Great Lakes to North Eastern US - All US, no Canada

[msg4jules]

Planning our first road trip and would like ideas for where to stop and what to see along the way. Our farthest point is going to be Acadia National Park. We don't want to go through Canada. We've already done that route and been to Niagara Falls and Toronto are hoping for advice on USA places to go and see as we venture forth on our vacation. Time is limited and we only have 10 days for this adventure. We enjoy biking, hiking, historical sites and beauty of nature. Thanks for any must see/must do tips one might offer. Also, any tourist traps we must avoid? Thanks!

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Well, 'Great Lakes' covers an awful lot of ground for your starting point. Given that you say you don't want to go through Canada/Niagara Falls, I can assume that you're starting out from somewhere west of Detroit, but that's about it. If you're just interested in getting to Maine in relatively short order, then I-90 is your route of choice. If you're looking for something more leisurely, then you might want to consider US-20 or US-30 through Ohio and US-6 through northern Pennsylvania. Once you're in New England, there is no dearth of things to see.

AZBuck

[msg4jules]

Thanks for the prompt reply. We are interested in each day being a destination of it's own but ultimately we would like to go no farther (on this trip) than Acadia National Park. We begin this journey in Central Michigan and are not opposed to exploring some of the Great Lakes region even though that is not the primary reason for this trip. I will look into US-20 and US-30 and also US-6. Does anyone have any advice on things to see/do along the way while in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania?

[Lifemagician]

In eastern Ohio there is Cuyahoga Valley NP. All of PA is incredibly scenic with numerous sites to visit. Are you using good quality maps, or trying to put this together with electronics.

Good maps will show you where all the points of interest are - natural, historical and touristy. If you are a member of AAA go and pick up your free maps there. Or you might like to get a road atlas such as the Rand McNally. These publications show you exactly what is where and hilight all the scenic routes.

I have always enjoyed driving US-20 and US-30, while US-6 blew me away the first time I drove it. Be sure to allow lots of time for it, there is so much to see/do.

Lifey

[msg4jules]

Are you using good quality maps, or trying to put this together with electronics.

I have always enjoyed driving US-20 and US-30, while US-6 blew me away the first time I drove it. Be sure to allow lots of time for it, there is so much to see/do.

Lifey

I am trying to put this together electronically, but I will get a good road atlas so I can properly navigate and not miss the best parts of the route. What was it exactly that blew you away about US 6? Interest piqued. Eager to get this journey started!

Thanks for all the helpful advice.
Newbie to this road trippin' life.

[Lifemagician]

What was it exactly that blew you away about US 6? Interest piqued.

When I was first in the US, a decade and a half ago, I did not know anything about the attractions or history. In western PA I was given a brochure at the visitor centre, which stated that US-6 is more of a destination in itself, rather than just a route. All the hilights were on that brochure. If you followed the link Buck included in his post, you will get most of what was on that brochure. (In those days I did not yet have the internet.)

One thing I am sorry that you will not see, is the magnificent Kinzua railway tressle bridge. It was spectacular when I saw it in 2001. Unfortunately a tornado in 2003 took it down, after it had stood for more than a century. When built I believe it was the tallest accross a valley, and part of the link which ended the need for canals to carry cargo.

Kinzua State Park is still a great visit, with all its history and pictures there.

Enjoy US-6 in PA.

Lifey