BUCKETLIST TRAILS

New England offers hiking and cycling trails of all kinds, and for all kinds of adventurers—but a few of these trails do stand out from the rest. They may be steeped in history, or they may simply traverse the most scenic spots imaginable. All of them, though, help define the heart and soul of this region.

In NEW HAMPSHIRE , there are a number of ways to get to the top of the Northeast’s tallest peak, Mount Washington (6,288 feet/1,916m). The most unforgettable route might be the Crawford Path, first established more than 200 years ago. It offers the full White Mountains experience in one hike: steep ascents, boulder-strewn peaks, and wide-open plateaus where hikers can linger and take in the panoramic views before pushing on to the top. The White Mountains don’t disappoint when it comes to bike paths, either: The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail is a stunning 83-mile (133.5km) cycling route spanning the region’s northern half, passing through nearly a dozen little mountain towns along the way. You could do it in a day, but why rush? Pack a camping tent, or enjoy the warm welcome at a local lodging establishment. New England’s best coastal biking adventures, meanwhile, can be found in MASSACHUSETTS —and specifically, on the famed Cape Cod peninsula. Both flat and paved, the 27.5-mile (44km) Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through seven towns on Cape Cod, from Yarmouth to Wellfleet, with so many options for rest and refreshments breaks that you would be lucky to finish the full route in a weekend. There are plenty of offshoot trails, too, and at the end of the ride lies the Cape Cod National Seashore, one of the most treasured U.S. national parks. For a shorter ride that packs just as much scenic appeal, head to the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth—an almost perfect encapsulation of the Cape’s natural beauty in one simple, easy-to-cruise 10.7-mile (17km) ride.

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