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New Hampshire Scenic Drives
Written on Saturday, February 28, 2004 by That's Camping
Article Categories: Northeast-Attractions • Natural-Attractions
All of these scenic drives are enhanced when you have a good map of the region. Please be cautious when driving in unknown areas. We recommend the DeLorme New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer.
- Mt Washington Auto Road - (off Rt. 16) A once in a lifetime, gotta do it kind of ride. Worth the $22 we paid for the two of us to drive up the mountain. Not for the faint of heart or those who are afraid of heights. It can get narrow at certain areas, and with no guard rails, it is a thrill. Awesome views on the way up. Price of admission gives you a CD or cassette to listen to some helpful tips, history and facts on the auto road. At the top you will find a museum, snack bar, restrooms, gift shop and lots to view. It can get very windy and cold up there, so be prepared with a sweater or jacket. As we walked to the other side of the mountain, we felt the temperature change and the wind pick up substantially.
- Mount Clinton Road - off of Rt. 302 near Bethlehem. Deep dark wooded forest road. Ferns and moss laden trees. Rocky crystal clear babbling brook(s). Road comes to the intersection of Base Road (the road for the MT Wash Cog RR) go straight over intersection onto Jefferson Notch Road. The mostly dirt road ascends mountain, then back down the other side. No views at the top, but a fun private drive. Just like at Mt. Washington, it is best to drive down the mountain in the lowest gear. If you have 4WD, then you can even try that lowest gear. If you want to pull over on this road to park, you need a parking pass. See Kancamagus Highway for more info on that.
- Kancamagus Highway: (Rt. 112) Runs west from Lincoln, east to Conway. Probably the best road in N.H. Lots of places to pull over and take a cool dip in a mountain river. (Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge). Lots of hills and turns on the road. Note: You have to have a permit to park in most areas on this road - purchase a daily, weekly, or seasonal pass at certain areas. Pick up a local map to view specific attractions along the way.You have to purchase a parking pass to park in the National Park areas. Daily, weekly, and seasonal passes are available. There are a lot of stations to make a purchase, but not all of them are open. Some parking areas offer self serve payments.
- Bear Notch Road: Starting from Bartlett, NH (Rt 302) ending on Kancamagus Hwy (Eastern end). This loop is a nice ride. When we are staying in the Eastern White Mountain area, we like to make this trip.
- Covered Bridge Campground: (off Eastern end of Kancamagus) - After passing campground (take a ride inside to check out the campground though), go straight. //www.christmasloft.The road runs parallel to Kancamagus and offers a different view. At end of road, take right, then straight onto rte 16 in Conway.
- Kancamagus / Squam Lake: Start at Rte 93 North, exit at Kancamagus (Rt 112). Drive from the western end by Lincoln across to Conway (see Kancamagus Highway drive for more details.) Take Rt 16 south to Rt 113 West and take a scenic drive back to Rt 93. You will pass green forests and gorgeous Squam Lake. It is a great round trip.
Article Categories: Northeast-Attractions • Natural-Attractions
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