetts
The scenery of Massachusetts will definitely not bore you, because it changes in a short drive. Starting on the Mass Pike I-90, visit the Berkshires of the western end of the state. Historic Lee, Lenox, Williamstown and North Adams are all gems worth the short trip.
A short drive east will bring you to the city of Boston, New England's largest city and economic center. Besides having an enormous of history, Boston boasts many activities like the Boston Harbor Islands, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium and many fine restaurants.
South of Boston are some of the most famous and enjoyed beaches in the country on Cape Cod. This large peninsula is a long 100+ mile drive from one end to the other, but very worth it. A stroll along the busy canal is memorable and a great way to start your Cape trip. The coastal towns of Falmouth, Chatham, Dennis, Truro and Provincetown are some of the better known areas with amazing beaches and sites. In Nauset, be sure to visit the sprawling dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore. If you're really adventurous, take a ferry ride to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard, easily accessible from Hyannis, Harwichport and Wood's Hole.
What's cool: Sunny beaches and rolling dunescapes that aren't far from the city or from the mountains

The Mayflower II in Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts
Cape Cod Firework Display and Sunset
Cape Sunset Time Lapse
Time lapse sunset. The fireworks were a surprise! Music: BSC "Stars..."
Runtime: 1:05
123 views
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New England Guide
New England (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 10/13/2008)
Cities, towns, parks, beaches, mountains, restaurants and hotels alike are all featured in this handy, easy to carry guide. The small size is perfect for travel. Simple to read maps and at-a-glance features spotlight local museums, travel tips and areas you may not otherwise have paid attention to.
Rhode Island
Just a short drive from Massachusetts is Newport, Rhode Island--just a little over an hour away with no traffic. Clifftop mansions dot the rockly shoreline of this historic community that have been owned by families like the Vanderbildts and Rockefellers. To the north is the capital of Providence, a small city with prestigous schools and must-see walking trips.
What's cool: Visit the entire state in just one day! It's so small, yet so beautiful.

Rosecliff, a Newport Mansion in Rhode Island
Connecticut
The I-95 corridor of Connecticut carries the brunt of the well-known the state is known for. Cities like New Haven, Bridgeport, Greenwich, Old Lyme, Mystic and Old Saybrook provide gorgeous views of Long Island Sound. Further inland, you can find the capital of Hartford. A beautiful scenic ride up I-91 from New Haven will lead directly onto the Mass Pike.
What's cool: Beautiful marshes and tiny harbors make this a memorable seaside destination.
Manhattan

Image by Daniel Schwen
The small communities of Connecticut slowly get bigger as you travel down I-95 towards New York City. Multiple routes can be taken to get into the city, or if you prefer to avoid it, pass quickly through it by staying on I-95 to New Jersey.
Manhattan is divided roughly into 3 regions: uptown, downtown and midtown. 5th Avenue cuts across the middle and acts as an east/west side divider. These sections are further divided into neighborhoods like Soho, Tribeca, Little Italy, Chinatown, Hell's Kitchen, Times Square, Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan, and many more. The best way to get around Manhattan is by foot, subway or taxi. Parking here is expensive, and driving around town can be stressful if you are not experienced driving in NYC. Taking a cab or other means of transportation is highly recommended!
What's cool: Huge skyscrapers, foods from around the world, people from around the world, and famous sites like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center. Endless things to do and find in such a small space will never leave you bored.
Current Weather in New York City
New York State
It should be no surprise that New York City is one of the most visited international destinations and the United States' biggest city. A sharp contrast to the fast-paced metropolis lies only a few miles from the city. Upon leaving the city, a beautiful riverscape is apparent, with high mountain banks and beautiful bridges. Side roads along the Hudson River such as I-9 and the nearby Taconic Parkway provide gorgeous views of the state. This region is also home to largest state park in the country, Adirondack Park. Further upstate, the Adirondack Mountains decorate the scenery of Lake Champlain. To the west, rolling farmlands span to the Finger Lakes region and famous Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes region.
What's cool: The famous Niagara Falls will not disappoint in wonder, but don't forget the Hudson River Valley's natural beauty as well.

Bear Mountain Bridge in the Hudson River Valley of New York
Manhattan Video Tour
New Jersey

According to Wikipedia, New Jersey is at the epicenter of the "BosWash" megalopolis--a term used for the large, continuous city environment that is prevalent from the Washington DC area to Boston. As a middle ground between the huge cities of Philadelphia and New York City, it is largely a suburban home for commuters to the cities.
The shores of Jersey provide beautiful sandy beaches, marshes and inlets. Many towns like Ocean City provide seaside boardwalks lined with restaurants and shops, while quieter communities like Cape May are a serene alternative. At the end of the peninsula lies the Delaware River and the state of Delaware only a quick ferry ride away.
What's cool: Outstanding beaches and boardwalk communities that you'll never forget.
Pennsylvania
The social and ecological differences in Pennsylvania cover a large gamut. To the northwest lies the Ponoco Mountain region, a New York City retreat, the industrial Great Lakes region near Erie to the northeast, the classic Amish region to the south, the large city of Pittsburgh to the southwest, and the gigantic historical city of Philadelphia to the southeast. Philadelphia draws many tourists for its historic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, which are only a short drive from New Jersey. You can easily find Philadelphia off I-95.
What's cool: Stark contrast in regions and cool history in Philadelphia like the cracked Liberty Bell or nearby Gettysburg Battlefield.
Ohio
Home to the cities of Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, as well as over 11 million people, Ohio is one of the most populous states in the country. Ohio lies right on Lake Erie, with hundreds of miles of recreational coastline.
Along I-90, Cleveland is easily accessible from the New York state region and will be right along the northern route of your road trip.
What's cool: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is an easy on-off stop for your trip.

The Sears Tower in Chicago
Busy Place!
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was 2nd busiest airport in the world in 2005!
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Michigan
A well-kept secret in Michigan is that it actually has fantastic scenery on its long shoreline. Michigan consists of two peninsulas, the upper and lower. The Mackinac Bridge, a 5 mile long suspension bridge, connects the two peninsulas across the narrows of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. High palisade cliffs, stumbling waves, pine covered coastline and high dunes cover the beautiful coasts here. For some peace and quiet, head to Isle Royale National Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or Pictured Rocks National Seashore.
What's cool: The "third coast" Great Lakes area of Michigan has 115 lighthouses! That's way more than most Atlantic states.
Northern Midwest Videos
Indiana
Usually a bypass in getting to Chicago or to New York, Indiana does have its merits. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore along Lake Michigan is a surprisingly beautiful area that in some areas looks very similar to the east coast dunescapes of Massachusetts and the Outer Banks in North Carolina. A quick drive off of I-90 will bring you right to this area. At the epicenter of this mostly farmland state is the capital of Indianapolis. Dubbed the "Crossroads of America," you will certainly notice a huge amount of traffic coming through the state traveling back and forth from Chicago and New York.
What's cool: The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a quiet, remote place and a nice stopover and visual diffrentiation on the long trek across the midwestern states.
Illinois
Illinois is the cultural and economic epicenter of the Midwestern region. Endless prairies and farms surround the suburban area of Chicago, the 3rd largest city in the country. Chicago lies directly on Lake Michigan and the Chicago and Illinois rivers, providing unique water views all around the city. Some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world can be found in Chicago, such as the John Hancock Center and Sears Tower. In the city, you can find attractions such as Lincoln Park, which is similar to Central Park, the "Magnificent Mile" of shopping, Second City comedy troupe, and plenty of amazing local food.
What's cool: A trip to the top of the Hancock Center a the observatory provides an unmatched view of Lake Michigan, Chicago, and several different states.
Chicago
Wisconsin
Wisconsin lies on two of the Great Lakes and houses the populous Milwaukee region. To the north lies the Lake Superior lowlands, while the middle of the state has the frequently vacationed Wisconsin Dells area. Farmland region quickly turns into coniferous forests dotted with thousands of lakes. A tranquil escape for the midwest, Wisconsin can be easily traversed by following I-90 all the way across the state, from Chicago to Minnesota.

Just Weird: An upside down White House called "Top Secret" in the Wisconsin Dells
Minnesota
Most of the state of Minnesota livs in the St. Paul-Minneapolis metro area, known as the twin cities. Not far away is the famous Mall of America in Bloomington. Northern boreal forests cover much of the upper state, while western prairies are present in much of the rest. The state is nicknamed "Land of 10,000 lakes" because of its huge number (11,482 to be exact) of large lakes. The beginning point of the Mississippi River can be found in Minnesota's Ithasca State Park. Beautiful lakes, forests and wildlife are around in this region. Not too far is Voyageurs National Park to the north, with beautiful foliage, abundant wildlife and water activities.
What's cool: Thousands of unspoiled lakes and untouched, remote forest make for a placid, relaxing addition to your road trip.
South Dakota

You may think that South Dakota has little to see, but there really are plenty of interesting sites to see. Upon entering the state, you will proceed through Sioux Falls. Gas up and get lunch here, there's not much else for quite a drive. Driving across the open plains will bring you to the Badlands on the western part of the state. At its most impressive is Badlands National Park. A large collection of fossils have been found in this region of twisted spires and sandy red buttes. If you visit Wind Cave National Park in the southwest of North Dakota, you may come across one of the nation's only free roaming bison herds. Wind Cave is the 4th longest cave in the world at 125 miles! Temperatures can shift seasonally in South Dakota from extremely cold winter temperatures to summertime highs often reaching or near 100°.
Further west on I-90, you will find the Black Hills region and famous Mt. Rushmore. This famous mountain sculpture is a huge attraction (2 million annual visitors!) and a beautiful National Memorial. Continuing west on I-90 will bring you directly into the state of Wyoming.
What's cool: A surprising number of National Parks in a small area like Badlands, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore that are impressive and easy to get to.
Vintage Road Atlases
Don't bring this on your road trip! Unless you're hunted down old, extinct roads, this won't do you much good. But they look really cool!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byNorth Dakota
While not on the direct route of I-90, North Dakota offers another quiet plains environment. Coal mines and oil help drive the economy of this northern state. The largest city in the state, Fargo, is located on the eastern border near Minnesota. Much of the southwest of the state is continuous badlands like South Dakota. In this region lies Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a badlands-filled area with numerous wildlife which can be easily viewed du








































































































































































































































