Portland to Rochester Road Trip Guide
Introduction
When it comes to unique cities in the United States, Portland has to be in the conversation. The state capital and most populated city of Maine has a rich history that revolves around its harbor, agriculture, and multiple fires that flattened the city during the 1600 and 1800s. In the present-day, it is a huge tourist attraction with people from far and wide visiting to experience the historic landmarks, museums, and waterfront offerings of the city.
Featuring a humid continental climate, Portland also contains the closest United States port to Europe. Some of the major tourist attractions in the city revolve around the fantastic festivals that occur when the snow isn't falling, such as the Old Port Festival, the Harvest on the Harbour, the Maine Brewers Festival, and the Tall Ships Parade.
Starting off a short RV road trip in the city gives you a world of options as to where you can explore, including heading 474 miles west to Rochester in New York. Along the way you have plenty of options when it comes to visiting attractions and parks, including visiting towering forests, gigantic lakes, and stopping into cities that you might not get to experience if it wasn't for an RV road trip. The drive time will fly by on this trip in your motorhome, and you will be wishing you had more time to see the sights of the northeast.
Located on Lake Ontario, there is a reason to visit Rochester no matter what season you are traveling in. With a large food scene, interesting museums, and access to dozens of outdoor activities within your fingertips, Rochester will delight and surprise you. The city is also near some great RV campgrounds, so spending your final night here will be pleasant.
Point of Interest
International Cryptozoology Museum
When you think of Portland, the International Cryptozoology Museum won't be the first thing that comes to mind, but the beauty of RV road trips is that you can take the time to check out some of the weirder attractions that exist around the country.
Founded in 2003, the International Cryptozoology Museum has been named by TIME Magazine as one of the 10 Weirdest Museums in the World, and it's easy to see why. Cryptozoology is the study of animals that haven't been proven to exist, and this museum is the only one in the world dedicated to exhibiting creatures that may or may not be out there.
There are many highlights at the International Cryptozoology Museum, including a Santa Claus family tree exhibit, a "fur-bearing" trout that was caught in the Great Slave Lake, and various facts about some classic Cryptozoology animals like Bigfoot, the Yeti, and the Loch Ness Monster. Be sure to take some photos as you won't find anything else like this on your travels during your life.
After you have been opened to the world of Cryptozoology Portland has some delightful restaurants and bars to enjoy, as well as multiple RV campgrounds on the outskirts of the city like the Wassamki Springs Campground.
Mount Holyoke Range State Park
Located 17.5 miles north of Springfield, Mount Holyoke Range State Park is the perfect place to visit to experience some unique natural attractions on your RV road trip. The park is home to over 3,000 acres that contain a stunning mountain ridge, multiple wetlands, woods, and gorgeous streams.
Visiting Mount Holyoke Range State Park is a great idea for adventurers wanting to do some exploring since there are over 30 miles of trails that you are welcome to use during your time in the park. Along with hiking, some of the other popular activities include taking some unforgettable photos of the views that the park has, going mountain biking, checking out the visitor center, hunting, or enjoying winter recreational activities once the snow starts to fall.
There are no campgrounds within Mount Holyoke Range State Park, but there are many to choose from in the area. One of the closest campgrounds to the park is the Northampton / Springfield KOA where you can enjoy full hookup sites, a swimming pool, WiFi, and cable TV.
Great Sacandaga Lake
The outdoor adventures continue as you enter New York and you are able to enjoy some wonderful parks, forests, lakes, and rivers before arriving at the conclusion of your trip to Rochester. One of the best places to check out to enjoy some lakeside fun is at Great Sacandaga Lake.
Located 139 miles from Mount Holyoke Range State Park in the Adirondack Park Preserve, Great Sacandaga Lake is referred to by many as the Adirondack Mountains' best-kept secret. The lake is extremely clean, picturesque, and has a 26688-acre surface area, so there is plenty of room to get away from it all and enjoy the peacefulness of the lake.
The construction of Great Sacandaga Lake was started in 1930 when the Sacandaga River was dammed in order to limit the impact of severe floods in nearby cities such as Albany. For decades the lake has been a local favorite, and due to its large size the fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities are near endless. If you want to get out on the water and don't have a boat there are plenty of rentals available from private marinas on all sides of the lake.
Camping near Great Sacandaga Lake can be done at multiple locations, including at the Adirondack Foothills on the eastern side of the lake or the state-run Northampton Beach Campground that is on the western side.
Summary
The trip from Portland to Rochester has flown by, and although it does have to finish, ending in Rochester is a great conclusion. The underrated city has a perfect mix of cultural and natural attractions, so if you want to keep exploring you have the option to do so.
Heading to Durand Eastman Park gives you the chance to see some of the local wildlife, attending Seabreeze Amusement Park will give you some thrills you may be craving, or experience the highly-rated Rochester Museum & Science Center is a great choice if you want to take it easy. No matter what you are after, Rochester has an answer.
The city is also near some great RV campgrounds, so spending your final night here will be pleasant. Consider ending your trip by staying at the Canandaigua / Rochester KOA Holiday so you can live it up in luxury before having to return to the real world.
