September in New England is an excellent time of year to pull out the family tent. It provides ideal weather for going to the woods for a weekend or perhaps a more substantial vacation. Summer harvest is still going strong. As the month progresses, the first of the fall produce will become available for consumption. For those who don't care too much for the summer heat, overall camping conditions improve, with cooler days, less insects and longer nights.
Range of Conditions
Climatic conditions in New England vary significantly from north to south; they also vary from the beginning of September to the end of the month, when autumn officially arrives. Therefore, keep in mind that camping conditions in Rhode Island or Cape Cod might be very hot over Labor Day. However, by the end of the month, the high peaks of the White Mountains in New Hampshire can be snow-covered.
Sleep Comfortable
Excluding Cape Cod, sleeping on the ground in New England often means dealing with extra rocks. Choose your campsite carefully. Bring extra padding, not just for the hard ground, but for extra insulation against a cool fall night. September weather through most of the region is warm enough, so that you will want to bring along a roomy tent with plenty of ventilation and even mosquito netting.
Swimming Is Excellent
Since lakes, ponds and even the ocean holds the summer heat for much of the month, September is still a nice time to enjoy one of nature's best exercises, swimming. Camping next to a New England lake is always a pleasant way to spend a September weekend, especially when your stay includes either a cooling dip or aerobic exercise. Popular beaches at places like Walden Pond (MA), Sebago Lake (ME), Lake Winnipesaukee (NH) and anywhere along the Long Island Sound can be enjoyed throughout the month. Just keep in mind that lifeguards are usually not on duty after Labor Day.
Hit The Trail
The Appalachian Trail crosses five of the six New England states, providing numerous places for short overnight backpacking excursions. Some places on the trail--such as the White Mountains and Baxter State Park--are outright rugged, but easier sections can be found in Connecticut, Vermont and northern Maine. Nothing beats sitting in front of your tent by a campfire after an exhilarating workout on the trail. Campers should be aware that safe trail camping requires good woodsman skills, the correct equipment and excellent physical conditioning.
Try A Harvest Festival
As September draws to a close, many towns and communities across the state support autumn harvest or music festivals. Combine a weekend at a private campground with your days listening to live jazz or wandering through produce stalls filled with fresh honey, apple cider and wild blueberry pies. In western Massachusetts, the Jazz festival at Tanglewood (one weekend only) and the Berkshire Foliage Festival--which begins in late September--are two popular events, but keep in mind that many such venues hold festivals all through out the region. Another big draw is the Shelburne Harvest Festival in northern Vermont.
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