Hi New Hampshire folks!

I will be visiting your beautiful state soon and am looking for a good driving route to Conway from the Boston area. I'd like to optimize for nature views and viewpoints (fall leaves, specifically). We'll have roughly an afternoon to complete the drive, and will be doing the Kancamagus Highway the next day so that doesn't need to be a part of this drive.

There seem to be about 3 or so main options for the drive: I-95 and then Rte 16, or I-93 up to one of Manchester, Concord, or new Hampton, and then cut across to reach Conway. However I'm open to a more circuitous route and even a detour or two for must-see views. I know that lesser-known, more local spots can have breathtaking views as well, so I thought I would ask here.

Thanks in advance and do comment with your favorite routes or leaf-peeping spots!

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The_Road_is_Calling t1_iqycc75 wrote on October 4, 2022 at 12:09 AM

I-93 to Exit 23, Route 104 through New Hampton/Meredith, then Route 25 through Center Harbor/Moultonborough/Tamworth to Route 16 north to Conway is a nice scenic ride with a good mix of lakes and mountains.

enthusiastic_diver OP t1_ir1l9w7 wrote on October 4, 2022 at 5:47 PM

Thank you!

capta2k t1_ir1u5aw wrote on October 4, 2022 at 6:43 PM

Once you're in North Conway consider adding Diana's Baths as a destination in the GPS - that route around North Conway via West Side Road & one/two others is gorgeous. The main road doesn't compare.

enthusiastic_diver OP t1_ir1xjzb wrote on October 4, 2022 at 7:04 PM

Perfect, thank you!

BeersNBarbells t1_iqygg3b wrote on October 4, 2022 at 12:41 AM

Like said above, taking exit 23 off 93 and cutting through Winnipesaukee is probably your best bet to give you a mix of lake and mountains. If you take Bear Notch Rd the day you do the Kancamagus that’ll add some more scenery for you as well.

enthusiastic_diver OP t1_ir1lbc3 wrote on October 4, 2022 at 5:48 PM

Thank you!

Maldonian t1_ir1kkgx wrote on October 4, 2022 at 5:43 PM

16 has a few pretty spots, but is mostly an undivided 2 lane highway. There are occasional deadly crashes there too.

Here’s the circuitous route I’d recommend:

93 North, exit 32 has fuel and (mostly mediocre) food if you need it

Continue on 93 into beautiful Franconia Notch

While in the Notch, consider: the Cannon Mountain Tramway to the top of Cannon if you have time. Old Man Viewing Site on the other hand would just take a few minutes. The Basin is ten minutes’ walk and beautiful. Artist’s Bluff is moderate maybe hour long hike to get good views.

Regardless of how much time you spend in the Notch, continue north on 93 for a short time, bear right onto Route 3.

3 soon connects to 302 in Twin Mountain. Take 302 East in the direction of Glen. 302 is curvy, beautiful, takes you through Crawford Notch.

When you reach Glen, Conway is a relatively short ride south from there.

GPS HELP: Before driving into no-service Franconia Notch, select Twin Mountain Campground in Carroll as your destination. Then, when you get service again, set the DQ (Dairy Queen) in Glen as your next destination.

enthusiastic_diver OP t1_ir1l6fq wrote on October 4, 2022 at 5:47 PM

Thank you! This is what I was looking for.

deadpeasant2 t1_ir0ewvt wrote on October 4, 2022 at 1:04 PM

93 to 112 thru Bear Notch into Conway.