Discover 7 Of New Hampshire’s Most Iconic Views On This Epic 2.5-Hour Road Trip

New Hampshire has no shortage of scenic beauty! I prefer to explore on foot via the state's network of hiking trails, but another great way to see what the Granite State has to offer is by car. You can take a multi-day trip to check out the sights or simply make a weekend out of it. Here's one New Hampshire road trip you can do in an afternoon, or if you take your time, turn it into a wonderful day out.

Our road trip begins in the mountain town of Lincoln, just off Interstate 93. Here you will find plenty of shops and restaurants to prepare for the journey ahead. This drive is a little over 100 miles and will take almost 2.5 hours without stops. Here are the Google Maps directions, which you can easily customize.

1. Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln/Franconia

There is perhaps no state park better known in New Hampshire than this one, and for good reason. Its towering scenery on both sides of the notch is spectacular and captures the rugged beauty of the White Mountains. Visit New Hampshire State Parks for more information, including a map and listing of things to see within the park.

2. Mt. Washington Overlook, Bretton Woods

Along U.S. Route 302 heading south toward Crawford Notch is a pulloff on the right, opposite the entrance to the Omni Mt. Washington Resort. From this vantage point, the hotel is dwarfed by the Presidential Range behind it, with the northeast's highest peak, Mt. Washington, stretching toward the sky.

3. Mt. Willard, Carroll/Bethlehem

This will be a short hike to break up the driving. Even though the walk is short and generally easy, this is still a White Mountain trek and everyone should be properly equipped for safety. Mt. Willard's classic view south down Crawford Notch has attracted visitors for centuries and it remains one of the best half-day hikes in the state. For more information, visit New Hampshire State Parks and also consult New Hampshire's 52 With A View: A Hiker's Guide.

4. Cathedral Ledge, Bartlett

As the drive reaches the Conway area, pop up to this scenic overlook with a wide vista over the Mt. Washington Valley. This is also a mecca for rock climbers and if you're lucky, you'll be able to watch the climbers scaling the near-vertical walls of Cathedral Ledge's cliffs. Check out New Hampshire State Parks for more information.

5. Sugar Hill Scenic Vista, Conway

After leaving Conway, this road trip turns west onto the Kancamagus Highway, the state's most scenic byway. There is no shortage of things to see along this road. Several overlooks provide views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Sugar Hill Scenic Vista. Stay a while and soak in the scenery!

6. Pemigewasset Overlook, Albany

Still heading east along the Kancamagus Highway, you'll soon reach Kancamagus Pass (2,855 feet), the highest point along the highway. Just to the west of the pass is Pemigewasset Overlook. Due to the elevation, this overlook offers the widest views along the highway. Visit the White Mountain National Forest for more information on this overlook.

7. Osceola Overlook, Lincoln

This overlook, merely a pulloff with no official name, provides one of the most striking vistas along the Kancamagus Highway. From this one spot, there is a sprawling view of the Osceola-Scar ridgeline rising up from Mad River Notch. The lookout can be found a short distance east of the Hancock Overlook. There is no sign but it's impossible to miss.

From this point, continue to follow the Kancamagus Highway westward for a long descent back to Lincoln and to the starting point of this journey. Then it's time to start thinking about the next road trip! Here are some ideas to get you started.

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