Scenic Drives
A poet once wrote that it is the journey, not the arrival that matters; he might well have had the White Mountains in mind. Choose any route and just head up the road. Each one has its special rewards-scenes of pastureland and forest, charming New England villages and wide open mountain views. Only here would the drive along the interstate, I-93, afford some of the best views to be had.
I-93 and Franconia Notch Parkway. From Woodstock north on I-93 to where the highway becomes the Franconia Notch Parkway (in Lincoln), this stretch of road is amazingly scenic, affording spectacular views of long vistas. The parkway takes you through Franconia Notch State Park, and between the towering peaks of the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges.
The Kancamagus Highway. Undoubtedly the most scenic route in the White Mountains, the Kancamagus (k?an-c?a-mä-g?us) Highway (Rt. 112) stretches from the Pemigewasset River at Lincoln in the west 34 1/2 miles to Conway in the east. The views are dramatic:
Crossing the flank of Mt. Kancamagus, this National Scenic Byway climbs to nearly 3,000 feet. There are numerous scenic outlooks and scenic areas, so plan to stop along the way. The scenic areas, which have been designated by the Forest Service to preserve their outstanding or unique beauty, include the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, right off the highway; Sawyer Pond and Greeley Ponds Scenic Areas, a half day’s hike over Forest trails.
Please note there are no gas stations or other services along this route.
Rt. 112 from North Woodstock to Bath. While the Kancamagus ends in Lincoln, Rt. 112 continues through North Woodstock and Kinsman Notch, and Easton, as well as the Connecticut River Valley. A beautiful route off the beaten path.
Rt. 175 or Rt. 3 from North Woodstock to Campton and Plymouth. Truly a "shunpike", Rt. 175 is well worth the drive. Rt. 3 parallels the more frequently traveled I-93.
Rt. 118 from North Woodstock to Warren climbs steeply through beautiful woodlands and offers a sweeping view near the height-of-land.
Rt. 116 from Franconia village to Rt. 112 takes you through Easton where you can reverse direction and head to Sugar Hill. Don’t miss Sunset Hill Road; while short, it affords spectacular views.
Rt. 117 from Rt. 302 to Rt. 18 is wonderfully scenic as are...
Rt. 142 from Franconia to Bethlehem, and...
Jefferson Notch Road from near the Mt. Washington Cog Railway base to Rt. 2, and...
Mt. Clinton Road from Crawford Notch and Rt. 302 to the Cog Railway base. All along these routes you’ll find superb views, hiking or walking trails, waterfalls and picnic areas. Along the way, look for these covered bridges:
Clark’s Railroad Covered Bridge. Located on White Mt. Central R.R. at Clark’s Trading Post, this 120 ft. long bridge is the only Howe truss railroad bridge left in the world. Built in 1904, it spans the Pemigewasset River.Jack O’Lantern. This 76 ft. span was built over a pond at the Jack O’Lantern Resort on Rt. 3, Woodstock.
Sentinel Pine Bridge. Built in 1939, this 60 ft. 5 in. footbridge spans the Pemigewasset River at The Pool in Franconia Notch State Park. It is named for a tall pine that once stood near the pool; the pine was felled by the 1938 hurricane, and the bridge was built atop it.
Flume Bridge. This c. 1886, 50 ft. bridge spans the Pemigewasset River in Franconia Notch State Park. Of paddleford truss construction, it has a hikers’ walkway on its north side.
