New England is made up of six states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. The region covers more than 70,000 square miles and is home to more than 15 million people. Needless to say, there's a lot of ground to cover, so you should start your trip planning by determining whether you want to visit a particular state or take a road trip through multiple New England destinations.
The drive from the capital of Connecticut (Hartford) to the capital of Maine (Augusta) takes about four hours, but following the highway between the two won't allow you to meander as you should. Your best bet is to pick a destination (for example, Newport, Rhode Island; Salem, Massachusetts; Bar Harbor Maine, or Stowe, Vermont) or a route that will take you to some of the most pristine landscapes (think: New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway). Hikers might even want to travel New England on foot via the Appalachian Trail, which snakes through Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
It's also important to consider the varied weather. Day by day and state by state, things can change in a moment. Be prepared for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cold nights. Pack layers, and bring gloves and a hat. You won't regret it.
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