9-Day Burlington → North Conway → Camden Itinerary — Fall 2026

15:19

Depart Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Check in at least 90 minutes before departure. Grab a snack airside — it's a roughly 2.5-hour flight and you'll be hungry by landing.

📍 Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Minneapolis, USA

21:13

Arrive Burlington International Airport (BTV)

BTV is a small, easy airport — baggage claim is quick. Rideshares and taxis are available curbside; downtown is about 10 minutes away.

📍 Burlington International Airport, Burlington, USA

21:35

Transfer to hotel and check in

Drop your bags, freshen up, and leave valuables secured — you'll be heading back out briefly for dinner. Most downtown hotels are within a 5-minute walk of Church Street.

📍 Downtown Burlington, Burlington, USA

22:00

Dinner on Church Street Marketplace

Hen of the Wood Burlington and Pizzeria Verita are reliable evening anchors on or just off Church Street — both welcome walk-ins late on a Saturday. The brick pedestrian mall is atmospheric even at night, lined with fall foliage and string lights.

📍 Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, USA

23:00

Evening stroll along the Church Street block and settle in for the night

The street quiets down by 23:30 on weeknights; a short walk helps reset after the flight. Note the Lake Champlain waterfront is only two blocks west if you want a quick glimpse of the water before turning in.

📍 Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, USA

07:30

Breakfast at Hen of the Wood Burlington

Arrive early on a Sunday to snag a table without a long wait; they do a stellar brunch with local eggs and Vermont cheeses. No reservations for brunch walk-ins.

📍 55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT

09:00

Waterfront Park & Lake Champlain stroll

Peak morning light across the Adirondacks makes this the best photography window of the day. Walk the Bike Path north toward the ECHO Leahy Center for panoramic lake-and-foliage views.

📍 Burlington Waterfront Park, College St & Battery St, Burlington, VT

10:00

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (quick visit)

The lakeside plaza and outdoor exhibits are free and worth 20 minutes; skip the paid interior unless you want an extra hour. Good spot to pick up a map of the Champlain Valley.

📍 1 College St, Burlington, VT

10:30

Drive south to Shelburne Farms

Allow an extra 5 minutes on weekends; the farm lane can back up at the gate. Parking is free on the property.

📍 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT (approx. 15 min from downtown Burlington)

11:00

Shelburne Farms walking tour & farm store

Buy timed walking-tour tickets online in advance — the 90-minute guided farm walk through the 1,400-acre estate is the anchor experience here. The farm store stocks award-winning cheddar; grab a wedge for snacking later.

📍 1611 Harbor Rd, Shelburne, VT

13:00

Picnic lunch on the Shelburne Farms lakeside lawn

The inn's lawn faces the lake with Adirondack chairs scattered under maples at peak color — one of the finest autumn picnic spots in Vermont. Pick up provisions at the farm store before heading out.

📍 Shelburne Farms inn lawn overlooking Lake Champlain, Shelburne, VT

14:15

Drive north to Waterbury for Ben & Jerry's Factory

The factory tour sells out fast on fall weekends; book tickets online the morning you arrive or the day before. The Flavor Graveyard behind the plant is a quirky free stop.

📍 Route 2/I-89 N to Waterbury, VT (approx. 35 min from Shelburne)

15:00

Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour & Scoop Shop

Tours run every 30 minutes and last about 30 minutes; the observation window into production is only active on weekdays, but the tasting and Graveyard walk are available daily. Order a scoop of a Vermont-only seasonal flavor at the outdoor window before leaving.

📍 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT

16:15

Drive back to Burlington

Late-afternoon light on the Green Mountains along I-89 southbound is spectacular in October — keep a camera passenger-ready. Allow extra time if leaf-peeper traffic is heavy near Waterbury.

📍 I-89 S to Burlington, VT (approx. 35 min)

18:30

Dinner at Hen of the Wood or Farmhouse Tap & Grill, Burlington

Farmhouse is ideal for a relaxed Vermont-centric dinner with 30+ local draft beers and a farm-to-table menu; make a reservation for 18:30 to secure a table on a fall Sunday. End the evening with a walk along Church Street if energy allows.

📍 Farmhouse Tap & Grill, 160 Bank St, Burlington, VT

08:00

Breakfast at Mirabelles Cafe

A Burlington institution for morning pastries and strong coffee. Arrive early on weekdays to snag a table; takeaway cups are perfect for the drive ahead.

📍 198 Main St, Burlington, VT

09:00

Depart Burlington toward Stowe via VT-100

The 45-minute drive on VT-100 is itself a foliage corridor — keep eyes open for roadside pull-offs with hillside color. Mid-October typically puts this stretch near or at peak.

📍 VT-100 North, heading toward Stowe, VT

09:45

Arrive Stowe Village — stroll and coffee stop

Park near the white-steeple Community Church for the classic Vermont postcard shot. The village is compact; a 30-minute walk covers the covered bridge on Brook Road and the riverside path.

📍 Main Street, Stowe, VT

10:30

Smugglers' Notch Foliage Drive

This narrow, winding road closes for winter — early October is your last reliable window. Drive slowly through the boulder-strewn notch; there's a small pull-off at the height-of-land ideal for photos.

📍 VT-108 North from Stowe through Smugglers' Notch State Park

11:30

Cold Hollow Cider Mill — cider donuts & fresh-pressed cider

The apple cider donuts are made continuously in a ring machine visible from the counter — catch them warm. Pick up a jug of fresh-pressed cider; it travels well and is far better than anything bottled.

📍 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd (VT-100), Waterbury Center, VT

12:15

Picnic lunch at Waterbury Reservoir pull-off

There are informal pull-offs along the reservoir access road just south of the Cider Mill with brilliant hillside reflections in the water. Pack snacks or a simple spread from the mill's market.

📍 Little River State Park area, Waterbury, VT

13:15

Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard walk & grounds

Skip the factory tour line and simply walk the Flavor Graveyard on the hillside behind the shop for the best aerial view of the surrounding color. The outdoor scoop shop patio is ideal on a clear fall afternoon.

📍 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury, VT

14:15

Return scenic drive south on VT-100 to Burlington

Allow 50 minutes. The return direction on VT-100 reveals different hillside angles; stop at any farm stand with a hand-painted sign — roadside apple orchards along this corridor sell direct through mid-October.

📍 VT-100 South to I-89 North, Burlington, VT

15:30

Golden hour along the Burlington Waterfront

Late-afternoon Lake Champlain light with the Adirondacks across the water is particularly striking in autumn. The Bike Path stretches north and south for a flat, easy wind-down stroll.

📍 Burlington Waterfront Park, Burlington, VT

18:30

Farewell Burlington dinner at Hen of the Wood

One of Vermont's best farm-to-table restaurants — reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. The menu changes with the harvest; expect roasted root vegetables, local cheeses, and cider-braised dishes.

📍 55 Cherry St, Burlington, VT

08:00

Breakfast and hotel checkout in Burlington

Grab a hearty breakfast before loading the car — today's drive is roughly 3.5 hours without stops. Settle your bill and have luggage in the car by 08:30.

📍 Burlington, VT (your hotel)

08:30

Depart Burlington, drive east toward New Hampshire

The route climbs through the Champlain Valley and transitions into New Hampshire's lake country. Gas up before crossing the state line — stations become sparse near the Kancamagus.

📍 I-89 S / NH-25 E toward Conway, NH

11:00

Enter the Kancamagus Highway (NH-112) at its western trailhead

The 'Kanc' is a no-fee National Scenic Byway with no gas stations along its 34-mile stretch — top off in Lincoln before entering. Mid-October typically puts color at or just past peak here, especially above 2,000 feet.

📍 Lincoln, NH — western terminus of Kancamagus Highway (NH-112)

11:20

First stop: Loon Mountain Overlook pullout and Lower Falls

Lower Falls is one of the most photogenic river-rock-and-foliage spots on the highway; a short flat walk from the parking area. Arrive early in the drive to beat tour-bus crowds that cluster here midday.

📍 Lower Falls Scenic Area, Kancamagus Highway, Lincoln vicinity

12:15

Packed picnic lunch at Sabbaday Falls picnic area

The short 0.4-mile trail to the falls is worth a quick stretch after the car; the gorge frames autumn color brilliantly. Pick up deli supplies in Lincoln before entering the highway if you didn't already.

📍 Sabbaday Falls, Kancamagus Highway, approximately mile marker 15

13:15

Continue east on the Kancamagus, stopping at scenic pullouts — Bear Notch Road junction and Rocky Gorge

Rocky Gorge has a short loop trail over a footbridge with striking river views. Bear Notch Road (if snow-free) offers an optional short detour north for panoramic ridge color — about 10 minutes each way.

📍 Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Kancamagus Highway, Conway side

14:15

Exit Kancamagus into Conway and check in to North Conway hotel

Most North Conway properties offer flexible afternoon check-in; call ahead if you want an early room. Drop luggage and freshen up before exploring the village.

📍 North Conway village, NH

15:30

North Conway village stroll — main street shops and White Mountains views

The open common at the south end of Main Street frames a postcard view of Cathedral Ledge and the peaks with autumn color. October Saturday afternoons are busy — the village is walkable and compact, ideal for leisurely browsing.

📍 Main Street (NH-16), North Conway village

16:30

Cider and apple treats at Settlers' Green or Zeb's General Store

Zeb's is a beloved local institution stocked with New England-made goods, local cider, maple products, and fall snacks — a perfect low-key stop after a long drive day.

📍 Zeb's General Store, 2679 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway

18:00

Dinner in North Conway — hearty New England fare

Moat Mountain brews its own ales on-site and serves wood-smoked barbecue — ideal fuel after a day behind the wheel. No reservations taken; arrive by 18:00 to avoid the dinner rush wait.

📍 Delaney's Hole in the Wall or Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co., North Conway

20:00

Evening wind-down — clear-night star viewing from the hotel

North Conway's position in the valley with minimal urban glow makes autumn nights excellent for stargazing. A blanket and a warm drink on the hotel grounds is all you need — a quiet, unhurried close to the day.

📍 North Conway, NH (low light-pollution zone)

07:00

Hearty breakfast in North Conway village

Fuel up with a full breakfast before a big outdoor day. Arrive early — village cafes fill quickly on fall weekends and no reservations are taken.

📍 Frontside Coffee Roasters or May Kelly's Cottage, North Conway, NH

08:15

Drive to Gorham & Mount Washington Auto Road base

The 34-mile drive from North Conway to the Auto Road gate via NH-16 takes about 45 minutes. Arrive at the gate by 9:00 AM to beat midday clouds that often obscure the summit — early morning offers the clearest peak-season visibility.

📍 Mount Washington Auto Road Gate, Pinkham Notch, NH 16, Gorham, NH

09:00

Mount Washington Auto Road ascent

The 7.6-mile toll road climbs to 6,288 ft; allow 30–40 minutes each way by car. Check the summit weather forecast at mountwashington.org before departing — summit temperatures can be 30°F colder than the valley, so bring a warm layer regardless of how sunny it looks below.

📍 Mount Washington Auto Road, 1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH

09:40

Summit of Mount Washington — panoramic autumn color views

Walk the summit loop, visit the Sherman Adams Visitor Center, and soak in the 360-degree view of crimson and amber canopy rolling across the Presidentials. The Tip-Top House historic stone building is worth a quick peek; plan 45–60 minutes total on top.

📍 Mount Washington Summit, Coos County, NH

10:45

Descend Mount Washington Auto Road

Use low gear on the descent — brake fade is a real risk on this steep, 12% grade road. The gate staff will remind you, but factor 40 minutes for a careful, scenic drive down.

📍 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH

11:30

Drive back south toward North Conway

The 30-minute return drive along NH-16 through Pinkham Notch is itself a foliage spectacle — pull over at one of the signed scenic turnouts for a quick photo stop without adding significant time.

📍 NH Route 16 South, Pinkham Notch Corridor

12:15

Lunch at a North Conway classic

A beloved local brewpub with a fireplace and hearty sandwiches — perfect for warming up after the summit chill. No reservation needed for lunch, but expect a short wait on busy fall Wednesdays.

📍 Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co., 3378 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH

14:00

Conway Scenic Railroad — Valley Train departure

Book tickets in advance at conwayscenic.com — the fall foliage season sells out weeks ahead. The Valley Train to Conway and back runs roughly 55 minutes round-trip and offers open-window cars ideal for photography; sit on the right side (west-facing) for the best leaf-peeping views heading south.

📍 Conway Scenic Railroad Depot, 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway, NH

15:15

Explore the North Conway Depot & village shops

The restored Victorian depot houses a small railway museum worth 15 minutes. The surrounding village blocks have excellent outfitters and New England gift shops — a relaxed opportunity to pick up maple syrup or cider before the day winds down.

📍 North Conway Village, Main Street, North Conway, NH

16:30

Sunset drive along River Road for final fall color

This quiet back road parallels the Saco River and bypasses the main highway, offering unobstructed views of the Moat Range draped in autumn color at golden hour. It rejoins North Conway village in about 20 minutes.

📍 River Road / West Side Road, Conway to North Conway, NH

18:00

Dinner in North Conway

A long-standing White Mountains institution with a cozy atmosphere, local craft beers on tap, and reliable New England comfort food. No reservation required but arrive by 6:00 PM to avoid the dinner rush on a fall evening.

📍 Delaney's Hole in the Wall, 2966 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway, NH

07:30

Breakfast at Frontside Coffee Roasters

Arrive early on weekends to beat the hiking crowd. Grab a hearty egg sandwich and a drip coffee to fuel the morning trail. Cash and card both accepted, no reservation needed.

📍 Frontside Coffee Roasters, North Conway Village

08:30

Drive to Diana's Baths trailhead

The parking area fills by 9 AM on peak foliage weekends — arriving at 8:30 puts you ahead of the rush. A $5 day-use fee applies; pay at the iron ranger box at the lot entrance.

📍 Diana's Baths Trailhead, West Side Road, North Conway

08:45

Hike Diana's Baths cascades

The 0.6-mile walk-in leads to a series of smooth granite ledges and waterfall pools draped in crimson and amber canopy — peak color typically blankets this hollow mid-October. Wear grippy trail shoes as the wet rock slabs can be slippery.

📍 Diana's Baths Natural Area, White Mountain National Forest

10:00

Continue on Moat Mountain Trail toward Echo Lake overlook

From Diana's Baths, follow the Moat Mountain Trail north roughly 1.5 miles to gain the ridge-line views above Echo Lake. The elevation gain is moderate (~700 ft) and the payoff — crimson maples framing a still, mirror-surfaced lake — is the signature image of the day.

📍 Moat Mountain Trail, White Mountain National Forest

11:30

Summit rest & Echo Lake overlook

Spend 20–30 minutes at the overlook taking in the lake, Cathedral Ledge, and the Saco River valley blazing with color below. This is your photo stop — morning light still rakes nicely from the east at this hour.

📍 Echo Lake Overlook, Moat Mountain Trail

12:15

Descend and return to trailhead

Retrace the trail back to the parking lot; the descent is straightforward and takes roughly 45 minutes at a relaxed pace.

📍 Diana's Baths Trailhead, West Side Road

13:15

Lunch at Delaney's Hole in the Wall

A beloved local tavern steps from the village strip — the chowder and the turkey-apple panini are autumn-menu staples. No reservation needed for lunch but expect a short wait on foliage weekends.

📍 Delaney's Hole in the Wall, North Conway

14:30

Drive to Cathedral Ledge State Reservation

The summit road is a short, paved 1-mile drive from the park entrance — passenger cars are fine. Parking is free with your day-use fee already paid, or there is a small separate fee at the gate.

📍 Cathedral Ledge Road, Echo Lake State Park, North Conway

14:45

Cathedral Ledge overlook — panoramic valley views

The sheer cliff-top offers a sweeping 180° view of the Saco Valley, the Presidential Range, and the patchwork quilt of peak-color foliage stretching to the horizon. Stay well back from unguarded ledge edges; wind can be strong at the top.

📍 Cathedral Ledge Summit, Echo Lake State Park

16:00

Relax at Echo Lake beach & catch the golden hour

The small sandy beach at the base of Cathedral Ledge faces west — afternoon light turns the cliff face amber and reflects in the lake for superb photography. The water is too cold for swimming by mid-October but the setting is unbeatable.

📍 Echo Lake, Echo Lake State Park, North Conway

17:30

Return to North Conway, freshen up at hotel

A 10-minute drive back to the village. Allow time to change, rest your legs, and review photos before dinner.

📍 North Conway Village

18:30

Dinner at Deacon Scott's Restaurant & Pub

A White Mountains institution with a warm fireplace, local craft beers on tap, and a fall menu leaning on Vermont cheddar, wild mushroom dishes, and hearty entrées sized for post-hike appetites. Reservations recommended for 6:30 PM on weekends — call ahead or book online.

📍 Deacon Scott's, North Conway Village

07:30

Breakfast in North Conway before checkout

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before the long drive — most North Conway diners open by 7:00. Settle your hotel bill and load the car beforehand so you can head out by 08:30.

📍 May Kelly's Cottage Restaurant or similar diner, North Conway, NH

08:30

Depart North Conway — begin drive east toward the Maine coast

The roughly 3-hour drive (about 175 miles) follows Route 302 through the Saco River Valley, which offers its own corridor of blazing autumn maples and birches. Keep a camera accessible for roadside pull-offs.

📍 North Conway, NH → Route 302 east toward Portland, ME

10:00

Rest stop and foliage walk in Fryeburg, Maine

Fryeburg hosts one of New England's largest agricultural fairs in early October; the fairgrounds area is peaceful post-fair and the Saco River meadows glow with fall color. Stretch your legs for 20–30 minutes.

📍 Fryeburg, ME — just across the NH/ME state line on Route 302

11:15

Coffee and pastry stop in Portland

Portland's Old Port is a quick detour off Route 1 and Standard Baking is a local institution — the croissants and morning buns sell out by midday, so arriving around 11:15 keeps you ahead of the rush.

📍 Standard Baking Co., 75 Commercial St, Portland, ME

12:15

Continue north on Route 1 — scenic coastal run to Camden

This final 80-mile stretch of Route 1 winds through tidal inlets, farmstands, and village greens draped in crimson. Budget about 1 hour 15 minutes and resist the urge to rush — the roadside color is part of the day.

📍 US Route 1 north from Portland through Rockport to Camden, ME

13:30

Arrive Camden — check in and freshen up

Camden's inns cluster within walking distance of the harbor; ask the innkeeper for current peak-color conditions on Mount Battie so you can plan the next day's hike. Leave luggage and get out on foot quickly — afternoon light on the harbor is exceptional.

📍 Camden, ME — hotel or inn in the village center

14:15

Camden Harbor arrival & waterfront walk (anchor)

The harbor is framed by Mount Battie to the west and wooden schooners at anchor — peak autumn color typically hits the hillside above the harbor in the second or third week of October, right on schedule. Stroll the full length of the public landing out to the breakwater for the classic panoramic view.

📍 Camden Public Landing & Harbor, Bay View St, Camden, ME

15:30

Explore Camden village — shops and galleries along Main Street

The compact downtown has independent bookshops, wool and outfitter stores, and art galleries all within a few walkable blocks. This is a good time to pick up any layers or gear for tomorrow's hike up Mount Battie.

📍 Main Street & Bayview Street, Camden, ME

17:00

Sunset walk to the top of the Harbor Park amphitheater overlook

The small stone amphitheater tucked above the harbor offers an elevated, uncrowded vantage point for golden-hour light on the water and fall foliage — far less trafficked than the official overlooks. Bring a layer; waterfront temperatures drop sharply after 17:00 in mid-October.

📍 Camden Amphitheater & Harbor Park, Atlantic Ave, Camden, ME

18:30

Dinner in Camden — fresh seafood and New England comfort food

Both restaurants draw heavily on Maine coastal ingredients and are among the best tables in Midcoast Maine; reservations are strongly recommended, especially on a Friday or Saturday in foliage season — book at least a week ahead.

📍 Natalie's at Camden Harbour Inn or Hartstone Inn dining room, Camden, ME

20:30

Evening stroll along the waterfront and early night

The harbor is beautifully quiet after dinner with the mast lights of the schooners reflecting on the water. A short walk before bed sets the mood for an early rise tomorrow for Mount Battie and the full coastal day ahead.

📍 Camden Harbor & Bay View Street, Camden, ME

21:30

Return to inn for the night

Aim to be settled by 21:30; tomorrow's coastal day starts with a hike and is best begun by 08:00 to catch morning light on the summit.

📍 Camden, ME — your inn or hotel

07:30

Breakfast at Bagel Café or similar local spot

Arrive early on a weekend-adjacent fall morning to beat the leaf-peeper crowd. Grab coffee and a warm bagel sandwich to fuel the morning hike.

📍 Bagel Café, 25 Mechanic St, Camden, ME

08:30

Camden Hills State Park — Megunticook Trail to Mount Battie summit

Hike the Megunticook Trail to the ridge and descend via the Mount Battie Trail for a loop with the best crimson maple canopy views; the full loop is about 4 miles. Alternatively, the park auto road opens at 9:00 AM if conditions are too icy — check at the gatehouse. Admission is $6/adult, cash or card accepted.

📍 Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd (US-1), Camden, ME

11:00

Summit views from the Mount Battie stone tower

Climb the WWI memorial tower for a 360-degree panorama over Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and the offshore islands blazing with fall color. Mid-morning light on the harbor is especially photogenic — linger here before heading down.

📍 Mount Battie Summit, Camden Hills State Park

12:15

Return to Camden village and freshen up at hotel

The descent takes roughly 45 minutes; a quick stop at the hotel to drop gear before lunch keeps the afternoon comfortable.

📍 Camden town center

13:00

Lobster rolls at Camden Harbor — lunch anchor

Order a classic cold Maine lobster roll (mayo-dressed, split-top bun) with a harbor-view seat if possible. The Waterfront Restaurant has outdoor decks directly over the water — arrive right at 1 PM for a table before the peak lunch rush.

📍 Lobster Dock at Long Grain or Waterfront Restaurant, Camden Harbor

14:15

Camden Harbor waterfront stroll & schooner watching

Walk the wharf past the historic windjammer fleet still moored for the season and browse the chandlery shops along Bay View. The fall light on the white hulls and orange foliage is a classic Maine postcard scene.

📍 Camden Public Landing & Harbor, Bay View St, Camden, ME

15:00

Drive to Rockport — Harbor & sculpture walk

Rockport's tiny harbor and the lime kilns at Marine Park make a quiet contrast to Camden's bustle. Walk the short harbor loop and photograph the kilns framed by autumn color — it takes about 30–40 minutes at a relaxed pace.

📍 Rockport Harbor & Marine Park, Rockport, ME (8 min south on US-1)

15:45

Rockland galleries — Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) & Main Street

CMCA is Maine's premier contemporary art space with rotating fall exhibitions; admission is $10. Afterward, stroll Rockland's Main Street — the Farnsworth Art Museum next door is worth a 20-minute walk-through for its Wyeth collection if time allows.

📍 Center for Maine Contemporary Art, 21 Winter St, Rockland, ME (15 min south of Rockport)

17:30

Return to Camden — golden-hour walk on Mount Battie auto road pulloff or harbor pier

The harbor glows amber at sunset around 5:45–6:00 PM in mid-October. Position yourself on the public pier or the foot of Bay View Street for an unobstructed view over the boats.

📍 Camden Harbor Pier or Bay View Street, Camden, ME

19:00

Dinner at Francine Bistro or similar Camden farm-to-table restaurant

Francine is reservation-essential in peak foliage season — book at least a week ahead. The short, locally sourced menu changes daily and pairs well with a New England craft cider for a fitting end to a coastal fall day.

📍 Francine Bistro, 55 Chestnut St, Camden, ME

20:30

Evening nightcap and harbor lights stroll

The village quiets considerably after 8 PM, making a short evening walk along the harbor especially atmospheric. Dress in layers — coastal October evenings drop quickly into the low 40s °F.

📍 Boynton-McKay Coffee or a Camden pub, downtown Camden

04:30

Wake up & final pack

Set a 04:30 alarm — the drive from Camden to Portland Jetport is roughly 85 miles and takes about 1 hr 45 min; you need to be out the door no later than 05:00 to clear TSA comfortably before a 07:25 departure.

📍 Camden hotel

05:00

Check out & depart Camden for Portland

Traffic is minimal at this hour. Fill up on gas in Brunswick if needed; options become sparse closer to the airport early morning.

📍 Camden, ME → US-1 S / I-295 S to Portland

05:15

Quick grab-and-go breakfast

Camden's cafés won't be open this early. Grab coffee and a bite in Brunswick around the 20-minute mark of your drive so you don't lose time near the airport.

📍 Dunkin' or a 24-hr gas station mart en route (Brunswick, ME)

06:45

Arrive Portland International Jetport & check in

PWM is a small, easy airport — TSA lines rarely exceed 15 minutes, but arriving ~40 minutes before departure is still wise. Return rental car first if applicable; the rental lot is steps from the terminal.

📍 Portland International Jetport (PWM), 1001 Westbrook St, Portland, ME

07:25

Depart Portland (PWM) → Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP)

Flight time is approximately 2 hrs 50 min. Grab any last Maine snacks or a proper airport breakfast once through security — PWM has a small but decent café airside.

📍 Portland International Jetport, Gate area

11:15

Arrive Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport

MSP is a major hub; ground transportation including light rail (METRO Blue Line) connects the airport to downtown Minneapolis in about 25 minutes for a smooth onward journey.

📍 Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), Minneapolis, MN

9-Day Burlington → North Conway → Camden Itinerary — Fall 2026 - New England Foliage Trail

Day 1 — 2026-10-10

Day 2 — 2026-10-11

Day 3 — 2026-10-12

Day 4 — 2026-10-13

Day 5 — 2026-10-14

Day 6 — 2026-10-15

Day 7 — 2026-10-16

Day 8 — 2026-10-17

Day 9 — 2026-10-18

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