8 Most Scenic Small Towns in New England
New England is an incredible destination filled with history, natural beauty, and adventures. All of these amazing features and more are best experienced across the scenic towns in this region, some of which are perched beside river banks and the gorgeous shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. Every season, these towns put on new looks to stun visitors; whether during the freezing winter or the refreshing spring, there is always something to appreciate in these towns. From the world-famous ski town of Stowe to the town of Bar Harbor and its coastal allure, here are the most scenic towns in New England worth running to on the next available flight.
Rockport, Massachusetts
Rockport is a scenic seaside resort town on Cape Ann, overlooking the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This town in Massachusetts is home to several beaches where visitors can bask in the ocean's beauty, sunbathe, enjoy picnics, swim, build sand castles, surf, and play like time does not exist. Some of the top beaches here include - Old Garden, Pebble, Cape Hedge, Long, Front and Back Beaches. Rockport is also home to Halibut Point State Park, where visitors can explore numerous tide pools and trails, hold picnics on rock ledges, and catch scenic views of the nearby Mount Agamenticus. For more scenery and adventures, visit the Headlands for charming views of the water, and then take a boat to nearby Thacher Island to see two iconic lighthouses on the majestic bluff.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a picturesque mountain town in Vermont, renowned as the Ski Capital of the East. This town is home to the Stowe Mountain Resort, which boasts 13 lifts and 116 ski runs at all levels. Whether it is lessons along slow slopes or jumps on expert routes, there is something for every skier here. Visitors can also experience the Gondola Skyride to witness spectacular views of mountains and greenery. For a more hands-on experience, visitors can go hiking or biking on the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreational Trail, which begins at the historic Stowe Village and ends at the postcard-perfect covered bridge. Similarly, the Smugglers Notch State Park offers pristine wilderness to hike, camp, and see a waterfall. If the waterfall seemed interesting, head to Moss Glen Falls to hike and see more waterfalls.
Brattleboro, Vermont
Brattleboro is a quaint town nestled along the strip of land at the confluence of West River and Connecticut River in Vermont. Ode to the cascading river, the town beckons travelers with gorgeous scenery and natural attractions like Fort Drummer State Park, featuring scenic trails, and West River Park, featuring a river for swimming, hiking trails, and picnic areas. For more adventures, visitors can rent a boat at the Vermont Canoe Touring Center and proceed to explore the town’s waterbodies. Choose between various activities, from kayaking through calm waters to fishing along the coast. Meanwhile, one can soak in more views inland at the Creamery Covered Bridge and stop at the Brattleboro Farmer’s Market afterward to shop for food and handmade crafts.
Camden, Maine
The beautiful Camden rests at the foot of Camden Hills in Penobscot Bay, where it prides itself as the Jewel of the Maine Coast. It takes one visit to Camden Harbor to agree that this town is truly exciting as it offers a ton of activities, including fishing, boating, and sailing. Visitors can patronize the several tour companies at this harbor, offering cruises around the bay, down to several small nearby islands, including Curtis Island, home to the iconic Curtis Island Lighthouse. Next, visit the Camden Hills State Park to hike to the summit of Mount Battie and relish in picture-perfect views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Not satisfied? Head to Harbour Park to savor more natural scenery with plenty of picnic spots for the whole family.
Ogunquit, Maine
The name Ogunquit means "beautiful place by the sea," and this is already a guarantee that the town is full of scenery. Here, visitors are welcomed by aquatic attractions like the Ogunquit River, which flows through the town and offers fishing, kayaking, swimming, and boating opportunities. Further aquatic splendor is available by walking the the iconic 1.25-mile Marginal Way that hugs the Atlantic Ocean and bypasses a beautiful lighthouse, beaches, and ends at Perkins Cove - a small fishing village filled with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The cliff walk also leads to Ogunquit Beach, which features three miles of charming dunes. Take a break from the waters and head to the Barn Gallery to browse some exhibitions, or visit the Ogunquit Heritage Museum to learn more about the town.
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a laid-back and scenic town on the southern edge of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. This town's beauty revolves around natural attractions like Echo Lake State Park, an excellent place for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Rock climbers are also welcome to this park as it is home to Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges, which present incredible views of the White Mountains. Conway Lake is another stunning natural attraction in this town that offers boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities. With bass, bluegill, and catfish in the lake, one can enjoy a relaxing evening of sport fishing. More things to do for scenery in North Conway include - a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, a walk to the 75-foot Diana Bath waterfalls, and a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway.
Bar Harbor, Maine
If there's just one place to visit in New England, it should be Bar Harbor, one of Maine's priceless coastal jewels. This beautiful town in Mount Desert Island is home to the largest portion of Acadia National Park, where visitors rejoice at the sight of mountains, streams, lakes, rivers, forests, beaches, coastlines, meadows, and hiking trails that lead to them all. Besides hiking, other activities like kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, swimming, and canoeing are available in this park. It also features the Abbe Museum, where visitors can learn about the area’s indigenous Wabakani people.
Agamont Park is another exciting attraction worth a visit in Bar Harbor, as it offers gorgeous views of Frenchman Bay and great picnic areas. Away from the parks, Downtown Bar Harbor is another great place to soak in some scenery, shop for souvenirs, and dine at local restaurants. Before leaving, head to Bar Harbor pier to take some photos and go cruising in the waters.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a beautiful town on Aquidneck Island that is famous for its incredible sailing history and exciting attractions. On arrival, visitors here can have the first bite of the town's natural scenery at the Newport Cliff Walk, a photogenic 3.5-mile public walkway offering spectacular ocean views. After that, the town's beaches are ideal destinations to relax, enjoy the sun, and admire the seaside allure. Some top beaches to choose from include - Easton Beach (the largest beach in town), King Park Beach (great for picnics and fishing), and Gooseberry Beach (great for relaxation).
Besides the shorelines, Newport is home to some exciting parks like Brenton Point State Park, where visitors can fish, hold picnics, explore the iconic Portuguese Discovery Monument, and admire Narragansett Bay as it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery doesn’t end with the outdoors but is also palpable through the town’s history. For example, history buffs can check out the rustic White Horse Tavern, believed to be one of the oldest taverns in the United States as it was opened in 1673.
The picturesque towns of New England are great places to craft sensational experiences against the backdrop of unspoiled nature. Whether one sits back and admires boats sailing on a harbor or hiking into the mountains to explore, every moment in these towns is memorable. The sea, the mountains, history and old-world charms, lively cultures, social locals, and crisp, clear air combine to make them even more exciting. Unplug from the noise of cities today and find rest, serenity, and beauty in these small towns in New England.
