This Epic 10-Hour Winter Drive From NYC Is This Year’s ‘Most Rewarding’ Road Trip — And It Leads To A ‘Frozen’ National Park

Winter in New York City usually means bundling up, dodging slush puddles, and counting down to spring. (Yes, we’re really already at that point) But for drivers willing to trade subway delays for open highways , there’s a far more cinematic option waiting up the East Coast . Let us introduce to the winter roadtrip of a lifetime. A roughly 8–10 hours journey north of Manhattan where roads slowly empty, air sharpens, and the Atlantic turns steel-blue. In a place where granite cliffs turn into frozen eye candy and snow blankets beautifully across spruce forests — one of the most beloved national parks in America becomes something entirely different: quiet, wild, and hauntingly beautiful. This is what you can expect on a winter drive from NYC to Maine’s Acadia National Park —and it might be the most rewarding cold-weather road trip on the East Coast . The winter road trip from NYC to Acadia National Park ----------------------------------------------------- The drive from New York City to Acadia National Park clocks in at about 480–490 miles . Without stops, it’s roughly 8.5 hours , but winter roads, food breaks, and scenic detours easily turn it into a full 10-hour epic —which is exactly the point. Most drivers head north on I-95 through Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine , with the landscape slowly shifting from suburban sprawl to rocky coastline as each hour passes. For maximum atmosphere, locals recommend leaving the interstate north of Brunswick, Maine, and hopping onto U.S. Route 1 , where small harbor towns, lighthouses, and snow-covered fishing villages start feeding into that cozy winter escape vibe. And let’s be clear, this is not a “rush to the destination” kind of drive—it’s a slow burn. The best winter stops along the way ----------------------------------- While you could do the drive all in one shot, why would you? The route is filled with some of the best hidden gems in the entire country, breaking up what would otherwise be a long, cold journey with a bit of winter adventure! Here’s the ideal itinerary we’ve already curated for you: ### Stop 1: [New Haven, Connecticut](https://secretnyc.co/new-haven-ct/) (≈2 hours in) Only a couple of hours into your drive, this so called “pizza capital” of the area is the perfect place to fulfill your class early fuel-up! Stretch your legs and grab a legendary white clam pie at Frank Pepe’ s or a historic burger at Louis’ Lunch before the road turns quieter. There’s also nearby East Rock Park that offers fantastic nature drives and quick hikes if you’re looking to kill a couple of hours and fit the overall “nature” theme of your trek. 🍕 Read our full guide to New Haven, CT here ### Stop 2: [Portland, Maine](https://secretnyc.co/little-iceland-portland-maine-winter-getaway-from-nyc/) (≈5.5 hours in) Portland is the perfect midpoint pause. We think it’s safe to say that stopping at America’s “Little Iceland” fits the overall winter aesthetic you’re going for on your winter drive, so be sure to pencil this spot in, even it’s only for a few hours. The town’s close comparison to Reykjavík is evident — a cute main street, coastal landscapes, a working-harbor grit, and design-forward cafés that will please the senses and power you through to your final destination. Don’t forget to walk out to Portland Head Light for a windswept winter lighthouse moment, then warm up with a Holy Donut (yes, the potato ones) or coffee in the Old Port before the final push north. 🧊 Read our full guide to Portland, ME here ### Optional coastal crawl: If time allows, Route 1 takes you through towns like Camden, Rockland, Belfast, and Blue Hill , each complete with snowy harbors, clapboard storefronts, and empty winter sidewalks that are worth stopping for a photo. Arriving in Bar Harbor: Maine without the crowds ------------------------------------------------ Summer Bar Harbor is bustling for sure, but Winter Bar Harbor is something else *entirely*. When you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is the silence \*chef’s kiss\*. The streets are calmer, the harbor slower, and the town feels more like a working coastal village than a tourist hub. Many shops and restaurants stay open year-round, just on quieter schedules, making everything feel pleasantly low-key and local. Snow dusts the boats in the harbor. The Village Green becomes a peaceful lookout instead of a crowd magnet. And Acadia—just minutes away—feels almost secret. Acadia National Park in winter: a completely different world ------------------------------------------------------------ Now for the grand reward of the whole trek — Acadia National Park . The beloved nature phenomenon stays open year-round, but winter completely transforms how you experience it. From early December through mid-April , much of Park Loop Road closes to vehicles , turning the park into a massive, car-free winter playground . What’s usually packed with summer traffic becomes a snowy network of trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking . It’s the ultimate winter landscape right before your very eyes...granite cliffs looming over frozen ponds, waves crashing against icy shorelines, and mile-wide viewpoints becoming even more iconic. Three unforgettable winter-only experiences in Acadia ----------------------------------------------------- ### 1. Cadillac Mountain at sunrise (with a catch) Cadillac Mountain is famous for being the first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise from October through March . In winter, the summit road is closed—meaning the only way up is by hiking or skiing in the dark. It’s a commitment, but watching the sun crack over the frozen Atlantic while the rest of the country sleeps is one of Acadia’s most brag-worthy moments . ### 2. A frozen Sand Beach In January and February, Sand Beach looks almost unreal. Snow blankets the sand, cliffs frame the cove, and the dark winter ocean churns just beyond. You’ll likely have the entire beach to yourself too! ### 3. Rockefeller’s carriage roads, winter-style Acadia’s 45 miles of historic carriage roads , funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr., are groomed in winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing . Roughly 32 miles are regularly maintained, making them some of the most peaceful winter trails on the East Coast. Essential winter tips for NYC drivers ------------------------------------- * Microspikes are non-negotiable: Trails, sidewalks, and even parking lots can be icy. * Short days: The sun sets around 4 p.m. in deep winter—plan hikes early. * Park pass required: You still need an Acadia entrance pass in winter (available online here). * Drive prepared: Snow tires, emergency blankets, and patience go a long way! Source: https://secretnyc.co/epic-ten-hour-winter-road-trip-from-nyc-to-acadia-national-park/