10 Beautiful Scenic Drives in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to many beautiful scenic drives that will leave you in awe of their beauty. Whether you want to drive by mountains, lakes, or the ocean, New Hampshire has a scenic byway for you!
Each scenic drive in New Hampshire has many things to do and see in every season, including hiking, driving to the tallest mountain in the state, boating, cross-country skiing, and relaxing on the beach. This guide has everything you need to know about the most beautiful scenic drives in New Hampshire, including the best things to do along each.
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Tips for Exploring the Scenic Drives in New Hampshire
Give yourself plenty of time to drive and explore the scenic drives. You can explore the scenic byways without stopping, but the stops make them incredible! There are so many hikes, waterfalls, and overlooks on the scenic drives in New Hampshire, so I recommend giving yourself more time than you think you’ll need to explore them.
Get gas and food before you begin your drive. Although some scenic drives have gas stations and restaurants along the route, many stretches do not. I recommend filling up on gas and getting everything you’ll need before beginning the drive.
If you are visiting in the winter, make sure to pack layers and have a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Not all roads require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but it’s always good to have it just in case. Some must-see sights along the scenic drives are on unpaved or unmaintained roads, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is a must for those.
If you are visiting in the summer or fall, begin your drive early. The summer and fall are the most popular times to visit New Hampshire, and the scenic drives will have crowds. Starting early in the day will allow more time to explore, and you will avoid most crowds in the morning.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Many of these places have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away when you finish the hike. If they don’t have trash bins, hold onto your trash until you can dispose of it properly.
Best Seasons to Explore the Scenic Drives in New Hampshire
Winter
Winter is an underrated season to explore the scenic drives in New Hampshire. Many people visit in the winter to ski and snowboard, but it offers so much more! The scenic drives will be a lot less crowded than the rest of the year, and you will have the beautiful coast, frozen lakes, or snow-covered mountains all to yourself. Winters in New Hampshire are cold, so make sure to pack warm clothes!
Spring
If you are someone who loves the smell of blooming flowers and trees, you should explore the scenic drives in New Hampshire in the spring. Although winter can linger through early spring, you can enjoy the valleys and coast becoming green and vibrant with wildflowers in late spring. Spring is also one of the best times to visit waterfalls along the scenic drives because the snowmelt increases the water volume.
Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times to visit New Hampshire and explore its scenic drives. If you enjoy hiking and warm weather, you should explore New Hampshire’s scenic drives in the summer! You can enjoy beautiful hikes throughout the state or take a dip into the ocean. You will not be short of things to do along the scenic drives in the summer!
Fall
Fall is the most popular time to visit New Hampshire because the vibrant fall foliage takes over everything. The best thing about visiting New Hampshire in the fall is every road turns into a scenic drive. Since fall is the most popular time to visit New Hampshire, I recommend exploring the scenic drives early to avoid most crowds.
10 Beautiful Scenic Drives in New Hampshire
Kancamagus Highway
Length: 34.5 miles
Region: White Mountains Region
The Kancamagus Highway is the most well-known scenic drive in New Hampshire because it is one of the most beautiful fall scenic drives in the world! It stretches for 34.5 miles from Conway to Lincoln and passes through the White Mountains.
Millions of people travel from all over the world to drive the Kancamagus Highway during the fall because the foliage is stunning. Although fall is one of the best times to explore it, it is a beautiful scenic drive year-round! The road is even maintained in the winter, and you can enjoy views of snow-capped mountains.
The Kancamagus Highway has many things to do for all ages, including covered bridges, waterfalls, swimming holes, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks! Here are some of the best things to do along the Kancamagus Highway:
Hancock Overlook
The Kancamagus Highway does not have any amenities along the road, so you must get your food, gas, and anything else you need before beginning the drive.
Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway
Length: 39 miles
Region: Dartmouth Region
The Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive around Lake Sunapee. The 39-mile scenic drive is one of the lesser-known areas in New Hampshire but offers stunning views of lakes, mountains, and villages.
You can enjoy a day relaxing near Lake Sunapee in Mt Sunapee State Park, ski at Mt Sunapee Resort, hike to the top of Mt Sunapee, or explore one of the many small towns along the route. Here are some of the best things to do along the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway:
Sunapee Harbor
Sugar River Covered Footbridge
Mount Washington Auto Road
Length: 7.6 miles
Region: White Mountains Region
Although the Mount Washington Auto Road is one of the shortest scenic drives in New Hampshire, it is one of the most beautiful because it brings you to the top of the tallest mountain in New Hampshire, Mount Washington!
The 7.6-mile road drives on the side of Mount Washington, offering endless mountain views, before bringing you to the top of the mountain. At the top, you have panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and on a clear day, you can see almost every New England state! The views on the top of Mount Washington are unmatched, so it should be on every New Hampshire bucket list.
Note: The Mountain Washington Auto Road is closed in the winter and only opens seasonally. There is also a fee to drive the auto road.
White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway
Length: 100 miles
Region: White Mountains Region
If you are looking for a scenic drive through the White Mountains, the White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway is perfect for you! This 100-mile scenic drive begins in Franconia Notch, drives through Crawford Notch to Conway, then loops back through the Kancamagus Highway to Franconia Notch. You can drive the entire loop in a day, but I highly recommend allocating a few days to explore the must-see attractions.
As I mentioned, there is so much to do and see on this drive because it loops through three beautiful mountain areas, Franconia Notch State Park, Crawford Notch State Park, and the Kancamagus Highway. Since I mentioned the must-see attractions along the Kancamagus Highway, here are some of the must-see attractions in Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch:
Multi-Notch Scenic Drive
Length: 142 miles
Region: White Mountains Region
If you want to explore every notch in the White Mountains, this Multi-Notch Scenic Drive is perfect for you! This 142-mile scenic drive takes you through Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, and Pinkham Notch, the three main sections of the White Mountains.
It a stunning drive that offers so much to do and see, so I recommend allocating a few days to it. If you only want to enjoy the views from your car, you can drive the entire scenic drive in a few hours.
If you allocate a few days to the area, there is so much you can do along the Multi-Notch Scenic Drive, including exploring many waterfalls and hiking trails. Here are some of the best things to do along the Multi-Notch Scenic Drive:
Monadnock Region Loop
Length: 80 miles
Region: Monadnock Region
The Monadnock Region Loop is a beautiful 80-mile scenic drive in Southern New Hampshire. Many people only visit the region to hike Mount Monadnock, one of the most hiked mountains in the world, but there is so much more to do along this scenic drive.
The Monadnock Region Loop is a beautiful drive year-round through quaint towns and around Mount Monadnock. It’s also an underrated scenic drive for fall foliage because many people visit the White Mountains in the fall and forget about the southern regions. Here are some of the best things to do along the Monadnock Region Loop:
Great North Woods Scenic Drive
Length: 120 miles
Region: Great North Woods Region
The Great North Woods Scenic Drive is an underrated scenic drive in New Hampshire. This beautiful 120-mile scenic drive loops through Northern New Hampshire past quaint towns, waterfalls, mountains, covered bridges, and so much more. And the best part? It’s a beautiful scenic drive year-round! And it’s another stunning fall scenic drive in New Hampshire that many people overlook.
There are plenty of things to do for all ages, so you can find something to do along the scenic drive for the whole family. If you explore the Great North Woods Scenic Drive, I promise you will not be disappointed! Here are some of the best things to do along the Great North Woods Scenic Drive:
Stark Covered Bridge
Lakes Region Scenic Drive
Length: 97 miles
Region: Lakes Region
The Lakes Region Scenic Drive loops around the largest lake in New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee. There is so much to do along this drive, including boating, hiking, exploring quaint towns, and swimming. You can enjoy exploring small towns, like Alton Bay, Gilford, Meredith, and Moultonborough, where you can eat delicious food, shop, and enjoy scenic views.
If you want to enjoy outdoor activities, there are many hiking trails, ski resorts, and other areas where you can enjoy outdoor fun! No matter what you want to do, there is something to do for everyone along this scenic drive. Here are some of the best things to do along the Lakes Region Scenic Drive:
Colonial New Hampshire Seacoast Scenic Drive
Length: 40 miles
Region: Seacoast Region
Although New Hampshire is known for its beautiful mountains and lakes, it also has a breathtaking coastline! The 40-mile Colonial New Hampshire Seacoast Scenic Drive begins in Portsmouth, travels along the coast to Hampton, and explores Exeter, a colonial New Hampshire town.
You can choose to explore the small town inland or stay along the coast, depending on what you want to experience. You can spend your days learning about history or relaxing by the beach. Here are some of the best things to do along the Colonial New Hampshire Seacoast Scenic Drive:
Connecticut River Byway
Length: 140 miles
Region: Multiple
The Connecticut River Byway travels through Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In this guide, we will only talk about the New Hampshire section. This 140-mile scenic drive stretches across New Hampshire from the southwestern border to the Canadian border, following the Connecticut River.
The Connecticut River Byway has everything, including lakes, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and quaint towns. And the best part? Many people overlook this scenic drive, so many sections are very peaceful, even in the fall. You can also add on other scenic drives like the Multi-Notch Scenic Drive or the White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway if you want to extend the drive even further.
What to Pack for Exploring the Scenic Drives in New Hampshire
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
If you want to explore a scenic drive in New Hampshire, this guide is the perfect place to start! It has everything you need to know about the beautiful scenic drives in New Hampshire!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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