NEW JERSEY – BOSTON – ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE
(865 miles)
Long before the railroad, a system of canals existed throughout New Jersey, connecting New York with Philadelphia. Mules would pull loaded barges through a series of waterways totaling 160 miles throughout the state. The canals are an ideal way to explore the state by bicycle.
New York Stock Exchange
A series of manmade waterfalls were artistically arranged throughout New York City. Here, the Brooklyn Bridge displays a waterfall on the Brooklyn side of the bridge.
Most people don’t realize it, but the growth of aviation actually took place on Long Island, where Grumman Aerospace once was headquartered. In addition to manufacturing early commercial airplanes, Grumman manufactured most of the jets and bombers used during WW II. In addition, all the vehicles for the Apollo missions were produced here on Long Island. Today, Grumman no longer exists on Long Island, but a roadside park where the popular aerospace manufacturer once stood is all that remains at the Grumman site.
After reaching the eastern tip of Long Island, a 90 minute ferry ride across Long Island Sound will take me into New England.
Cliff walk
Newport, Rhode Island
Doris Duke Mansion, Newport. Newport is known for its mansions, but would you believe that this was the “summer” home for Doris Duke! She actually lived in New Jersey and upon her death, she gave everything away to charity including her New Jersey property which amounts to about 10% of Somerset County!
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
This Cape Cod Coast Guard station has been converted into a hostel.
Provincetown, Cape Cod
Early morning sunrise, Boston
Crispus Attucks Tombstone… do you remember who he was from social studies class?
New England boat dock
Bicycle Planter
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE
Much of the land that today consists of Acadia National Park was donated by wealthy easterners, including John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
In 1604, French explorer Samuel de Champlain first claimed a remote island with peaks of granite for France. He named these peaks Monts Desert, which translates to “wilderness mountains.” Today, the most popular part of the island is simply called Mount Desert.
In an effort to keep Acadia National Park as pristine as possible, Rockefeller personally mapped out 57 miles of trails through the park and funded $3.5 million for carriage roads so people could enjoy the park by foot, bicycle, or horse carriage. The park’s stone arch bridges were designed by Frederick Olmsted, who would later plan and design Central Park in NYC.
Couple hiking entire Appalachian Trail… 1500 miles!