An RV Adventure along the Salmon River on a Scenic Trip

Monty June 14, 2013
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Picture of the Salmon River

The Salmon River

An RV trip along the Salmon River provides an excellent vacation, a way to enjoy the Salmon River Scenic Route in a unique manner. You will be creating a vacation to remember. And this is the perfect time of year to travel this gorgeous byway, too. June is a great time to move along this river road and gaze out into the wilderness to enjoy watching the wildlife. You can carefully navigate the two-lane road and find the peace that only the Idaho backcountry can provide.

Begin your adventure in Stanley, Idaho. This is a mecca for outdoor recreation, such as rafting, biking, horseback riding and fishing. The community is filled with friendly folk who will answer your questions and point you to the best eateries. Here you will also find guides if you wish a guided fishing trip or other exciting excursions.

You will take Idaho 75 out of Stanley and head for the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park to visit a special place where history comes alive. Naturally, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside in the forest and find recreational fun. Don’t forget to stop at the Custer Historic Mining Town, a ghost town within the historic area. There are a number of buildings from the mining era. Stop in the gift shop and pick up some mementos.

Another sight to see is the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center. Try your luck at the gold panning station and enjoy the many museum exhibits. You can really get the feel of earlier times when you watch the audiovisual programs offered. Those of all ages enjoy those! Not far away you can also visit the Challis Bison Jump Site which is a fascinating place indeed.

When you reach Challis, Idaho you may want to stay awhile. More outdoor adventures await! Fishing is marvelous and the clear and flowing Snake River gives you the ideal fishing environment. You can take off and hike to the higher mountain lakes if you desire, or you can fish right near town. Hook some cutthroat, brook or rainbow trout. Challis is also a birding paradise and you’ll see sandhill cranes along the river and watch as bald eagles fish the cold waters. The Pioneer RV Park in Challis is the ideal place to stay while you visit. They have lots of space and full hookups.

In Salmon, Idaho, stop at the Lemhi County Historical Museum. Get a new understanding of the American West as you tour the museum and see the numerous artifacts. You will get tastes of the Shoshone culture, the gold mining days and aspects of ranching in this area. There are a number of photos coming from the Chinese people who arrived here when gold was discovered.

The Tower Rock Recreation Site should come next on your itinerary. This is where Lewis and Clark camped and you may feel their spirits in the forest greenery and the blue skies above. Trout fishing is great here and you can catch steelhead and trout. You will even find RV sites, and although there are no hookups, it is an amazing place to camp in an RV.

A must-see is the Tower Creek Pyramids, a site that Lewis and Clark visited in the early 1800s. The geological formations viewed by Clark were spelled “pirimids” in his journal. Sit on the banks of Tower Creek and have a picnic. This is a spot to shed all cares and get back to nature.

William Clark’s Reconnaissance is a three-paneled interpretive sign along the byway. You will find it fascinating to stop and read the history of Clark’s observations and what the Down River Reconnaissance was all about. Even though you are nearing the end of this adventure, sometimes the beauty of the area takes you suddenly by surprise and you think seriously about moving here.

The final stop on this trip is the Lost Trail Pass which is located at the far north end of this wonderful Salmon River Scenic Byway. This is right on the Montana border and soars 6,995 feet above sea level. Spectacular views of rocky cliffs and forested hills make this a place to stay for a little while and enjoy.

This scenic route offers so much in the way of beauty and the presentation of some of the natural wonders of our world. To experience it all again, drive back the way you came for a new viewpoint. And come back soon to do it all over again.

Picture credits: The picture of the Salmon River is by Fredlyfish4 at the English language Wikipedia. It is from the Wikimedia Commons and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Take a Thrilling RV Trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Monty June 12, 2013
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Picture of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Fall

Blue Ridge Parkway in the Fall

North Carolina and Virginia offer some gorgeous sights for the RV vacationer. The best route for enjoying the views is the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is really no better way to experience these Eastern forests, mountains and blooming flowers. Attractions are numerous and just waiting for your visit.

Traveling north on the byway begins in Asheville, North Carolina. Tour the art community and discover some amazing history by seeing the Biltmore Estate, a 250-room French Renaissance chateau. And if you love to wander garden trails go over to the North Carolina Arboretum. You will see a bonsai collection there that will have you yearning to learn that art.

Take your time as you head north on the parkway. The overlooks allow you to gaze out on the diverse landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains. When you reach Spruce Pine, North Carolina, stop at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals to look over the hundreds of minerals and gems that were found in this area. Kids with you? They will love the interactive displays at this museum, but so will the grownups.

You will most certainly want to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while here. The outdoor recreation in this park has no equal anywhere else. The rushing rivers and panoramic views serve to remind us of the fragility of our natural world and urge us to get out and enjoy it anytime we have the chance. You can hike, bike and fish here until your heart’s content.

Take a guided tour of the Linville Caverns when you reach Marion, North Carolina on your journey. This is an attraction you won’t want to pass up as you are getting the unique opportunity to explore the inside of a mountain! Then you will continue on into Virginia to stop at the Natural Bridge. Hike the Cedar Creek Nature Trail. Be sure to begin conversation with the staff at Monacan Indian Village to find out what life was like here more than 300 years ago.

You will find all kinds of options for RV camping as you travel the Blue Ridge Parkway. Plan ahead and scope out where you’ll stay as you move south to north. Each RV park is unique and all have great amenities.

The best time of all awaits you in Shenandoah National Park. Take Skyline Drive for some breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss any one of the incredible overlooks. And don’t forget your camera! Cascading waterfalls in the park are a favorite and many come just to see them.

There is really no end to all the outdoor recreation, marvelous wilderness views and wildlife you can enjoy in Shenandoah National Park. You would think that this is the perfect ending for a perfect vacation. However, one more thrill is ahead. In Front Royal, you can stop to get a guided tour of the Skyline Caverns. This has been a wonderful adventure and you are welcome back again any time for a fun RV vacation.

Picture credits: The picture of the Blue Ridge Parkway is by the National Park Service.

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An RV Trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville

Monty November 15, 2012
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Picture of the Birdsong Hollow Bridge

The Birdsong Hollow Bridge

Hopping in your RV for a winter trip along the Natchez Trace Parkway is something you need to plan in the coming months. This 444-mile drive offers unbelievable scenery and plenty of American history. The “Old Trace” is a path that involved Indians, settlers and presidents. Outdoor recreation is abundant too!

Start out in Nashville, TN and stay awhile to enjoy the sights to see in “Music City.” Before you begin your travels along the parkway, you will want to get caught up in all Nashville has to offer the visitor. There is always a huge calendar of events which showcases the best musical experiences you can imagine.

There is no doubt that your first stop should be the Grand Ole Opry House on Opryland Drive. Pick up a concert schedule and get tickets to see some of the best country music artists around. This spot has launched many careers. Then visit the Hermitage to see exhibits, a film about the history of President Andrew Jackson. This Antebellum plantation is now restored and is a fabulous museum.

More history is waiting for you at the Belle Meade Plantation where you get a true flavor of the historic American south. Then head over to 5th Avenue South to take in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville’s entertainment district. You will find many treasures that will bring back memories of country music as it used to be. Then at the Tennessee State Museum experience a long list of historic displays that highlight periods in Tennessee from prehistoric times to the Civil War and Reconstruction.

In the evening, you will want to spend some time on the General Jackson Showboat. This 300-foot-long paddlewheel riverboat is styled just like those that moved up and down the waterways in the south in the 1800s. Have a delicious dinner, dance on the deck under the stars and relax. You can also enjoy a cruise in the daylight hours.

Now you are ready to take off on the Natchez Trace Parkway and travel south out of Nashville. This is a year round drive that is sure to please any RVer. However, you must make it a point to fill up before leaving Nashville as there is only one gas station on the Parkway. It is located at mile 193. Stop along the way to hike, fish or take part in special events. Rangers can give you schedules so you can plan your itinerary.

When you come to Birdsong Hollow, stop near the arched bridge and take in the view. You can see its innovative design from north of the bridge at the parking area, or taking the exit ramp just south of the bridge which takes you to Highway 96. From here you will be looking up at the entire length. Be sure to have your camera handy.

When you come to Tennessee Valley Divide you will be at milepost 423.9 and can stop for some fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the views. Then you will want to visit the Phosphate Mine for a real treat. You can hike for five minutes to a railroad bed and collapsed mineshaft for a unique experience. As you drive on and move south of the Tennessee State line, there are opportunities for short walks, stops at prehistoric mound sites and other historical points of interest. At Colbert Ferry in Alabama you can park in the parking area and walk a short distance up a small path to see Colbert’s stand where travelers stopped for shelter. Add on another twenty minutes of walking and you will come to a bluff overlook.

You will come to the Bear Creek Mound and Village Site before leaving Alabama and entering Mississippi. This was a ceremonial site in 1100 to 1300 A.D. This is at milepost 308.8 and is free of charge to view. Another great stop is the Twentymile Bottom Overlook. You may see other places to pull over and enjoy the Mississippi weather.

Tupelo, Mississippi is a wonderful place to stop off to do some shopping and to see the birthplace of Elvis Presley. You will also like to visit the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo. You will find the Natchez Trace RV Park is just south of Tupelo and offers wonderful RV camping.

You will finally reach Natchez, Mississippi which is the end of your trip. This is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi. Be sure to allot some time to stay here a while so you can wind down from your drive and enjoy some browsing in the shops and grab some incredibly good food.

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An Autumn RV Trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Monty October 24, 2012
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Picture of the Blue Ridge Parkway on Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway on Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina

For breathtaking fall foliage, you must take the Blue Ridge Parkway through North Carolina and Virginia. An RV trip along this blazingly beautiful route will remain in memory for many years to come. Stop and get some delicious apple cider, enjoy a hay ride and a number of fall festivals.

Start your adventure in Asheville, North Carolina and travel north on the byway. But before leaving Asheville, stop and see the Biltmore Estate for some history of the area. Tour the estate and see the acres of lovely gardens winery and more. Then stop by the North Carolina Arboretum for more garden trails and an amazing bonsai collection.

A fun stop along the way is the Museum of North Carolina Minerals near Spruce Pine, North Carolina. See the more than 300 types of minerals and gems located on this beautiful parkway. The interactive displays are fun for the whole family.

You will want to take your time as you drive the Blue Ridge Parkway because there is so much to see and do. Stop at the many overlooks and get out your camera to capture the beauty. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all the plants and animals that make this area their home. Drive to see rushing mountain rivers and enjoy panoramic views. There is also plenty of hiking, biking and fishing for the outdoor recreation lovers.

You will find a multitude of things to do along the way. One you may enjoy is the Linville Caverns in Marion, North Carolina. This attraction is open every day through November. You will be guided through the caverns for some incredible sights. The Natural Bridge is another place to stop and take a breather. In Natural Bridge, VA, this is a spot of wonder, a place to see how nature truly can make a majestic mark on our land. Learn about how people lived here 300 years ago by chatting with the Living History staff in the Monacan Indian Village.

Plan ahead as you move onward through Virginia because you will find RV camping at Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort. You can rent a paddle boat to get out on the water and can fish all year round. RVs are welcome!

Of course, you can’t miss checking out all there is to do in Shenandoah National Park. Hike to see lovely waterfalls and incredible vistas of wooded hills all bright with fall colors. You may want to stay here for a few days to take in everything. Then moving on to the end of the parkway, be sure to also visit Skyline Caverns in Front Royal. If you have kids with you, they will love the miniature train ride.

Yes, a Blue Ridge Parkway RV trip has nothing else that can quite compare, especially with autumn beauty marking your way.

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A Scenic RV Drive on the Beartooth Highway

Monty October 1, 2012
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Picture of the Beartooth Highway Near the Beartooth Pass

Beartooth Highway Near the Beartooth Pass

For one of the most scenic RV vacations ever, take the Beartooth Highway through Montana and Wyoming. This byway rates high on the list of top scenic drives in America. Breathtaking views, gorgeous valleys, waterfalls and glacial lakes await you. You will travel sixty-seven miles from Yellowstone to Red Lodge, Montana, through a number of National Forests and National Wilderness lands.

Make your home base in Cooke City and stay at Coulter Campground, a spot high in elevation with RV sites available. You will be close to Yellowstone National Park, which is where you will start your adventure. If you haven’t visited Yellowstone before, now is the time! You can’t miss Old Faithful, and there are numerous geysers, mud pots, hot springs and other amazing sights. Wildlife is abundant as well as plenty of places to hike or bike.

As you move northeast out of Yellowstone and begin your drive in your RV on the Beartooth Highway, stop in Cooke City, Montana and visit the F.J. Williams Gallery. This is the oldest house in town, built more than 140 years ago. You will see fascinating antiques and primitive art and learn some interesting history. You should also stop at the historic mining community of Silver Gate. This is filled with history of the Old West.

Side trips are always fun, and at the junction of US Highway 212 and WY 296, you can take the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway for more spectacular scenery. You will head south to Cody, Wyoming and enjoy miles of breathtaking beauty. Head back then to the Beartooth Highway to continue on your journey.

Just a bit further west when you get back on the Beartooth scenic route, you will find Crazy Creek Falls. It is worth a stop to see this incredible waterfall and learn some of the history connected. This unique waterfall comes from Crazy Creek, named because of its wild, erratic pattern of flowing. Take the walking trail and reach the viewing area for some lovely vistas.

The Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness in Central Montana offers great wildlife watching with wildlife such as elk, mountain goats, black and grizzly bear and moose on the prowl. You can even ski here in June and July. Granite Peak stands high over the plateau, and is the king of all the rugged peaks in the Absarokas. Dare you try to climb this mountain? Many do. It is usually best as an overnight endeavor.

As you drive over the Beartooth Plateau, you will marvel at the inspiring views of alpine tundra, glaciers, mountain peaks and of course, the wildlife spotted at a distance. This plateau is at an elevation of 10,970 feet. You are really up there in the atmosphere! You will finally come to Red Lodge, Montana, a quaint town with a lot of history.

You have completed your RV journey and it is time to head home. You have the satisfaction of knowing you have visited a beautiful corner of the world, the Old West coming alive in all directions. It is something that you will never forget.

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RV Vacation Fun on the Talimena National Scenic Byway

Monty August 15, 2012
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Picture of the Talimena Scenic BywayIf you’re looking for an amazing RV vacation, look no further than the Talimena National Scenic Byway – a 54-mile stretch of highway that runs along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains, located at the border between the states of Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Don’t just limit yourself to driving along the highway for an hour or two, however. There are enough things to do along this road that you could easily spend multiple days here, coming back to visit in every season. There are different sights to see and different activities to enjoy whether you come during the winter, spring, summer, or fall.

One thing you might want to do is see the mountains the way the original settlers did. You can take a number of hikes of different lengths, or rent horses for a day ride through the mountains.

Devoted birders will want to visit “Bird Island” in Lake Ouachita. The mountains are home to a wide variety of species of birds, including many that are extremely unusual and hard to find outside of this protected area. There is also a great deal of wildlife, much of it visible from the windows of your motorhome as you drive along the scenic highway.

The Ouachita Mountains are named from an Indian word meaning “hunting trip”, and there are still plenty of hunting and fishing opportunities to be had among the mountains. On the Arkansas side of the mountains, you can hunt bear, beaver, birds, bobcats, coyotes, deer, elk, fox, opossum, otters, raccoons, quail, turkey, and waterfowl. On the Oklahoma side of the mountains, you can hunt antelope, bear, birds, deer, pheasant, quail, rabbit, squirrel, turkey, and waterfowl. Of course, you must obtain the correct hunting permits from the appropriate state authorities. Also important to note is that in some parks you are required to display a permit in your vehicle. Please check the local authorities.

Other exciting additions to your RV vacation are the many watersports in the lakes and rivers of the Ouachita Mountains. You can take day trips or overnight adventures through whitewater rapids, go kayaking, or go boating on the many lakes.

A short distance away in the San Bois Mountains, you’ll find the notorious Robbers Cave. This location is known to have been a hideout used by Jesse James and Belle Starr. Nowadays, it is popular with those who love exploring caves, as well as climbers and rappellers who traverse up and down the outside of the cave.

There are plenty of RV Parks in the countryside around the Talimena National Scenic Byway. Some are rustic campgrounds, some include horseback riding and trail rides, and one even includes a health spa.

While you’re here, be sure to sample the local barbecue. It’s considered a specialty. There are also a number of local artisans that sell their wares at specialty shops tucked away in remote locations. You can find antiques, novelties, and curios. Don’t worry about buying too much, because you can always store your finds in your RV!

Picture credits: The picture of the Talimena Scenic Byway is from the National Scenic Byways website. It is public domain by Dennis Adams.

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Traveling the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in Your RV

Monty August 6, 2012
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The Oregon Coast offers the traveler amazing sights, ocean vistas and adventures in the dunes along the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Following U.S. Highway 101 south for 168 miles from Pacific City to Bandon, Oregon is one of the best stretches along which you can take an RV for one of the most scenic vacations ever. Start out in Pacific City, Oregon and get in some beachcombing along the beautiful beaches.

Next stop is Lincoln City where you must take advantage of the wonderful ocean breezes and fly a kite. This is, after all, the Kite Capital of the World. At Depoe Bay you will find the perfect spot to do some whale watching. There are plenty of places to observe the whales that make this area their home from March through December each year.

Further south, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of Newport, a lovely area tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the coast mountains. Be sure to get out to Yaquina Head to see the tallest lighthouse in the state. Would you love to see a fishing fleet in operation? The Bayfront area is where to go. There are also shops and wonderful places to experience some of the best seafood around.

Get over to the free crabbing dock in Waldport for an adventure you may never have expected. Crabbing is a unique opportunity to take part in life on the edge of the ocean. You may also spot whales swimming happily off in the Pacific waters. Take a nature walk or kayak on the Alsea River. You can stay at the Chinook RV Park if you like to stay in close range to the water. They are right on Alsea Bay.

Yachats is a bit further down Highway 101, and you must stop here if you would like to investigate the tide pools or do some beach combing. Another popular activity is to take a dune buggy ride in the dunes. Sand dunes and speed go together for an exhilarating experience. Another great place to stop on your way south is Florence. This charming town offers some amazing outdoor recreation, as well as some excellent restaurants in Old Town. Stay in an RV campground on the waterfront.

Visit Reedsport and be sure to go to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for a wonderful hiking adventure through the beach grass and dunes. At Winchester Bay you will find miles and miles of pristine beaches and a lot of wildlife, so bring your camera to capture some of this beauty on film. For RV camping with plenty of amenities, go to Winchester Bay RV Resort.

You are coming close to the end of your drive down the Oregon coast. At Lakeside you may be just in time for a festival or other event. They go on all year. Hire a boat in Charleston and get out there in the sun for some sports fishing. At Coos Bay you can visit a botanical garden high above the Pacific on a cliff. In Bandon, get a horse and go riding along the beach. This is the perfect ending to your Oregon RV vacation!

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An RV Trip to Miami and the Keys is a Perfect Year-round Getaway

Monty June 25, 2012
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Picture of the A1A Scenic Byway

A1A Scenic Byway

One of the most popular RV trips ever is taking a scenic route down Florida’s eastern coastline. There are many attractions and of course, the beautiful Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. The Intracoastal Waterway offers the adventure of traveling on a barrier island with water on two sides and incredible views.

The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is your best bet for the entire trip to Miami. Pick it up in St. Augustine, Florida, stopping here for a while to see the sights. This historic city is the oldest U.S. settlement. You should take time to visit the famous landmarks, such as Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse.

Before leaving St. Augustine be sure to visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum where if you are up to it, climb 219 steps to the top. Looking over the city you will be amazed and awed by the fabulous view. Then take a break to map your way down the coastline. Don’t forget to allow time to go and wade in the tide rushing in from the Atlantic. There are miles and miles of beaches to take advantage of.

Picture of Flagler Beach

Flagler Beach

First major stop is Marineland. An amazing adventure awaits you, and you will hold in memory for many years to come the fun you have watching the marine life entertaining and enlightening you. As you drive from Marineland to your next stop in Flagler Beach, be sure to enjoy the unobstructed views of the ocean. When you get to Flagler Beach, go walk down the pier and watch some more dolphins and whales, this time in their natural environment.

As you travel on, you will want to ensure Gamble Rogers Memorial Park is on your list of stopping places. This is a perfect place to snorkel and treasure hunt. Then when you carry on down the coast, plan a visit to the Canaveral National Seashore and the Kennedy Space Center. No visit to Florida would be complete without exploring these two popular vacation destinations.

Whether you like ocean side fun, golf, tennis or simply relaxing over a fine dinner, Cocoa Beach has it all. Head further south and go to the Fort Pierce Inlet State Park to enjoy some beachcombing. You should try your hand at scuba diving here too, as it is a wonderful place to explore the depths. St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park is another natural wonderland with forests and beaches in a lovely balance.

Finally you reach Miami, and the beaches really do beckon you to get out there on the sand and wade in the water. Get yourself over to Everglades National Park and be sure to see the shows, exhibits and have animal encounters at the Seaquarium.

The Florida Keys are like another world. RV camping is great on the Keys, and you have a wide choice. Some campgrounds you might like are the Sunshine Key RV Resort and Marina on Big Pine Key or the Sugarloaf Key Resort KOA Kampground on Summerland Key. When you come to Key West, you’ve hit the end of the line, but it isn’t really the end. You can work your way back up the coast and pick up on any sights you’ve missed.

Picture credits: The picture of the A1A Scenic Byway is public domain by A. E. Crane from the National Scenic Byways website.

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See Wyoming from the Centennial Scenic Byway

Monty May 18, 2012
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Picture of a Winding River Along the Centennial Scenic Byway in Wymoing

Beautiful Scenery Abounds Along the Byway

The Centennial Scenic Byway crosses a stretch of 162 miles, from Dubois to Pinedale, Wyoming.

Recreational Vehicle accommodations are available in Dubois at The Longhorn Ranch, Lodge and RV Park. Make sure to call in advance – the outstanding beauty and recreational opportunities in this region can make peak season quite busy.

An ideal starting point for this part of your motorhome vacation would be the Wind River Historical Centre in Dubois. Here you can learn about the Mountain Shoshone people who were the first inhabitants of the area, the European settlers who came in the 1880s, and the Scandinavian loggers, called “Tie Hacks” who came to work and provide lumber to build the nations railroads.

Setting out on US 26, the route will take you to the Northwest past the eastern flank of the Wind River Range, up through Togwotee Pass. Be ready for the extensive wildlife viewing opportunities along the highway, as the area is heavily populated by moose, elk, and bears. Look upward, as well, as there’s a good chance there’ll be eagles and hawks hunting overhead. You’ll drive across the lush flood plains of the Buffalo Fork River on your way into Grand Teton National Park.

At Moran Junction, the Centennial Scenic Byway turns south across gently rolling terrain toward the Snake River Overlook, which affords a great opportunity to see Grand Teton, standing nearly 14,000 feet high. You’ll pass through the valley of Jackson Hole on your way to Jackson, Wyoming, a bustling town with approximately 9,500 occupants. Jackson is home to many ski resorts, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, and some very interesting arches that are constructed from antlers shed by the large elk population in the region. South of Jackson, at Hoback Junction, the road bears east onto US 189. You’ll drive up the Hoback Canyon, and descend into the Green River Valley. The Wind River Range will again be in view up ahead. Take US 191 to the end of the Byway, in Pinedale Wyoming. If you’ve taken your time, the day should be just about at its end. RV Camping is available at Lakeside Lodge, on the shores of Lake Fremont. Featured activities here are swimming, boating, and fishing.

While in Pinedale, consider visiting the Museum of the Mountain Man to learn about how the fur trade opened up the American west to commerce.

The Centennial Scenic Byway is open year-round, but is subject to local closure due to weather conditions. Make sure to check the status before journeying out in questionable weather. There are recreational opportunities available in all seasons, with excellent skiing at the famous resorts in the valley of Jackson Hole. Also of interest is the National Elk Refuge, also located near Jackson. Every winter it becomes home to 10,000 elk, which can be viewed by a sleigh ride taken from the refuge headquarters.

If you’re visiting Grand Teton or Yellowstone National Parks, the Centennial Scenic Byway affords excellent opportunities for RV Campers to experience the beauty of the West. Don’t miss it!

Picture credits: The picture in this post is from the National Scenic Byways website. Use is allowed if the user displays the copyright and credits with the item. The image is copyright © 1997 The Wagner Perspective.

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Travel Maine’s Rugged Coast for the Perfect RV Adventure

Monty May 16, 2012
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Picture of the Coast of Maine

Maine's Rocky Coast

Spring to fall is the perfect time to pack your traveling gear into an RV and adventure out along Maine’s beautiful coast. This state is most popular for its rugged coastal landscapes and the charming fishing villages along the way. Begin your RV trip in Ellsworth, Maine. The town, founded in 1800, is the ideal gateway for many amazing sights. Although not a part of this particular vacation route, Acadia National Park may warrant a visit while you are in the area.

Leave Ellsworth heading north on Highway 1 until you come to Maine Highway 186, a loop that takes you on Schoodic Scenic Byway to Schoodic Point. You must not forget your camera because you will have many regrets if you don’t catch some shots of the pounding surf and rocky shores. You’ll see islands offshore, all different sizes and shapes, such as Pond and Rolling Islands.

Winter Harbor is a great place to stop and rest from driving. You can see the active fleet of lobster boats and strike up conversations with local fishermen. This classic village on Maine’s lovely coast offers amazing views from its western shore. You will see harbors where boats take refuge and trawlers wait for the right conditions to take to sea. Prospect Harbor is one of these great waterways.

Stop and wander the streets of Corea, Maine to really experience this charming fishing village. This community is well worth the time to explore. It’s on the Gouldsboro Peninsula, with quiet spots to sit and reflect on all the scenery you’ve seen so far. There is more to come. The town of Gouldsboro is a place to stop and perhaps enjoy a dinner in one of the fine restaurants. Maybe you will even be up for a kayaking tour or a nightly concert.

Columbia Falls will welcome you with open arms. Visit the Ruggles House to get a flavor of life in Columbia Falls in the mid-1800s. Amazing and intricate woodwork is one of the sights to see in this historic home. When you reach Maine Highway 187 as you continue up Highway 1, you will turn and head out on this loop along the water’s edge.

An RV trip wouldn’t be complete without some exciting new adventure. If you’ve never taken a kayak trip before, now is the time to try it out. Paddling around Head Harbor Island and Steele’s Harbor Island will have you hooked on a new hobby. You can recover from the excitement in Jonesport, the heart of Maine’s rugged coastline. This small fishing village is the ideal place to breathe the fresh Maine ocean air and enjoy the quiet and solitude.

After leaving Jonesport, you will pass Englishman Bay where photo opportunities abound. Miss getting in a swim while you’ve been enjoying the scenery? The best place to don your swim gear and take advantage of saltwater or freshwater swimming is at Roque Bluffs State Park. Now your outdoor recreation can start in earnest. Take a hike along the cliffs, beach comb along the beaches. There are plenty of coves you can explore on a canoe or kayak. Find RV camping at the Sunset Point Campground in Harrington Maine. They accommodate RVs of any size and for a reasonable price. They provide free WiFi and there’s a laundry room so you can wash your traveling clothes.

The first naval battle of the American Revolution caused Fort O’Brien to be built on these shores. It is worth your time to stop by the Fort O’Brien State Historic Site to see where we protected our country during three separate wars. Then move on to the Moosehorn National Wildlife Reserve where you will see waterfowl, game birds, wading birds and more, all protected in this Atlantic flyway.

You are getting close to the end of your trip in Calais, Maine, but it isn’t over yet. Many adventures await you in Shackford Head State Park. If you are a birder, you will love hiking the trails to see a wide variety of bird life, including bald eagles. Even if you don’t do a lot of bird watching, you’ll certainly love the views all the way to Canada.

When you reach Calais, Maine, you can stop for some shopping, and perhaps travel over the border into Canada for additional fun and to make more memories. The choice is yours. You have experienced some of the best of Maine and now can call your RV adventure at an end. There are other vacations when you can return and do it all over again.

Picture credits: The picture of the coast of Maine is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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