The verdict is in. New Hampshire is the most beautiful place for road trips. Anywhere. Sure, this might be our own unofficial verdict, but the important thing is that this state is gorgeous. To celebrate it, hop in the car and explore! We’ve compiled a few of our favorites to motivate and inspire you for the next time you’ve got some free time and keys to the car.
- New Hampshire 153
dougtone / Flickr There’s no reason not to take this quintessential New England journey. It’s only 36 miles, after all. The less-than-an-hour route will take you from Sanbornville towards Conway, passing the The New Hampshire Farm Museum and two wildlife Sanctuaries along the way. At the end, you can head west to journey along the Kancamagus Highway.
- The Kancamagus Scenic Byway
chanc / Flickr The northeast’s highest road is also, arguably, it’s most beautiful! This 35 mile stretch of New Hampshire Highway 112 will take you along some of the windiest roads through some of the most majestic forests. It drive should take about an hour, but add in some time if you want to hike through parts of the White Mountain National Forest.
- The Natural Wonders Road Trip
oaquimRodrigues / Flickr If you love all things magnificent and impressive, this is the road trip for you. This trip will take you to places like Cathedral Ledge and the Mount Washington Auto Road, which means you’ll be oohing and ahhing your way all over the Granite State. For full directions, along with photos and a map click here.
- Connecticut River Byway
damiavos / Flickr The entirety of this scenic byway parallels the Connecticut River though New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts, but we love the portion that goes through the Granite State. You’ll start near the border of Quebec in the town of Pittsburgh, and head through to the Mass town of Winchester. Along the way you’ll see beautiful forest, lakes and streams as well as state parks and a covered bridge here and there. The entire route is 258 miles and should take about 6 hours. It will take you along New Hampshire Highways 10, 11, 110, 123, 12A, 135, 145, and 18 as well as US Highways 2 and 3.
- The White Mountain Trail
sackton / Flickr This 61-mile drive will take you driving on Interstate 93, and US Highways 16, 3, and 302. Don’t be scared off by this being on an Interstate. This is one of the most gorgeous Interstates in the country and will take you right through Franconia Notch State Park. Make sure to budget more time to this 1 hour drive if you want to stop at The Flume Gorge, which we definitely recommend!
- The Ultimate New Hampshire Waterfall Road Trip
rakphoto72 / Flickr This one might not be an official scenic byway, but it’s one of our favorite things to do in New Hampshire! Visit the best waterfalls in the state in one day with this wonderfully mapped out route that includes stops at places like Arathusa Falls, Diana’s Baths and Glen Ellis Falls. For the full route, including photos and directions click here.
- Three Rivers Scenic Drive
dougtone / Flickr Three Rivers Scenic Drive, or New Hampshire Highway 16, will take you through a portion of the White Mountains. It’s just short of 70 miles and will take you about an hour and a half from start to finish. The drive begins in Glen and head towards Wentworth Location, but it’s great going in either direction. Following this route about half of your time will be spend in the mountains and you’ll also have the opportunity to take a detour on the Mount Washington Auto Road. We recommend this if the weather is nice!
- The Fall Foliage Road Trip
jimbrickett / Flickr No good road trip through New Hampshire this time of year is complete without it including tons of fall foliage. While taking any of these routes in the fall will include all the colors you love, this one will make sure you’re immersed in it! From Littleton to Dixville Notch, you’ll remember why this might be the best season of all. Check out photos, a map and full driving directions by clicking here.
While you’re exploring the area, check out this county which is home to 10 covered bridges.
dougtone / Flickr
There’s no reason not to take this quintessential New England journey. It’s only 36 miles, after all. The less-than-an-hour route will take you from Sanbornville towards Conway, passing the The New Hampshire Farm Museum and two wildlife Sanctuaries along the way. At the end, you can head west to journey along the Kancamagus Highway.
chanc / Flickr
The northeast’s highest road is also, arguably, it’s most beautiful! This 35 mile stretch of New Hampshire Highway 112 will take you along some of the windiest roads through some of the most majestic forests. It drive should take about an hour, but add in some time if you want to hike through parts of the White Mountain National Forest.
oaquimRodrigues / Flickr
If you love all things magnificent and impressive, this is the road trip for you. This trip will take you to places like Cathedral Ledge and the Mount Washington Auto Road, which means you’ll be oohing and ahhing your way all over the Granite State. For full directions, along with photos and a map click here.
damiavos / Flickr
The entirety of this scenic byway parallels the Connecticut River though New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts, but we love the portion that goes through the Granite State. You’ll start near the border of Quebec in the town of Pittsburgh, and head through to the Mass town of Winchester. Along the way you’ll see beautiful forest, lakes and streams as well as state parks and a covered bridge here and there. The entire route is 258 miles and should take about 6 hours. It will take you along New Hampshire Highways 10, 11, 110, 123, 12A, 135, 145, and 18 as well as US Highways 2 and 3.
sackton / Flickr
This 61-mile drive will take you driving on Interstate 93, and US Highways 16, 3, and 302. Don’t be scared off by this being on an Interstate. This is one of the most gorgeous Interstates in the country and will take you right through Franconia Notch State Park. Make sure to budget more time to this 1 hour drive if you want to stop at The Flume Gorge, which we definitely recommend!
rakphoto72 / Flickr
This one might not be an official scenic byway, but it’s one of our favorite things to do in New Hampshire! Visit the best waterfalls in the state in one day with this wonderfully mapped out route that includes stops at places like Arathusa Falls, Diana’s Baths and Glen Ellis Falls. For the full route, including photos and directions click here.
Three Rivers Scenic Drive, or New Hampshire Highway 16, will take you through a portion of the White Mountains. It’s just short of 70 miles and will take you about an hour and a half from start to finish. The drive begins in Glen and head towards Wentworth Location, but it’s great going in either direction. Following this route about half of your time will be spend in the mountains and you’ll also have the opportunity to take a detour on the Mount Washington Auto Road. We recommend this if the weather is nice!
jimbrickett / Flickr
No good road trip through New Hampshire this time of year is complete without it including tons of fall foliage. While taking any of these routes in the fall will include all the colors you love, this one will make sure you’re immersed in it! From Littleton to Dixville Notch, you’ll remember why this might be the best season of all. Check out photos, a map and full driving directions by clicking here.
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