New England Explorer is our longest-running trip in the Northeast—and for good reason!
Students have the opportunity to explore some of the most stunning landscapes in the region, from conquering the highest peaks of Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, to kayaking along Maine’s beautiful coastline.
As the first trip I ever led and one of the trips I now plan, New England Explorer holds a special place in my heart. Here’s what a typical day looks like, from a student’s perspective!
7:00AM: Wake up and Pack up
Your day will start in your tent, where you’ll be woken up by your morning alarm: your leaders! You’ll hurry to get ready for the day and pack your daypack; making sure to grab plenty of extra snacks for the hike ahead. After everyone has finished getting ready you’ll eat breakfast together as a group–bagels with butter or cream cheese, yogurt and granola, or oatmeal and fresh fruit.
9:00AM: Hike Mt. Mansfield
Today you’ll set out to tackle Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, which stands at 4,395 feet tall. After a quick stretch at the trailhead, you and your group will head off. On trail you’ll learn games, share riddles, and tell stories to pass the time while you continue to climb higher and higher. Shortly after a snack break near Taft Lodge, a shelter for hikers on the Long Trail, you’ll finally break tree line and get your first views of the rolling green hills and mountains below. The last half mile will be tough, but with your leaders cheering you on, you’ll push through to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular overlook of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the towering White Mountains in the distance. After celebrating at the summit and enjoying a much-needed lunch break, you’ll begin your descent.
2:00PM: Visit the Ben and Jerry’s Factory
After your hike, you’ll head off to Ben and Jerry’s for a tour of the factory. Here you’ll get to learn how their ice cream is made, watch workers on the production floor, and sample the ice cream flavor of that day! At the end of the tour, you’ll pick out your favorite ice cream at the shop and enjoy it outside–a perfect treat after a challenging hike.
4:00PM: Head to Camp
Next you’ll head to the campground to relax and settle in for the evening. After a long day you’ll start to wind down by playing cards, making friendship bracelets, or relaxing and listening to music. At 5:00PM you’ll begin cooking dinner with three of your other groupmates. You’ll chop and season veggies, prepare rice and beans, and lay out the ingredients for hearty burrito bowls. You’ll gather as a group and eat together, waiting until the last person has served themselves before declaring “Cheers!” and digging in. ‘
8:00PM Dessert Circle
Once you’ve had seconds (and thirds!) and cleaned up dinner, you’ll gather again with your group for a favorite Overland tradition: dessert circle. Your leaders will pass around dessert and one-by-one everyone will share their High, Low, and “Cheers” (a gratitude) of the day. After a few moments of reflecting, chatting, and laughing, you’ll head to bed, pleasantly exhausted and already excited for another spectacular day on New England Explorer.
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