The East Coast is the home of some of the most beautiful landscapes and picturesque mountains. From the rugged peaks of New Hampshire to the rocky coastline to Maine, the scenic views are pure delight. If you are looking for babbling streams, deciduous forests, and breathtaking trails, check our recommendations below for the best backpacking on the East Coast. And if you are looking for proper gear on your next outdoor adventure, check here for the best deals on sleeping bags, tents, pads, and everything you might need on such a trip.
Best Backpacking on the East Coast
The Long Trail, Vermont
While the East Coast features unpredictable weather conditions and diverse terrain, it can be quite challenging to pick the best place for camping or sightseeing. Vermont is a place that offers thousands of acres of mountain terrain, beautiful towns, rolling hills, and amazing views. It’s a popular place among locals and other states’ tourists throughout the year.
The ultimate Backpacking Trail to do in Vermont is the Long Trail. It is the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the US and is where Benton Mackaye, the man who came up with the idea of the Appalachian Trail, was inspired to create the AT atop Stratton Mountain in southern Vermont.
And what makes this place so special are the mountains and the small population. It’s a place where you’ll find peace, solitude, and relaxation. If you are an animal person and you bring your dog on every hike, Vermont is the right choice for you. You can enjoy a 6-mile round trip up to the Camel’s Hump and enjoy the views from atop Mount Mansfield. The Log Trail traverses both of those epic mountains.
The best time of the year to visit Vermont is probably the fall when amazing sceneries will take your breath away. However, all year round is available and in the winter period, you can go snowboarding or skiing.
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Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a national treasure. It’s an hour from Washington D.C. and it’s every hiker’s ultimate dream. Scenic trails, cascading waterfalls, and historical landmarks are located in this park. Its road of 105 miles features around 70 scenic views. There’s a variety of wildlife, old forests, and a lot of trails where you’ll see cemeteries, settlements, and structures. It’s affordable for hikers of all abilities, family trips, history lovers, and solitude seekers.
You can enjoy a hike up the Hawksbill Mountain, drive along the Skyline Drive, hike around Rapidan camp which was once a presidential camp, and enjoy a sunrise hike to the top of Bearfence Mountain. The best time of the year to visit the park is spring. And summer probably, but bear in mind, this period is the busiest throughout the year.
The Beehive, Acadia
The Beehive trail is the best one yet. It’s named after the classic beehive shape of the cliff and with its steep sides of the cliff, it’s the ultimate trail for experienced hikers. Combined with the narrow ledges, the trail is not recommended for those weak of heart and those scared by heights. However, it’s the best choice for adrenaline seekers.
You can even see families taking the courage to hike and conquer this beast. And later being rewarded with the amazing views of the Great Head Peninsula and the Sand Beach. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of hiking all the way up through the narrow-shaped cliff, there’s an easier path. The Bowl trail is a more appropriate path and easier to hike on. But, hey, we all have our type of fun!
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Katahdin Dudley, Knife Edge, Baxter State Park, Saddle Trail Loop
All of these hiking trails are part of your technical climbing to complete the Knife’s Edge. the Knife’s Edge is a narrow and exposed section with a steep scree slope and large boulders. We do not recommend taking a hike in windy weather conditions, and not in the rain because it might be dangerous. The Hunt trail is a longer path to access the Knife’s Edge, so you can decide which path you’ll take.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are located from northern Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. If you go on this hike, you’ll enjoy 615 miles of pure beauty. These mountains are decorated with expansive views, cascading waterfalls, and hardwood forests. Whether you are an experienced hiker or you are looking for a new adventure as a novice, the Blue Ridge’s trail has something for everybody.
You can enjoy a challenging hike to the top of Mountain Mitchell, take a guided backpacking trip to Shining Rock Wilderness and go for a scenic drive along the parkway. The best time of the year to visit the mountains in summer, fall, and spring. Summer is usually crowded, so you might want to organize your trip in the fall or spring period. And since the temperatures do not usually drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you can go winter hiking as well. And enjoy the great scenery. The hiking choices are limitless, yours is to decide what type of hike you prefer!