New England cities can be anything but the quietest places on earth, and if you’ve had enough of the same old tourist traps and the sounds of today’s hectic life, then here’s some places in New England to visit where you can be re-energized and hear-a-pin drop…

These next places require some travel so look to carve out a few days to spend at each (later on I’ll give you some day trips so hang around).

ALLAGASH WILDERNESS WATERWAY, MAINE:

Some of my favorite destinations in New England are on the ocean, and there’s definitely something calming about the rythmic crashing of waves on the beach, but for absolute quiet on water you need solitude and inland wilderness. And it doesn’t get more remote than on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is 92-miles stretching from the northwestern tip of Baxter State Park to Allagash on the wild St. John River. But the Allagash Waterway also includes a string of huge lakes, such as Churchill, Eagle, and Chamberlain. So rent a canoe, take a few days leave from civilization, and go coasting through the lakes and camp far enough away so you can hear your own breathing… but not much more.

GREAT NORTH WOODS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE:

Few visitors to New Hampshire venture north of Mount Washington. But the White Mountain National Forest and Great North Woods extends well beyond the Presidential Range. And though there are no 4,000 foot peaks, there are lakes, cabins, and time to think in quietness broken only by the warning squawks of birds and the rustle of leaves in the forest breeze.

For those prepared and experienced for canvas camping Lake Umbagog State Park is pristine and remote, and you’re more likely to hear the thrill of a Loon calling than the voice of another human.

NORTHEAST KINGDOM, VERMONT:

Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is huge by any description. Covering an area of 2,000 square miles - it’s larger than the state of Rhode Island - and includes three Vermont counties, 33,575 acres of lakes and ponds, 4,000 miles of rivers and streams with 117 square miles of public forest parkland. The stats can go on but you get the point.

Within the Northeast Kingdom boundary lay Groton State Forest with Peacham Bog, Brighton State Park, Jay Peak, Willoughby State Forest, and sharing its shores with Canada - the pristine Lake Memphremagog. Any one of these gems contains one-of-a-kind walks, abundant wildlife, and a quietness so intoxicating you’ll find it hard to leave this sanctuary.

These next places are day trips within easy reach of southern New England locations, but still offering unspoiled and noise-free destinations - unless you shared this article with all your friends…

QUABBIN RESERVOIR, MASSACHUSETTS:

Located in Central Massachusetts, Quabbin Park and Reservoir was created in the late 1920’s to satisfy the growing thirst of the Boston area. Residents of a few towns were relocated to make way for the flooding of a huge area, which caused lots of controversy at the time. Today Quabbin is a “secret” destination for nature professionals to study wildlife, and it’s been remarked that the land is probably wilder today than it was 200 or even 300 years ago.

There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails and roads providing ample opportunity to spend some solitary time studying red foxes, loons, great blue heron, bobcats, and even the occasional moose, and the large variety of Quabbin plants as well.

THE QUIET CORNER, NORTHEASTERN CONNECTICUT:

Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Connecticut is one of the least-populated areas in the Boston-Washington, D.C. corridor. Dotted with small towns, farmland, rivers and lakes, and state forests, the area has been dubbed Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner” and is part of the larger Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley (yes, I know it’s quite a mouthful of a name) and which covers parts of Massachusetts as well as Connecticut, and has been called “The Last Green Valley.”

While you’re only a few hours drive from 25 million people you’re greeted by recreational abundance with more than 80 ponds and lakes, 7 state forests, 16 state wildlife management areas, 5 state forests, and more than 130 miles of trails. But as impressive as the statistics are, the real story is the treasue tucked a world away from the stress and bustle of the 21st century.

For more destinations and attractions in all these areas check out my New England Destinations Guide by clicking here.

More regional events in a few days time right here on this blog, be sure to check back.

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacations Guide