6-Day Shoestring Budget East Coast Nature Trip including Niagara Falls

1. Day 1: Niagara Falls State Park
   6-hour drive from Boston (465 miles)

   Explore the oldest state park in the US with multiple trails to different observation points including the Cave of the Winds.

2. Day 2: White Mountains National Forest
   4-hour drive from Niagara Falls (240 miles)

   Hike the trails in Franconia Notch State Park, drive the winding Kancamagus Highway with epic fall foliage and visit the Flume Gorge.

3. Day 3: Acadia National Park
   5-hour drive from White Mountains (220 miles)

   Take a picturesque drive on the Park Loop Road, hike or bike the carriage roads, visit the Thunder Hole and end with the Cadillac Summit.

4. Day 4: Cape Cod National Seashore
   5-hour drive from Acadia (285 miles)

   Explore the pristine beaches, hike the sand dunes, visit the lighthouses and end the day with the colorful sunsets.

5. Day 5: Shenandoah National Park
   7.5-hour drive from Cape Cod (525 miles)

   Drive the 105 miles-long Skyline Drive, hike to waterfalls, visit the Big Meadows and experience the stunning views of the fall foliage.

6. Day 6: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
   7-hour drive from Shenandoah (440 miles)

   Enjoy the scenic drive on Newfound Gap Road, hike to mountain vistas and waterfalls, and visit the historic buildings in Cades Cove.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Niagara Falls State Park (5 hours, $20 parking fee)
• White Mountains National Forest (2 days, free)
• Acadia National Park (2 days, $30 per vehicle, $15 per person)
• Cape Cod National Seashore (1 day, $30 per vehicle, $20 per person for a guided tour)
• Shenandoah National Park (2 days, $30 per vehicle, $15 per person)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (2 days, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: $265

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Adirondack Park in New York, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and the Everglades National Park in Florida. If you have less time, skip Cape Cod and extend your visit to Acadia National Park.