New Hampshire has its share of hustle and bustle closer to the cities in the southern part of the state. The North Country, however, has a slower pace. It's a perfect place to take to one of the region's lesser-traveled roads for a relaxing road trip.
New Hampshire's Route 26 has the distinction of being the only east-west highway north of U.S. Route 2. It stretches 31 miles through the state's North Country from Lemington, Vermont to Upton, Maine. The road offers a quiet and scenic drive through this more remote region of the Granite State.
After a brief start in Vermont, the highway crosses the Connecticut River and begins its journey through New Hampshire at the town of Colebrook. The tow has a long history of manufacturing and lumbering due to its location along the river.
Route 26 rises and falls through beautiful Dixville Notch, home to a state park. The notch's high-rocky crags are reminiscent of scenes more familiar in the southwestern United States.
Dixville Notch is also the site of the Balsams Resort. This former grand hotel has had a tumultuous history and has been in a disused state for many years. A plan is underway to reopen the hotel and restore it to its former glory.
After passing through the small town of Errol, the highway crosses the Androscoggin River, the headwaters of which are nearby. The river flows toward Maine for 178 miles before emptying into the Kennebec River and then the Gulf of Maine.
The highway runs along the southwestern side of Umbagog Lake, the largest lake along the Maine/New Hampshire border. The lake is an abundant habitat for wildlife, from bald eagles to moose. Past the lake, the road continues to Upton, Maine, where it continues as Maine Route 26.
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Have you taken a road trip along this scenic highway? Let us know your experience in the comments!
New Hampshire has no shortage of scenic beauty! I prefer to explore on foot via the state's network of hiking trails, but another great way to see what the Granite State has to offer is by car. You can take a multi-day trip to check out the sights or simply make a weekend out of it. Here's one New Hampshire road trip you can do in an afternoon, or if you take your time, turn it into a wonderful day out.
Our road trip begins in the mountain town of Lincoln, just off Interstate 93. Here you will find plenty of shops and restaurants to prepare for the journey ahead. This drive is a little over 100 miles and will take almost 2.5 hours without stops. Here are the Google Maps directions, which you can easily customize.
There is perhaps no state park better known in New Hampshire than this one, and for good reason. Its towering scenery on both sides of the notch is spectacular and captures the rugged beauty of the White Mountains. Visit New Hampshire State Parks for more information, including a map and listing of things to see within the park.
Along U.S. Route 302 heading south toward Crawford Notch is a pulloff on the right, opposite the entrance to the Omni Mt. Washington Resort. From this vantage point, the hotel is dwarfed by the Presidential Range behind it, with the northeast's highest peak, Mt. Washington, stretching toward the sky.
This will be a short hike to break up the driving. Even though the walk is short and generally easy, this is still a White Mountain trek and everyone should be properly equipped for safety. Mt. Willard's classic view south down Crawford Notch has attracted visitors for centuries and it remains one of the best half-day hikes in the state. For more information, visit New Hampshire State Parks and also consult New Hampshire's 52 With A View: A Hiker's Guide.
As the drive reaches the Conway area, pop up to this scenic overlook with a wide vista over the Mt. Washington Valley. This is also a mecca for rock climbers and if you're lucky, you'll be able to watch the climbers scaling the near-vertical walls of Cathedral Ledge's cliffs. Check out New Hampshire State Parks for more information.
After leaving Conway, this road trip turns west onto the Kancamagus Highway, the state's most scenic byway. There is no shortage of things to see along this road. Several overlooks provide views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Sugar Hill Scenic Vista. Stay a while and soak in the scenery!
Still heading east along the Kancamagus Highway, you'll soon reach Kancamagus Pass (2,855 feet), the highest point along the highway. Just to the west of the pass is Pemigewasset Overlook. Due to the elevation, this overlook offers the widest views along the highway. Visit the White Mountain National Forest for more information on this overlook.
This overlook, merely a pulloff with no official name, provides one of the most striking vistas along the Kancamagus Highway. From this one spot, there is a sprawling view of the Osceola-Scar ridgeline rising up from Mad River Notch. The lookout can be found a short distance east of the Hancock Overlook. There is no sign but it's impossible to miss.
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From this point, continue to follow the Kancamagus Highway westward for a long descent back to Lincoln and to the starting point of this journey. Then it's time to start thinking about the next road trip! Here are some ideas to get you started.
When the apple cider flows like wine (don’t worry, it’s still juice) and the leaves change like…well, fall leaves, it’s just about the best time to take some fall foliage drives in New Hampshire. With some of the best fall foliage views of any place in New England, it’s easy to see why the roads here are packed with traffic every year when autumn comes around. But, despite a little bit of traffic, we highly recommend hopping in the car for one of these scenic drives in New Hampshire to enjoy nature’s best show when autumn colors are at their peak.
If you're looking for a new story to tell after recounting your trip along the Kanc one too many times, you'll want to take this road. The Sawyer Highway is really Route 118 and it runs from Warren toward Woodstock. Take the time to pull over and enjoy the fall scenery in New Hampshire, or simply glide on through.
The Northern Woods offers some of the most peaceful and thought-clearing moments you can have this time of year in New Hampshire. You'll start your trip in Colebrook - home to Beaver Brook Falls - and make your way toward Errol for nearly 22 miles of stunning fall foliage.
Yes, yes. We know. This is perhaps the most popular drive during the fall in New Hampshire, but we assure you it's for good reason. Also known as Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway winds through the White Mountain National Forest for unbelievable views of the state's foliage.
From Farmington to Conway, Route 153 will take you through small towns and towering trees. The nearly 50-mile trip should take about an hour and 20 minutes as you pass ponds and lakes along the eastern border of the state.
Head to the western border of New Hampshire to enjoy this beautiful drive along the Connecticut River Byway. Not only is this part of the state stunning in terms of foliage, but it also features impressive mountain views that go all the way to eastern Vermont. And, of course, the Connecticut River is a beauty any time of year.
Why take I-89, which runs parallel, when you can take this beautiful route instead? The 30-mile route between Lebanon and Andover is somehow shorter in mileage than the interstate but takes about a few minutes longer. But the 45-minute drive is totally worth those views on this lesser-known of many New Hampshire scenic drives.
New Hampshire is full of various regions and areas, all unique but equally as beautiful. The Monadnock Valley, where you'll find this drive, is just one example. The drive through the mountains from Jaffrey to Marlborough is just about 13 miles, but this 20-minute drive will stun you. You can even make it a loop by jumping onto route 101 heading east.
And, of course, who can forget the incredible drive up Mount Washington? This one will cost money but the famous Mount Washington Auto Road has views that you just can't get anywhere else. Make your way through the trees for incredible views down the mountain and then enjoy things from the summit.
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It must be a relief to have this resource! no more googling "scenic drives near me" for you! What are your favorite spots for fall foliage drives in New Hampshire? We're partial to the ones that are close to home, but we're also always looking for new adventures, so feel free to share what you know! Not sure where to catch the best colors these days? You can find out when the leaves will change color in New Hampshire with this interactive fall foliage map!
If you're ready for some scenic drives and looking to go for some longer road trips, take a look at our ultimate road trip packing list, it'll have you on the road and ready ASAP!
