This New Hampshire Scenic Byway Is The Road Trip Of A Lifetime

Imagine yourself on the open road, rugged peaks rising into the sky around you, the fresh scent of spruce and fir in the wind, sunlit mountaintops stretching into the distance. That dream becomes a reality in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, home to the White Mountains Trail, a scenic byway that travels 100 miles through New England’s highest mountain range.

The byway can be driven in a day, but it’s worth slowing down and taking your time. Soak in the scenery, spend some time in the alpine villages along the way, and explore the wilderness firsthand. Below is a suggested two-day itinerary which includes all the highlights of the route, plus some hidden gems that most tourists miss.

Know Before You Go

The White Mountains Trail Scenic Byway is open year-round and well-maintained. The route can be impacted by winter storms though, so if you’re doing the drive during the colder months, be sure to check weather conditions before you set out. The area is popular during the summer and fall, when visitors come to enjoy the dazzling foliage. If you’re visiting at that time, you should consider making reservations in advance for any activities and accommodations. Also, plan to hit the road early to avoid the worst of the traffic.

The route runs from North Woodstock east to Conway along Routes 3 and 302E. It is often combined with another nationally designated scenic byway, the 35-mile Kancamagus Highway, which closes the loop by linking Conway to Lincoln, just south of the starting point. For the purposes of this itinerary, we focus solely on the White Mountain Trail but if you have extra time, you may want to add the Kancamagus Highway onto your trip.

Day One: North Woodstock to Bretton Woods

Begin your journey at the White Mountains Visitor Center in North Woodstock where you can pick up maps, check for weather alerts, and browse the exhibits to be extra prepared for your trip. You can also visit the village to stock up on road trip snacks at Fadden’s General Store and Maple Sugarhouse. The store carries groceries but is best known for its famous, award-winning, maple syrup products. Pick up some treatsmfor the drive or grab some as a souvenir.

Making your way north on Route 3, you’ll come to the Flume Gorge and Franconia Notch State Park. The spectacular scenery here provides a great opportunity to stretch your legs and take one of the many hiking trails or take a ride on the aerial tramway which ascends to the summit of 4,080-foot Cannon Mountain.

At the base of the mountain is one of New Hampshire’s most unique attractions, the New England Ski Museum which traces the history of winter sports in the area and shares the stories of some famous local Olympians.

Back on the road, be mindful of local wildlife. This next stretch of road is known to locals as "Moose Alley" as it is heavily populated with wild moose, which are most active in spring, and at dawn and dusk. If you see one, enjoy it from a distance considering moose are unpredictable and can charge when feeling threatened. Coming out of Franconia Notch, stop at the Mt. Cleveland Overlook to snap a photo before continuing onto the small hamlet of Twin Mountain. If you’re feeling hungry, you can fuel up here at the Copper Pot Bistro which serves freshly made sandwiches, quiches and pastries.

Continue on to your stop for the night, Bretton Woods. New Hampshire’s largest ski area, this tiny town is beautiful in every season. Treat yourself to a stay at the Omni Bretton Arms Inn, a historic 1896 bed and breakfast with suites, deluxe, and premier rooms. The inn is a short walk from the Omni Mount Washington Resort where you’ll find a full-service spa, tennis courts, a golf course, restaurants, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Day Two: Bretton Woods to Conway

After a restful night in Bretton Woods, hit the road early to enjoy a morning in the picturesque and historic Crawford Notch State Park. The area was first settled in the 1700s by the Crawford family who became innkeepers and mountain guides as it grew in popularity. Now a 5,775-acre area of pristine wilderness, the park offers hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and ski trails. You can also visit the historic Willey House where the unfortunate Willey family lost their lives in a devastating landslide in 1826. As the road passes through the park, you’ll see the trailhead for the Arethusa Falls Trail, a 1.4-mile trail that leads to New Hampshire’s largest waterfall which is nearly 200-feet high.

After exploring Crawford Notch, continue south to Bartlett. In this quaint town you’ll find the iconic Bartlett Covered Bridge, a classic New England bridge built in 1851. The bridge spans the pretty Saco River and has been converted into a unique gift shop which sells home decor, art, clothing, and more.

The next stop is North Conway. One of the best things to do in this vibrant small town is the Conway Scenic Railroad. This historic railroad offers a one-hour trip on a vintage railcar through the stunning Mount Washington Valley. The tour runs from April to November but also provides seasonal trips in winter. Conway is also the gateway to Echo Lake State Park, a beautiful spot for a swim and a picnic during the warmer months.

From North Conway it’s a short drive south to the end of the White Mountains Scenic Byway in the village of Conway. Along the way, you’ll pass another eye-catching landmark, the Saco River Covered Bridge. Originally built in 1890, the bridge was restored from 1987 to 1989. It’s the perfect place for a photo to commemorate the end of your New Hampshire road trip.

A Road Trip to Remember

Outdoor adventures among rugged peaks, breathtaking views and cozy alpine villages, this New Hampshire getaway is the road trip of a lifetime. Each season promises something different in the northern wilderness of the granite state. From the white-capped peaks and powdery trails of winter to the autumnal colors of fall, and from the blooming wildflowers and active wildlife in spring to the long sunny days of summer. Hit the road, make some memories, and see another side of New England along the White Mountains Trail Scenic Byway.