Driving Routes Through the White Mountains You climb up to a hilltop, and suddenly the whole world bursts into colors. Bright red maples. Sunny golden birches. Vibrant orange oaks. The peaks are rising to the horizon, their layers colored like fire. You park, roll down your window, and just breathe. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
The White Mountains of New Hampshire may be among the most stunning areas in America to drive through. No matter if you come in the height of autumn or in summer, there is no way you will not admire this place. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
There is only one hitch. Many driving routes here can be beautiful. But not all scenic routes can offer a truly stunning experience. And some of those might be crowded tourist traps. But what about other routes? Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
To help you choose the best driving routes through the White Mountains NH, it took years of driving, getting lost, waiting in lines behind RVs, and enjoying breathtaking views. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
In this guide, we have listed five driving routes offering you the highest wow factor for a reasonable effort to take. You will see the exact directions on how to get there, the places you should stop for the view, and where to rest and eat. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Essential White Mountains Driving Tips Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Time to see the colors in the fall: Late September through mid-October. It takes place usually within the first two weeks of October, though it depends on the elevation. Peaks get colored last while valleys get it first. Consult the New Hampshire Fall Foliage Report before visiting.
Good days to avoid the crowds: Weekdays from before 10 AM till after 3 PM. On weekends, especially on Saturdays, expect to spend time stuck in traffic along the Kancamagus Highway. Try to go there on a weekday or even better, on Tuesday mornings.
Packing list: Layers since mountain air is 10 15 degrees colder compared to that at the valley, full battery (since cell reception can be weak), download maps before, snacks and water since dining options are limited, and a camera.
The Golden Rule: Do not cause traffic stops to take photos. Find a spot away from the main road on the shoulder or an overlook. Hazard lights do not give you permission to park in the middle of the highway.
The Kancamagus Highway Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Distance: 34.5 miles
Drive time: 1 to 2 hours (no stops), 3 to 5 hours (stops included)
Route: Lincoln to Conway or Conway to Lincoln
Good for: First timers looking for a classic White Mountain experience
The Kancamagus Highway, pronounced “kank uh MAH gus,” is perhaps the most famous drive in New Hampshire. Why? It’s a picturesque 34.5 mile long route along Route 112 in the White Mountain National Forest, passing by the Swift River and over 2,855 feet of elevation at Kancamagus Pass. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
What makes it special: There are no billboards, no gas stations (fuel up in Lincoln and Conway), and little else besides the river and mountains along this road.
Must Stop Viewpoints Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Lower Falls (5.4 Miles from Lincoln)
An expansive and shallow section on the Swift River. Excellent swimming and splashing area in the summertime. Reflective views of the trees during autumn. Small parking lot. Start early to have time to yourself.
Rocky Gorge (9.2 Miles) Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Cross a foot bridge over the gorge in which water flows over boulders. The .2 mile walk is accessible and kids will love looking down upon the rushing river.
Sabbaday Falls (.6 mile round trip hike)
Three tiered waterfall that rushes over rocks into a large pool of cool water at the bottom of the falls. One of the best hikes in New England!
C.L. Graham Overlook (23.6 Miles near the top)
Highest point on the Kancamagus Highway (2,400 feet above sea level). Scenic view of the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area to the south. Visibility greater than 30 miles on a clear day. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Sugar Hill Overlook (27.3 Miles) Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Just past the peak on the way to your eastern destination. Beautiful view of the valley in which the Swift River lies below you.
Tip: Begin the trip at sunrise on a Saturday morning in Lincoln. The light will be shining on the eastern slopes and traffic won’t yet
The White Mountains Trail Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Distance: 100 miles (loop)
Drive time: 4 to 6 hours without stopping (one whole day)
Start/end: Circle route, start from any point
Suitable for travelers with: 2 to 3 days to see all the sights
The White Mountains Trail is actually a group of roads. More specifically, it is a scenic byway that ties together some highways forming a circle about 100 miles long. These are the Kancamagus, Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch, and the southern part of Route 302.
Here is the complete loop
- From Lincoln to Conway using Kancamagus (34 miles)
- From Conway to North Conway using Route 16 (5 miles)
- From North Conway to Bartlett using Route 302 (10 miles)
- From Bartlett to Twin Mountain using Route 302 (20 miles)
- From Twin Mountain to Franconia using Route 3 (15 miles)
- From Franconia to Lincoln using Route 112 (12 miles)
Highlights Along the Loop
North Conway: The retail and culinary destination of the White Mountains. Explore the main drag for outlets, fudge vendors, and outfitters. Zeb’s General Store is a blast from the past of old New England.
Franconia Notch State Park: The crown jewel of the circuit. Featuring Flume Gorge (paid admission, but worthwhile), The Basin (free, an enormous pothole made by glacial runoff), and Echo Lake (free lakeside beach).
Crawford Notch State Park: More rugged and undeveloped than Franconia. Willey House gives you views of the notch and a tiny museum. Silver Cascade is a half mile waterfall that you can see right from the road.
Tip: Divide the circuit into two days. Day one: Lincoln to North Conway via the Kanc (one night in North Conway). Day two: From North Conway via the two notches back to Lincoln.
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Franconia Notch Parkway
Length: 8 miles
Time to Drive: 20 to 30 minutes (but you’ll make stops)
Start & End: Franconia to Lincoln (or vice versa)
Ideal for: Families traveling with children, or those pressed for time
Franconia Notch Parkway is an 8 mile long section of Interstate 93 passing through the notch. Engineers back in the 1980s purposely built this road narrow and winding, without guardrails on the northbound lanes, to keep the natural beauty intact. They succeeded.
What makes it special: Driving between the tall granite cliffs with the Pemigewasset River beside you. There was also something known as the Old Man of the Mountain (RIP), which once looked down from Cannon Mountain over this pass.
Must Stop Viewpoints Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
The Flume Gorge (Mile 2 from south entrance)
A 2 mile hike through a natural gorge with granite walls that rise 90 feet high on both sides. Price: $18 for adults, $16 for kids (6 to 12 years old). Expensive, but well worth it. Covered bridge at the entrance is free to visit. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
The Basin
A huge granite pothole (diameter of 20 feet and depth of 15 feet) formed by river action. Free. Boardwalk trail is 0.5 miles long and accessible. Children can throw their pinecones into the pool. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Echo Lake Beach (Mile 5)
Small sandy beach situated at the foot of Cannon Mountain. Price: $10 for adults, $5 for kids (6-11 years old) in summer. Water temperature is rather cold (55°F) but in hot days it will suit perfectly.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (Mile 6)
Hike up to 4,080 foot summit for the views of the entire notch. Price: $20 to $25 per person. Consider skipping this attraction if you want to save money. Summit offers cafeteria and walking trails. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Pro tip: Visit The Flume Gorge in the morning when it is less crowded and The Basin in the afternoon due to shade. Both places get really crowded
The Kancamagus to Route 302 Loop Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Distance: 70 miles
Travel time: 2 to 3 hours (nonstop)
Start/finish: Lincoln to Bartlett to Conway to Twin Mountain to Lincoln (loop)
It combines the natural beauty of the Kancamagus Highway with the historic sights of the Crawford Notch area. It is shorter than the entire White Mountains Loop but more diverse mile for mile. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
The tour route Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Starting point: Lincoln
Kancamagus Highway Drive from Lincoln to Conway (34 miles)
Conway exit and drive via Route 16 south to Bartlett (10 miles)
Bartlett to Twin Mountain by Route 302 west (25 miles)
Twin Mountain exit and drive Route 3 south to Lincoln (15 miles)
Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Hidden gems along the route Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Attitash Mountain (Bartlett): During the summer, you can take a fun chair lift to the top of the mountain for a fee of $15. Children love riding the chairlift. The view from Attitash on Mount Washington is impressive.
Mount Washington Cog Railway (Bretton Woods): It is an excursion off Route 302. The world’s first mountain-climbing train. Cost: about $80 to $100 per person – pricey, but a lifetime opportunity. Otherwise, just visit the station and enjoy the departure of trains for free.
Omni Mount Washington Resort Hotel (Bretton Woods): Historic luxury hotel resembling a castle. Park nearby
The Evan’s Notch Scenic Byway Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
Distance: 38 miles
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours (no breaks)
Starting/ending location: Fryeburg, ME to Bethel, ME (just over the NH border)
Best for: People who enjoy being alone and don’t mind gravel roads
Evan’s Notch is the unknown notch. It sits east of the White Mountains, straddling the border of Maine. The road is gravel for 14 miles. It’s narrow, windy, and absolutely beautiful. Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
What makes it unique: No tourist buses. No large RVs. And no cars. You’ll likely see about five vehicles on an average summer weekday. The notch itself is very wild with its steep granite cliffs, forest, and various ponds.
Not to Miss Sightseeing Spots Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
- Brickett Place (Mile 8 from Fryeburg)
An old 19th century farm that serves as a ranger station. Admission is free. Walk a short distance from here to view a small waterfall. - Evans Notch Summit (Mile 14)
Highest elevation (1,900 feet) along the way. Park on a wide shoulder, then walk 0.2 miles to reach a lookout over the Cold River Valley. - Screw Auger Falls (Mile 18)
Beautiful roadside waterfall. A walk of just 0.2 miles from the parking lot will take you to cascades and pools. Swimming is allowed (water is chilly). Admission
Fall Foliage Timing Guide Driving Routes Through the White Mountains
| Route | Peak Foliage (Typical) | Best Time of Day | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kancamagus Highway | October 1 to 12 | Sunrise or 3 PM sunset | Very crowded |
| White Mountains Trail | September 28 to October 10 | Weekday mornings | Crowded |
| Franconia Notch | October 5 to 15 | Afternoons (sun lights the cliffs) | Very crowded |
| Kanc to 302 Loop | October 1 to 10 | Mid day (sun is high) | Moderate |
| Evans Notch | September 28 to October 8 | Anytime (no crowds) | Very low |
Note: These are averages. Higher elevations (Kancamagus Pass, 2,855 feet) peak earlier. Lower valleys (Conway, 450 feet) peak later. Use the NH Foliage Network app for real time reports.
Where to Eat on These Routes
Kancamagus Highway: No restaurants on the route; bring your own picnic. Jockey’s Pub & Grill in Lincoln is an excellent choice either way.
Franconia Notch: Flume Sandwich Shop (near the Flume entrance) makes good sandwiches. The Basin Market (at The Basin) has some snacks and ice cream.
Conway/ North Conway: Peach’s Restaurant (breakfast & lunch, known for their corned beef hash). The Met Coffee House (great coffee and free wireless Internet, nice local artwork on the walls).
Crawford Notch: Fabyan’s Station (burgers and beers). Highland Center Cafe (sandwiches and spectacular view).
Evans Notch: No restaurants in the area; take along a packed picnic. The closest dining places are in Fryeburg (Jockey Cap Country Store) or Bethel (Briar Lea Inn Restaurant).
Day White Mountains Driving Itinerary
Kancamagus & Conway
8 AM: Breakfast in Lincoln
9 AM: Drive along the Kancamagus Highway (with stops at Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge, Sabbaday Falls)
12 PM: Lunch at C.L. Graham Overlook
2 PM: Reach Conway, check into accommodations
4 PM: Explore the main street of North Conway
6 PM: Dinner at Delaney’s Hole in the Wall (English pub food for all ages)
Crawford Notch & Bretton Woods
8 AM: Breakfast at Peach’s Restaurant
9 AM: Drive Route 302 (west) through Crawford Notch (stops at Silver Cascade, Willey House)
11 AM: Free exploration around the Omni Mount Washington Resort grounds
12 PM: Lunch at Fabyan’s Station
2 PM: Drive Route 3 (south) to Franconia Notch
4 PM: Visit The Basin (free admission)
6 PM: Dinner in Lincoln
Franconia Notch & Departure
8 AM: Breakfast in Lincoln
9 AM: Drive the Franconia Notch Parkway (visit The Flume Gorge if budget permits, else just view from outside)
11 AM: Climb up to the top of the Flume Gorge trail (entrance fee) or explore Echo Lake by walking the bike path (free)
1 PM: Lunch at Flume Sandwich Shop
2 PM: Departure
Conclusion
Driving in the White Mountains can be called an absolute pleasure. These roads meander through old woods, rise over mountain passes, and wind down into valleys, filled with covered bridges and farm stands.
No complicated itinerary required. All you’ll need is a car fueled up and a map in case you lose signal, as well as the ability to stop at every beautiful spot along the way.
Drive through the Kancamagus for all the postcard views. Head towards Franconia Notch for all the breathtaking cliffs. Go into Evan’s Notch for peace and solitude.
Choose your own path. Bring your patience (and traffic comes with driving). Get ready for adventure!
What is your favorite White Mountains drive? Share below! And if this article was helpful, share it with someone who could use some White Mountains inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most scenic drive in the White Mountains?
The Kancamagus Highway is the most famous and spectacular. For solitude, choose Evan’s Notch. For a bit of everything, the White Mountains Trail loop.
How long does it take to drive the Kancamagus Highway?
1–2 hours without stops. Most people take 3 to 5 hours, stopping at viewpoints, waterfalls, and short hikes.
Do I need a pass to drive the Kancamagus Highway?
No. The Kancamagus is a state highway, not a national park road. No entry fee. Parking at the major viewpoints is free.
Is the Kancamagus Highway safe in winter?
The road is plowed in winter but can be icy. Sections close during storms. Check newengland511.org before you go. Winter tires or AWD recommended.
What is the best time of day to drive to avoid crowds?
Sunrise (6 to 7 AM) or late afternoon (3 to 5 PM). The Kancamagus is busiest between 10 AM and 2 PM during foliage season.
Can I drive an RV on these roads?
The Kancamagus and Franconia Notch Parkway are fine for RVs (under 40 feet). Evan’s Notch is not RV friendly (gravel, narrow, tight turns). The White Mountains Trail loop is fine with caution.