This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park, And It’s A Breathtaking Journey

If you've driven the highways and byways of New Hampshire, chances are you've passed through one of the state's famous "notches." What's a notch? It's what we call mountain passes here. These notches are almost always scenic due to their very nature. This one scenic drive through Franconia Notch State Park is actually an interstate highway, but it sure doesn't feel like it.

Franconia Notch Parkway is a section of Interstate 93/U.S. Route 3 that runs through Franconia Notch State Park, the pass between Franconia Ridge and Cannon Mountain.

The parkway was built through the notch as a "Super Two" (one lane in each direction) due to environmental impacts. This required a special act of Congress for approval.

From higher vantage points, the parkway can be seen winding its way through the notch.

The parkway provides easy access to the spectacular natural features of Franconia Notch State Park, including The Flume.

A short walk from a parking area off the parkway leads to the glacial pothole known as The Basin.

One of the most dominant features seen on the drive along the parkway is the great cliff on the east side of Cannon Mountain.

For hikers, the parkway also provides access to the many trailheads within the park.

Making stops along the way is the best way to fully experience the drive, but great scenery awaits even if you never leave the car.

No matter what corner of New Hampshire you look in, more scenic drives can be found, and here are seven of them to put on your bucket list. Happy motoring!