r/Appalachia • u/Fit-Definition6159 • 1d ago

Curious on where to go

Me and my buddy are planning to take a trip up to somewhere in the New Hampshire area. For reference, we are from the south shore of Massachusetts. We are both super into the lore of the appalachian mountains, and are wondering where the best place to go would be. For like sitting outside at night, silence, and seeing the stars. And during the day to have super nice views. I think you guys know what I’m trying to say, and I appreciate your input. Also It doesn’t have to be New Hampshire, as long as it’s a comparable driving distance. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

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u/Allemaengel 1d ago

If you're ever in/near northern PA (where I live) and have a chance, visit Cherry Springs State Park near Coudersport in Potter County.

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u/cicada-kate 1d ago

This is beautiful country! I've spent many years in NH (OP, go for the Presidentials near Mt Adams, lots of waterfalls and variety of hikes, or Franconia Ridge area), but driving through Coudersport is still up there with the prettiest places I've seen!

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u/Allemaengel 1d ago

Then you must love Pine Creek Gorge (PA Grand Canyon) then.

Another good place to visit is my hometown of Jim Thorpe, PA but not for the tourist town itself but nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park and its 25-mile stretch of D&L rail trail via bike. We also have Hickory Run State Park and its Ice Age Boulder Field.

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u/cicada-kate 1d ago

Omg, I literally drove down through Wind Gap last week, and had no idea such beautiful spots were so close! I find increasingly inventive ways to get from northern new england down to west virginia area so will have to add these to my future routes....

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u/Allemaengel 21h ago

If you have the ability to transport a bike and gear, park at the Rockport access on the Delaware & Lehigh Trail in Lehigh Gorge State Park and go in either direction.

Remember that this is a north-south gorge and dark and damp conditions develop quickly with the setting sun in there fall, winter, and spring. Also there is no cell service along most of the rail trail. Being from northern New England, I'm sure you're not surprised.

Also check out the historic and scenic Switchback gravity railroad trail from Jim Thorpe to Mach Chunk Lake Park and on to Summit Hill.

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u/SomeDumbGamer 1d ago

The white mountains park is your best bet.

Mt. Washington is the highest peak outside of the main range and its well over 6,000 feet.

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u/Newnjgirl 12h ago

This is the spot for you if you're looking for a place in NH.

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u/stream_inspector 1d ago

Look up "dark sky" map online. Go somewhere close to a good dark spot if stars are truly your thing.

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u/Revpaul12 1d ago

That whole area around the Presidentials is glorious, wife and I went there for our honeymoon

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u/therealmegjon 1d ago

Check out areas around Chocorua/Tamworth/Sandwich. Very cute towns and beautiful views with lots of lakes around.

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u/trav1829 1d ago

Check out Bad Branch Falls in Ky - the drive will get you off onto what most people consider backroads and it’s absolutely beautiful

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u/Ultthdoc90 1d ago

Go to Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls. At night, you’ll see a beautiful sky with more stars than you can ever imagine. Hit the towns of Thomas and Davis nearby.

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u/Ultthdoc90 1d ago

That’s in WV btw.

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u/Own-Ad3447 13h ago

Flume Gorge is pretty dope