Best Scenic Routes In New Hampshire

Northern New Hampshire’s best scenic routes are found in New England. Five Designated Scenic Byways make up every major road in the region. The Moose Path covers the eastern side from Gorham to Errol (Route 16) and up to the Canadian border and Moose Alley in Pittsburg ( Route 3) . The Great North Woods and Connecticut River Byways have you covered along the western border on Rt 3, and the Woodlands Heritage Byway has route 2 and 110 covered along the south. Lastly, the White Mountain Scenic Byway paints a beautiful picture called route 302 in Bretton Woods and Twin Mt. NH.

The Moose Path Trail Scenic Byway or simply called “The Moose Path”  is a 98-mile Northern NH scenic route that showcases the vast untouched wilderness and abundant wildlife. 

Insider Tip: There are free self drive audio tours on our Moose Path Page above. Learn all about the region’s wildlife, geology, history, as your virtual guide explains the sites all around you in the comfort of your own vehicle.  Pause, rewind, or delete at will. We hope you love the Driving The Moose Path. 

Starting in Berlin NH, this scenic route beautifully traces the mighty Androscoggin on NH 16 north to Errol through Pontook Dam and The 13 Mile Woods (Both fantastic places to see Moose, Loons, and Bald Eagles), then it turns left on NH 26 through Dixville Notch State Park to Colebrook, and then north on US 3 through the Connecticut Lake Region and onto Moose Alley (the number 1 place to see moose in the state)  in Pittsburg NH. Along the way, travelers can enjoy riding beside the historic Androscoggin and Connecticut Rivers, Kilkenny and Mahoosuc mountain ranges, pristine Lake Umbagog and undeveloped Connecticut Lakes , and if driving at night some of the most star-filled skies in New England.  You won’t be disappointed with this drive. We promise.

Mount Washington Auto Road is a 7.6-mile toll road  to the 6,288 ft summit of Mount Washington, the tallest mountain in the Northeastern U.S. Once on the summit this ride offers breathtaking views and a thrilling driving experience. On clear days, you can see up to five states, the Atlantic Ocean, and Canada. The summit houses the Mount Washington Observatory with interactive learning center and Tip-Top House, a historic stone hotel. On days when the summit is in the clouds are actually some of the most fun not just because you get to play in a cloud but also because the wind is usually stronger and you get a small taste of what it must be like there in the winter….chilly to say the least. 

Route 302 from Crawford Notch to Twin Mountain

This route runs through Crawford Notch State Park and connects the towns of Bretton Wood and Twin Mountain (otherwise known as the town of Carroll) . Once you drive through the narrow pass of Crawford Notch, you will find yourself back in a little bit of civilization again. The AMC highland center will be on your left where hikers from around the world come for basecamping the summits of Mt Washington and the other Northern Presidentials.The giant castle of a grand hotel known as The Omni Mt. Washington will emerge as a breathtaking backdrop on your right, followed by Bretton Woods Ski Area on your left. There are great camping options in this area as well as picnic spots along the Ammonoosuc River. The views from either side of the car won’t disappoint. 

Route 16 (Pinkham Notch)

This route stretches from Jackson to Gorham and is probably one of the best scenic drives in Northern NH. Be sure to stop at Glen Ellis Falls: A short hike to a picturesque waterfall. The parking lot is across the street from this well maintained quick walk to a spectacular waterfall. Wildcat Mountain offers stunning views of the Northern Presidentials and Tuckerman Ravine with its summer chairlift rides. 

Each of these Northern New Hampshire scenic routes provides a unique glimpse into their natural beauty and historical charm. Whether you’re looking for mountain vistas, serene lakes, or charming small towns, these scenic drives have something for every traveler.

The Great North Woods region of Northern New Hampshire is home to 5 scenic byways which make up every major road in the region. Each is slightly different, offering unique landscapes, wildlife sightings, and historical sites. When summer comes to a close, these areas host some of the most scenic fall foliage drives in New Hampshire.

Moose Path Trail

The Moose Path Trail is a 98-mile scenic byway that showcases the pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife of the Great North Woods region of Northern NH. Starting in Berlin, the route follows NH 16 north to Lake Umbagog in Errol, then NH 26 west through Dixville Notch to Colebrook, and finally US 3 north to Pittsburg. Along the way, travelers can enjoy the Pontook Reservoir, known for its challenging rapids, and the wildlife-rich Dixville Notch State Park, as well as the gorgeous Connecticut Lakes Region and finally Moose Alley. Check out our Moose Path Page above for additional information, map, gps directions, and free audio tours. 

Connecticut River Byway

This byway begins at the headwaters of the Connecticut River ,Third Connecticut Lake, near the Canadian border and follows the Connecticut River along New Hampshire’s western edge. This drive offers views of rolling farmland, historic villages, and the scenic Connecticut River itself. This scenic route in New Hampshire is ideal for those interested in natural beauty​​, farming heritage, and history.

Woodland Heritage Trail

The Woodland Heritage Trail takes you on a journey through the northernmost sections of the White Mountain National Forest. Starting in Lancaster NH, the route makes a loop on US 3 to Groveton, to NH 110 to Stark, and loops back through Milan and Berlin on NH 110A and NH 110B then Route 2 west back to Lancaster. Or, can be done in reverse. Berlin and Groveton were the epicenters of the timber industry in the region since both towns had paper mills which have since closed. This trail highlights the region’s logging history and includes Stark’s picturesque covered bridge​​.

The Moose Path Trail Scenic Byway in Northern New Hampshire is an extremely picturesque route that offers travelers a chance to experience the pristine beauty of the state’s Great North Woods region of Northern NH while trying to lay eyes on one of the region’s 4000 moose. Stretching approximately 98 miles, the byway is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and those seeking a serene escape into nature. 

Go to the Moose Path Page above to learn more about this popular route, moose and their animal friends, the geology of Northern NH, as well as the history of the region by downloading or streaming our free self guided audio tours. They are great for kids and adults alike. There is also a downloadable map and one click preplanned GPS route, that works with most navigation symptoms, located on the Moose Path Landing Page. 

Easy Peasy and Happy Viewing!

The Moose Path Trail begins in Gorham, NH, and extends north along Route 16 to Berlin, a historic mill city often referred to as “the city that trees built.” From Berlin, the route continues through Milan and the scenic Pontook Dam/Thirteen Mile Woods to Errol, where it intersects with Route 26. 

Insider Tip: Lake Umbagog in Errol is a beautiful detour at this point in the trip. It’s 7500 acre size and National WildLife Refuge status makes for some exceptional wildlife and moose viewing. You can head north on 16 and into the Refuge or east on 26 to the southern part of the lake where the State Park and Campground is located. When you hit the state of Maine on either 16 or 26, just turn around and head back to Errol. 

Continuing west on Route 26, the Moose Path passes through Dixville Notch State Park, a prime location for spotting moose, and home to beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. The route then heads to Colebrook, where travelers can explore local attractions like the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace or eat some lunch. From Colebrook, the trail follows Route 3 north to the crystal clear Connecticut Lakes and the into the famous Moose Alley where your odds of seeing a moose are the greatest in the state on NH. Offering stunning views the whole way and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping​, the Moose Path is a fun trip to break up into smaller pieces over a couple of days with friends and family. 

The Moose Path Trail Scenic Byway is one of the best scenic drives in New Hampshire for immersing yourself in New Hampshire’s natural beauty and is your best bet in the state to see a moose. When you finally see a 2000 lb bull moose with a full rack standing 6 feet… at the shoulder, we’ll just say that you’ll never forget how big that moose was.