NEW ENGLAND

New England's longest river tells the story of clashing continental plates and glaciers, of Abenaki living on the land, and of colonial settlement among fields and forests. Experience traditions, vivid history, deeply rooted farming heritage, call of the railroads, natural beauty, and recreation along the Connecticut River Byway. This byway in it entirety stretches 500 miles from western Massachusetts through New Hampshire, Vermont, and to the Canadian border in Maine. It serves as much of the Vermont-New Hampshire border. Consult sectional maps below or click here for driving directions.
Byway Southern Section Map Byway Middle Section Map
Byway Northern Section Map

The route (see map link below) circumnavigates the northernmost section of the White Mountain National Forest (the Kilkenny District). This district is crammed with forests, parks, and lakes. For that reason, there is almost no end to recreational opportunities. Expect to see wildlife, enjoy first-rate fishing and boating, and have a terrific hike or campout. The route is unique because of its wood products heritage.
This heritage is illustrated most incisively at the Northern Forest Heritage Park in Berlin, which highlights the cultures that came here as a result of the burgeoning of the wood products industry in the 19th and early 20th century. The park includes a museum, logging camp, and a blacksmith shop. It hosts quite a few local and cultural events, and workshops. The importance of the wood products industry is evidenced at other sites, like Wausau Paper Company and the Groveton Paperboard Company--both working mills.
Woodland Heritage Trail Map

This byway circles Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest and most scenic lake in New Hampshire. The lake is superb for boating, swimming, and fishing. Also, each of the byway's lakeside villages will delight those with a weakness for the charming and the historic. Although this route covers a small area, it's surprisingly varied. The outdoor types will be thrilled with hiking Mount Major for grand views of the lake and the surrounding Ossipee Range. Alternatively, families and those looking for resort-type distractions will enjoy Weirs Beach and its amusement parks, arcades, and shopping.
Driving directions:This route travels around Lake Winnipesaukee and sometimes follows lots of tiny little jogs of roads; see map link below for details. For a less traveled route, take Route 25B from Meredith east to Center Harbor. This route winds through the hills north of Winnipesaukee and is a less traveled alternative to Route 25.
Lakes Region Byway Map

New England's longest river tells the story of clashing continental plates and glaciers, of Abenaki living on the land, and of colonial settlement among fields and forests. Experience traditions, vivid history, deeply rooted farming heritage, call of the railroads, natural beauty, and recreation along the Connecticut River Byway. This byway in it entirety stretches 500 miles from western Massachusetts through New Hampshire, Vermont, and to the Canadian border in Maine. It serves as much of the Vermont-New Hampshire border. Consult sectional maps below or click here for driving directions.
Byway Southern Section Map Byway Middle Section Map
Byway Northern Section Map

This byway runs along New Hampshire's only coastline. It consequently escorts you through brilliant panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean and its sandy beaches. It also showcases dozens of fascinating historic sites and scenic areas. Portsmouth's greatness as one of the nation's first grand port cities is illustrated in its exceptional late 18th and early 19th-century architecture. The foremost landmark of the community is the historic Wentworth-By-the-Sea Hotel, which hosted the signing of the Russo-Japanese Peace Treaty 1905. During the summer months, visitors flock to Hampton Beach to enjoy sandy beaches, cultural events, and lively entertainment. This route can be driven comfortably in three hours, but you are sure to want to stay longer.
Driving directions: At its northern end, the route starts in Portsmouth. Drive south on Route 1A, through the town of Rye. The route continues south along the coast for about 15 miles and ends just past the city of Seabrook Beach at Route 286.
Coastal Byway Map

The Kancamagus Scenic Byway passes through the heart of the White Mountains and the White Mountain National Forest while traversing the flank of Mount Kancamagus, filled with scenic areas and overlooks. Visit the Russell Colbath Historic Site, which offers colonial history, and explore the Forest Discovery Trail, which provides forest ecology experiences in a living classroom. Often referred to as the best fall foliage trip in the U.S., the Kancamagus Highway – familiarly known as “the Kanc” -- offers splendid vistas, vivid color, and all of the glory of Mother Nature between mid-September and mid-October.
Driving directions: The Kancamagus Scenic Byway follows Route 112 for 34.5 miles. It begins at the junction of I-93 and Route 112 in Lincoln (near the Pemigewasset River) and goes east until it ends in the city of Conway at the junction of routes 112 and 16. Allow one hour to drive this byway.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway Map

The White Mountain Trail offers New England's most rugged mountain scenery as it travels easily through three historic notches or mountain passes. Views abound of villages and unspoiled White Mountains National Forest. Stops include views of Mount Washington and the grand Mount Washington Hotel, mountain cascades, wildlife, and the Appalachian Trail. Allow 2.5 hours to drive this byway.
Driving directions:
Lincoln to Bartlett: Starting in Lincoln go west on NH-112 to North Woodstock; take U.S. 3 north to Twin Mountain, bearing right (east) at the U.S. 3/I-93 junction; a Twin Mountain go southeast on U.S. 302 through Bartlett; the byway branches in Bartlett. Continue on U.S. 302 to Glen or take the Bear Notch Road south from Bartlett.
Bartlett to Conway: Continue on U.S. 302 through Glen and North Conway to Conway, where the byway ends at its junction with NH-112 (Kancamagus Highway).
Bartlett to NH-112 via Bear Notch Road: Head south on Bear Notch Road to the junction with NH-112 (Kancamagus Highway) where the byway ends.
White Mountains Trail Map