Maine and Maritime Provinces (seeking travel advice) - Page 2

Lorraine Pittsburgh · 11-30-2021, 11:26 AM

Hi Alan,

I'm late to the party, as usual. ;-) Glad to see that you're planning a long adventure in your new 5.0!

Here are 2 recommendations for diversions on your way.

While driving through Great Smoky Mountains NP, up the Blue Ridge Pkwy, & along the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah NP would mean never getting as far as ME, a detour along part of Skyline Drive would make a lovely diversion, & includes a favorite hike of mine.

A possible plan: Coming or going via I-81 through VA would take you through some pretty country on a fairly direct route. Driving the section of the Skyline Drive between Front Royal (north end) & Swift Run Gap (above Harrisonburg off I-81) is about 65 miles. Plan to take a good 4 hours drive time as many scenic pullouts will call to you. This map might be helpful.
Skyline Drive Parkway Map-Shenandoah National Park | Skyline Drive Overlooks Shenandoah National Park

There are a number of nice hikes, but the best one I've found by far is Bear Fence Rock Scramble. All the details can be found at the link below. While this does involve some (not too much) actual scrambling over rocks, it is quite doable by going slowly & taking breaks. The view at the top are worth every step!
https://gohikevirginia.com/hiking-bearfence-mountain/

Going the other direction, a stop in Pittsburgh might be of interest. (I can't offer you a break from the trailer as, hopefully, my home will be sold by then.) The Carnegie Museums of Natural History & Art are actually wings of one building, & there are a variety of worthwhile sections. The dinosaur rooms are worth a stroll through just for the way the displays have been redone, & the Hall of Architecture (https://cmoa.org/about/hall-of-architecture/) is unique in the US. Otherwise, I like to just wander through & see what catches my fancy. Top off a visit with a ride up the Duquesne Incline (Official site of the Duquesne Incline) to Mount Washington around sunset for views of the city - be sure to notice the old photographs & newspaper stories about Pittsburgh at the top. This incline is one of several dozen that used to carry miners from the tops of the hills down to the mines at the bottom - actually an old commuter line: park at the bottom of the Incline.

Hoping to see reports of your travels. Be well, Lorraine

Fender · 11-30-2021, 12:50 PM

I've noticed that my home Province of New Brunswick is not well represented in the "Things to do in Atlantic Canada" lists!

I would highly recommend the spectacular Fundy Trail Parkway. Construction of the Parkway started in the mid 90's with additional trail added yearly. Last year the trail was completed linking Fundy National Park to the trail. Camping is available at both ends of the Fundy Trail either in St. Martens (home of world's best seafood chowder) or Sussex, NB
The Fundy Trail has it all. Drive, walk or bike or any combination thereof. Dozens of incredible, easily accessed lookouts and waterfalls. A wonderful interpretive centre adjacent to a very cool footbridge over the Big Salmon River.
A few years ago we did the hike to the Hearst Lodge. Built by the Hearst Family (yes, those Hearsts!) in the 1960's for the purpose of fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon and purchased by the New Brunswick government in the 90's. Many celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, have apparently been guests of the Hearsts at the lodge. When we did the hike you could also purchase a package that included a home cooked meal at the lodge.
An example of when our governments do something right! Highly recommended!

https://fundytrailparkway.com

Andrea · 11-30-2021, 01:03 PM

HI VERMILYE,
I tried to print your Nova Scotia trip, but the green made it difficult to read. Any suggestions on how I could eliminate the green? looks like a great trip!!
Thanks, Andrea