The saying "You can't get there from Here", likely had to do with going east/west in New England. That being said, there are some decent roads. Rt 2 goes from Bangor, Me through NH and VT and ends in Rouses Pt NY, the far northwest border of VT and the Champlain Islands. Mostly 2 lane, somewhat busy in places, but nothing compared to southern New England/NY/NJ etc. Toughest climbs are through the White Mountains in NH but the roadway is good and climbs are long but not too steep. Rt 2 mostly avoids the Green Mountains in VT, goes through Montpelier and on to Burlington. Plenty of small towns along the way in all 3 states. Of course, lots of options to peel off and take even smaller roads.