8 Most Scenic Drives in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is home to the White Mountains' grand Presidential Range, whose grandeur is sure to charm. Not just that, you have big lakes like Winnipesaukee, whose crystal-clear, spring-fed water makes it a much sought-after summer outdoor attraction. We have not even touched on the state's dramatically carved flume gorges, sprawling valleys of farmland, especially near the Canadian border, and the quintessential charm of a New England state. The best part is that you don't need the persuasion of glossy travel brochures to explore what the Granite State offers. The state's motto, Live Free or Die, is enough. Keep reading to discover the eight most scenic drives in New Hampshire that take tourists through these picturesque landscapes.
Lakes Loop
Zigzagging through the necks of rugged, cliff-ringed mountains is a heart-gripping adventure. However, there’s another kind of experience, no less exciting, that comes with driving around shimmering lakes and sipping peaceful, waterfront views. If you are more inclined to the latter, jump behind the wheel for New Hampshire’s Lakes Loop, offering over 100 miles of views. You will circle Lake Winnipesaukee, a picturesque water wonder that doubles up as New Hampshire's largest lake.
Like the White Mountain Trail, this is a loop, meaning it does not matter where you start, provided you circle back to where you started. Still, you will pass through small, charming towns like Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, and Wolfeboro. Spend some time at the aptly named Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, and enjoy views that scorn every adjective in the books, or Ellacoya State Park in Gilford, a clean and calm place for anyone looking to unwind. Those looking for a rest stop can grab a quick bite at The Mug Restaurant in Center Harbor.
Kancamagus Highway
It may be short, just 34.5 miles in total, but Kancamagus Highway will always feature in any conversation about the most scenic drives in New Hampshire. It is a recognized National Scenic Byway that speaks to its layout and is often considered one of New England's best fall foliage viewing areas. Kancamagus Highway starts in Lincoln, a nice, tiny town beautifully set in the White Mountains, and winds through to Conway, a lovely location ringed with jaw-dropping mountains. Amid hairpin turns, you will cruise along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River, the Hancock Branch, and the Swift River. Key highlights include the Sabbaday Falls, one of the most visited waterfalls in the state, and the Kancamagus Pass, the highest point of elevation along the byway at nearly 3,000 feet.
The Kancamagus Highway may only take an hour to drive straight through, but most visitors plan at least two or three hours to enjoy the views and hiking pull-offs. It’s best to fill up in Lincoln if coming from the west, or in Conway on the eastern side. Conway is also a great place to fuel up in another sense; Cheese Louise is a quirky café known for its creative grilled-cheese sandwiches, a fun stop before or after your drive.
White Mountain Trail
You may think that the White Mountain Trail is among the most scenic drives in New Hampshire because the nationally-famous Kancamagus Highway forms part of it. However, even if we leave out the stretch from Conway to Lincoln, you will be left with one of New England’s unforgettable drives. Like the name implies, this 100-mile eye-candy winds through sections of the 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest and is rich with spectacular mountain vistas. Keep in mind that this is a loop drive. It begins in North Woodstock, near Lincoln, and proceeds northwards to Franconia Notch, before turning east to Twin Mountain and Bretton Woods. It then turns south to Bartlett, east to Glen, south to Conway, before turning back to Lincoln. You will want to pull over and spend some time at Franconia & Crawford Notch State Parks, or take a detour at Glen to the Mt. Washington Auto Road, which climbs to the summit of New England's tallest peak.
Looping nearly 100 miles through the Whites, the White Mountain Trail is best tackled as a full-day excursion. Along the way, you’ll find a convenient stop in Bretton Woods, where an Irving gas station doubles as a deli and supply point with snacks, groceries, and even an ATM. It’s a practical pause before continuing deeper into the mountains.
Great Northwoods Scenic Drive
The Great Northwoods Scenic Drive is yet another New Hampshire loop, although different from several of its peers because it is mostly known for wildlife. So brace yourself for interesting spontaneous surprises along the route, including black bear and moose. The route passes through locations like the historic mill town of Berlin, Milan, Errol, and Colebrook, from where it turns south to North Strattford through to Groveton, before its final, eastward stretch. A well-timed break at Dixville Notch State Park will be in order, as will be an hour or two at the swoon-worthy Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin, which is tastefully pockmarked by a decent number of scenic overlooks.
This northern loop can take three to four hours, with long stretches of forested roadway. About halfway through, Milan provides a welcome break with small cafés like the Milan Village Deli and General Store, where travelers can grab classic New England fare and rest before continuing north into more remote territory.
Sunapee Loop Scenic Drive
The Sunapee Loop in New Hampshire spans about 39 miles and skirts around the 4,085-acre Lake Sunapee, a much sought-after water wonderland famous for its shimmering beauty and diverse recreational opportunities, including skiing and snowboarding. This drive connects several peaceful villages, each with deeply woven cultural ties to the Lake Sunapee region. You will pass glittering lakes, pine-speckled mountains, and several forested landscapes. Although this is a loop, you may want to start your adventure in Newbury, then drive along Route 103B to Sunapee, a small town with a big outdoor scene, before proceeding to New London partly via Route 11.
Pass by Tucker's in New London for some nicely cooked omelette, as you get out of the car, and take a much-needed break. From New London, find your way to Route 103A and cruise south back to Newbury, from where you started. Some of the most prominent highlights on the Sunapee Loop Scenic Drive include Mt Sunapee State Park near the town of Sunapee, a scenic place to enjoy floating on a hot day, and John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, a great place to take a walk and enjoy nature.
Three Rivers Scenic Drive
Still on delicious waterfront views, the Three Rivers Scenic Drive, as the name implies, follows the curving turns of three rivers - the 16-mile Ellis, the scenic Peabody, which features the famous Emerald Pool, and the trout-filled Androscoggin. The 67-mile adventure typically starts in Glen and livens up in Jackson, a resort area in the White Mountains, and then through the towns of Berlin, Shelburne, and on to Wentworth Location along the Maine border.
Highlights include the viewing platform for the 64-foot Glen Ellis Falls in Jackson, Nansen Wayside Park outside Berlin, which is the home of the historic Nansen Ski Jump, and the scenic Androscoggin Wayside Park. This uniquely peaceful place looks like an artist’s painting. Covering about two hours through northern New Hampshire’s river valleys, this route threads through Berlin, where you’ll find several mid-drive conveniences.
Connecticut River Byway
Although the Connecticut River Byway spans 498 miles and runs through the three states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, the New Hampshire section is approximately 140 miles (about 3 hours) and follows New England’s longest river as it snakes its way along the western border of the Granite State. The byway starts from the junction of Rt. 9 in West Chesterfield, a rural community known for the abandoned Madame Sherri's Castle. It then runs north, revealing historic covered bridges, lush landscapes, and razor-thin ridges, before ending in Littleton in the White Mountains.
You must not miss the Historic Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge in Cornish, one of the longest in the United States, the 195-acre Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, and Dartmouth College, one of the world's greatest academic institutions and a member of the prestigious Ivy League. With so many major communities along the way, rest stops abound like Molly’s Restaurant and Bar in Hanover, known for its pizza and pub grub.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway is a 40-mile beauty filled with quintessentially New England sights. It features a decent number of photo-worthy spots and one of the state's largest concentrations of covered bridges. Moreover, you will pass through Merrimack County’s peaceful villages, some of which are dotted with quirky stores, as the rolling countryside whispers tales of a saner, slower era. The towns that dot the byway, starting from Salisbury to Henniker, each have something beautifully unique about them. Along the route, one can enjoy some sandy comforts at the gorgeous Elm Brook Park in Contoocook. If the drive gets tiring, stop for a coffee at Cafe One East in the quaint town of Warner.
The Takeaway
Whether you love the shimmer of water under a summer sun or curvy roads with outrageous hairpin turns, New Hampshire can leave any driver smitten. A well-curated drive through the state will reveal small, charming towns with postcard views and stunning village greens, as well as notches and gorges that provide a heart-in-mouth experience. Depending on the route you take, some of the vistas you will encounter will be stamped on your mind forever. No one will remind you to roll down the window or to pull over and appreciate the dramatic views.
