Menu
With its quaint New England towns, forested mountains, sparkling lakes, and rolling farmlands, New Hampshire offers an abundance of scenic drives to explore the beauty of the Granite State. The state's scenic byways provide the perfect opportunity to experience this diverse landscape at a leisurely pace from the comfort of your vehicle.
Winding through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, the Kancamagus Highway is considered one of the best scenic drives in all of New England. This 34.5-mile byway offers stunning vistas of the White Mountains, with several hiking trails and scenic overlooks along the way to fully experience the natural beauty. In the fall, the highway transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson, orange, and gold as the leaves change colors.
Following the path of the Connecticut River along New Hampshire's western border, this 97-mile byway showcases a mix of picturesque New England villages, farms, and forests. You'll pass through historic towns like Charlestown and Walpole, with opportunities to stop and explore their museums, antique shops, and covered bridges. The drive also provides scenic views of Mount Monadnock and the rolling hills of the Upper Valley region.
This 40-mile route through southern New Hampshire takes its name from the famous 19th-century printmakers, whose idyllic scenes of New England life it evokes. The byway meanders through charming small towns, past historic landmarks, open meadows, and farmlands. Highlights include the Captain Woodbury House, a restored colonial home in Somersworth, and the picturesque Jenness Farm in Nottingham.
Stretching for over 100 miles through the heart of the White Mountains, this National Scenic Byway offers a true immersion in New Hampshire's rugged mountain landscapes. The route passes by iconic natural attractions like the Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch State Park, and the Mount Washington Auto Road, offering ample opportunities for hiking, photography, and taking in panoramic mountain views.
Whether you're seeking stunning mountain vistas, quaint New England towns, or bucolic farmlands, New Hampshire's scenic byways provide the perfect way to explore the Granite State's diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage at your own pace. So pack a picnic, fill up the tank, and hit the road for an unforgettable journey through this picturesque corner of New England.
