Cycling and Scenic Drives
Kancamagus
Highway
The Kancamagus Highway (also known as "The Kanc") is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH's Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated n American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture.
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway takes through a path cut through the White Mountain National Forest with breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. The Kanc takes you to an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at its highest point at Kancamagus Pass on the flank of Mt. Kancamagus near Lincoln, NH
Mt Washington
auto road
Since 1861, a spectacular steep eight-mile scenic road that leads to the top of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Just 45 minutes from Old Saco Inn on scenic NH Route 16, The Mt. Washington Auto Road's unique location in Pinkham Notch provides spectacular views up to the Great Gulf Wilderness and the Presidential Mountain Range.
Drive yourself or take a 2 hour guided tour in company vans. Mt. Washington State Park and the Mt. Washington Observatory are at the summit.
Meredith
new hampshire
The Meredith New Hampshire Area is truly the heart of the Lakes Region and serves as the latchkey to New England's majestic White Mountains. A tourist favorite for generations, it is nestled among New Hampshire's largest lakes: Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Winnisquam, Waukewan, Kanasatka, Wicwas, Pemigewasset, Winona, and Newfound Lake.
Franconia
notch
Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. For eight miles, 1-93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges.
Franconia Notch was the home of the famous Old Man of the Mountain, the same "Great Stone Face" immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster. While you are there, stop at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center and walk through the renowned Flume Gorge, ride the exciting aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain, and visit the New England Ski Museum. Take your time, stop for a swim at Echo Lake, net a trout while fly fishing at Profile Lake, ride your bike on the Recreational Trail, watch for rock climbers, hawks, and falcons on Cannon Cliffs, or hike on the Appalachian Trail. Bring the family, stay awhile, and enjoy Franconia Notch State Park.
Evans
notch
Something mysterious about this narrow, twisty road that winds through both Maine and New Hampshire, with very few straightaways or open areas. This easternmost notch through the White Mountains doesn't attract the same crowds as New Hampshire's Franconia, Crawford and Pinkham notches, and that's exactly what adds to its allure: even on summer weekends you can chase a bit of solitude, and even find yourself hiking on empty trails with the wilderness all to yourself.
And while the summits in Evans Notch are lower than their compatriots in the Presidential Range, the surrounding valleys also are lower, offering unparalleled views.
And since many of the peaks can be reached by numerous trails of various lengths and difficulties, you can easily find a hike that suits you; there are options for dogs and kids, experienced day hikers and even thrill-seeking rock scramblers. Evans Notch offers moderate challenges with stunning destinations.
crawford
notch
Crawford Notch is the main passage through the center of the White Mountains. The Saco River flows southeast and the Wild Ammononoosuc flows northwest from the height of land. NH Rt 302 runs through the notch, as do train tracks that are now back in use.
To the west of the notch is the Willey range, consisting of Mts Tom, Field, and Willey, plus Mt Avalon which is considered one of the best vews for a little effort. Mt Willard offers even a shorter hike to a nearly equal spectacular view. To the east is the souther Presidentials, including Mts Webster, Jackson, and Pierce.
Crawford Notch State Park has 5,775 acres providing access to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular mountain views.