Here in New Hampshire, we spend a good chunk of the year navigating icy, hazardous roads – and that makes it all the sweeter to roll down the windows and take a nice long drive on a warm day. The back roads in New Hampshire will all take you through some of the best natural beauty The Granite State has to offer. Yes, they’ll fill up with leaf-peepers come fall, but no matter when you take them they’ll remind you how magnificent this small but mighty state truly is. Fill up the gas tank, pack your favorite road trip snacks, and let’s hit the road!

1. Kancamagus Highway
Kancamagus Highway, NH-112, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
Flickr/Jim Pennucci
You can't talk about roads with a view in New Hampshire without mentioning The Kancamangus Highway. Officially known as NH Route 112, this 34.5-mile highway will take you right through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Part of it is a national scenic byway, and all of it is worth a drive. Check out this Adventuring in the Moment video to showcase some of the best places to stop along this scenic drive:


4. New Hampshire Route 302
U.S. 302, US-302, Conway, NH, USA
Flickr/David Pirmann
East of Bethlehem and US Route 3, this highway passes right through Crawford Notch State Park. As you can imagine, it's spectacular in the fall. For another great hike in this park check out this Adventuring in the Moment video of Mount Willard.


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5. Moose Alley
U.S. 3, US-3, Concord, NH, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Head up U.S. Route 3 north of Pittsburg and you'll be on Moose Alley, a stretch of highway up to the Canadian border where you're very likely to encounter the animals. Make sure to stay aware on this road!
6. New Hampshire Route 11
Route 11-D, Rte 11-D, Alton, NH 03810, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This 108-mile highway has a section east of I93 that's especially beautiful - it runs right along Lake Winnipesaukee.
7. New Hampshire Route 123
New Hampshire 123A, NH-123A, New Ipswich, NH 03071, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This small highway runs north-south, but it's nothing like I-93. It's a peaceful, tree-lined road that passes through plenty of open fields and more developed areas.
8. New Hampshire Route 10
New Hampshire Route 103, New Hampshire Rte 103, Warner, NH, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
This gorgeous small highway will take you right along the banks of the Connecticut River and past the campus of Dartmouth College.

Gas up and roll down your windows, it’s time for a drive on some back roads in New Hampshire! Have you ever embarked on any of the best scenic drives in New Hampshire? Are there any you would add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Can’t get enough of local majesty? Explore these additional New Hampshire road trips for your next dose of staycation inspiration.

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives In New Hampshire

Nikki Rhoades | March 29, 2020

What are the best roadside attractions in New Hampshire?

Some notable roadside attractions in New Hampshire are:

  • A rocket ship
  • submarine
  • a catapult

 

At a mere 9,349 square miles, New Hampshire is among the tiniest states in the entire nation. In fact, it is the fifth smallest! Nonetheless, we attract many tourists in search of the most magnificent landscape in New England. They’re often surprised to encounter some of the quirkiest roadside attractions in New Hampshire. Visitors may encounter our rocket ship, roadside submarine, and even a catapult. You’ll find an equally impressive colonial history, but it’s the unexpected that makes our state so memorable.

Are there any other scenic road trips to drive in New Hampshire?

There are many scenic backroads and road trips to take in New Hampshire here are a couple of our favorites:

 

Though our state is petite, you’ll encounter many scenic backroads in New Hampshire that are worth driving. You’ll encounter all sorts of scenic drives as you approach our loveliest waterfalls, and some of our quaint tiny towns have their own landscapes worth admiring.  If you’re not quite sure where to adventure, don’t be afraid to ask a local! We would be happy to point you in the right direction.

What is there to do in New Hampshire?

Not sure what to do? Then take a day trip in New Hampshire!

One of the best things to do in New Hampshire is to treat yourself on a road trip to our most historic sites. As you likely know, our state was one of the original 13 colonies, and it was the first to establish its own government in 1776. Our state has produced famous figures like Franklin Pierce, famous Whig Daniel Webster, and even infamous serial killer H. H. Holmes. Visiting historical sites in our state is always a treat… and a trip through time!

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