Appalachian Trail Walk

Day 1: New York area - Green Mountains National Forest

Our tour starts at 7:30 am at the Hilton Newark Airport in Newark, New Jersey. As this is an early start we recommend that you book a night's pre-tour accommodation at this hotel, which can be booked at the same time you book this tour. After leaving New York-Newark area, we begin our journey passing through the Catskill Mountains into the state of Massachusetts where Mount Greylock, the highest point in the Berkshire Mountains, and the famous Appalachian Trail awaits. We relax as we stroll along the wooded paths of the Berkshires that once inspired the famous American authors, Melville and Hawthorne. From here, we drive north into the foothills of the Green Mountains where we set up camp and relax around the evening campfire, topping off a relaxing first day. Meals included: 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 2: Green Mountains National Forest

‘The Greens’, as local hikers sometime refer to this small mountain range, are a perfect warm up for the hikes that lay ahead over the next few days. Choose from various short walks in the wooded valleys or, if you prefer a challenge, try the Stratton Mountain Trail which encompasses parts of the Appalachian Trail and Vermont's famed Long Trail. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 3 & 4: White Mountains National Forest

Walk the 'backbone' of the northern Appalachians, the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Many of the trails here are above the timberline offering wonderful views of this impressive range. We have the opportunity to enjoy the Franconia Ridge Hike that starts right at our campsite. Rated as one of the best hikes in New England, we get to scale three peaks (Little Haystack, Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette) that are all above the timberline and offer wonderful views. This area is known to hikers all over the world, both for its stunning scenery and constantly changing weather. Challenge the elements here or catch the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which began operation in 1938 and was the first passenger aerial tramway in North America. From the top there are panoramic views of three states. We take time exploring and discover nature's changes from the alpine zone to the temperate zone on our way to the protected valleys below. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Day 5 - 7: Baxter State Park – the Appalachian Trail

We travel from one of the most well-known segments of the Appalachian Trail, to the most pristine. Baxter State Park is home to Mount Katahdin, the starting point of the 3520 kilometres (2200 miles) long Appalachian Trail. Wander and enjoy the largest and most remote wilderness in the eastern United States. Here you can truly ‘get away from it all’ on footpaths that wind through undisturbed forest and along the crystal-clear lakes and streams of northern Maine. Keep both eyes and ears open for the chance of meeting some of the wildlife that abounds here. This tranquil wilderness is virtually untouched since the days of the first settlers, over three hundred years ago. As we pause to reflect in the solitude of this beautiful place, it is quite impossible to imagine that two-thirds of America's population lives within a day's drive. Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Day 8 & 9: Boston

We end our journey by visiting one of America’s most historic cities – Boston – the capital of the State of Massachusetts. Founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists, it has been in the forefront of American history and in particular the country’s fight for independence. Events like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party played pivotal roles in that struggle and have become part of American Folklore. Faneuil Hall has been a government centre and a market place for centuries and even today it makes the hive of activity in the city centre. It seems only fitting to top off the adventure with a walk on the Freedom Trail in Boston, where we get to visit many historic sites and learn about the story of America's own road to independence. Some may wish to pay a visit to Harvard University, located in the suburbs of Boston, or the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum at Columbia Point. We can also re-adjust to civilisation again with a night out on the town and a chance to sample New England seafood at its finest, including the thick seafood soup known as New England clam chowder. Please note that our second night in Boston is also our final night on tour. Our groups usually elect to eat out at a restaurant in town (at own expense) to commemorate the end of our exciting adventure and enjoy some farewell drinks together, rather than return to camp to cook up a meal. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Day 10: New York area

From Boston we complete our journey by travelling back to New York City. Our tour concludes upon arrival at our gateway hotel at approximately 5 pm (17:00 hrs). Optional post-tour accommodation is available at our gateway hotel - the Hilton Newark Airport in Newark, New Jersey. Please inquire when booking your tour. If you are planning to fly out of New York tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 9 pm (21:00 hrs). Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch