8 Great Road Trips to Take in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s winding roads, covered bridges, and mountain vistas make it an ideal state for scenic drives. Whether you're in the mood for a lakeside retreat, a journey through history, or a trek into the rugged White Mountains, there's a route for every traveler. These road trips, beginning in either Manchester or Nashua, last under four hours, offering ample opportunities to stop and explore. From the awe-inspiring cliffs of Franconia Notch to the pristine shores of Lake Umbagog, each destination provides a uniquely New England experience that makes the drive just as rewarding as the arrival.

Mount Monadnock State Park

Leaving from Manchester, this road trip brings you to one of the most climbed mountains in the world. Start with a stop at the Andres Institute of Art in Brookline, a sprawling outdoor sculpture park with trails weaving through the woods. Continue to Peterborough, where you can visit the MacDowell Colony, an artist retreat with a setting perfect for a stroll. Next, head to Jaffrey and grab a bite at Kimball Farm, famous for its fresh seafood and homemade ice cream.

Finally, arrive at Mount Monadnock State Park, where a variety of hiking trails lead to a summit with breathtaking 360-degree views of New England’s rolling hills and valleys.

Franconia Notch State Park

Starting in Manchester, this winter wonderland road trip takes you to the heart of the White Mountains. Begin in Lincoln at the Ice Castles, a frozen fortress with tunnels, slides, and LED-lit sculptures. Next, warm up with a stop at Woodstock Inn Brewery, where you can sample locally crafted beers and enjoy hearty New England fare. Before reaching your final destination, visit Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch, where winter transforms the waterfalls and rock formations into a frozen landscape.

Cap off your journey with an exhilarating ice climbing experience at Cannon Cliff, where professional guides lead adventurous visitors up dramatic frozen waterfalls. North East Ice is a great tour operator for this.

Isles of Shoals

Kicking off your road trip in Nashua, this journey takes you from land to sea. Begin with a stop in Hampton to explore the Seacoast Science Center, where interactive exhibits highlight marine life and coastal ecosystems. Next, head to Portsmouth and visit Prescott Park, a scenic waterfront park with gardens and harbor views. Before boarding your final destination, stop at Rye Harbor for a fresh seafood meal at Ray’s Seafood.

Finally, embark on a sailing tour to the Isles of Shoals, a rugged and remote group of islands straddling the New Hampshire-Maine border. Whether you’re interested in historic shipwrecks, island wildlife, or simply soaking in the ocean views, this trip is a unique and refreshing experience unlike any other in the state.

Derry

From Nashua, this whimsical journey takes you through rolling countryside and into the skies. Start in Amherst at East Hill Farm, where you can meet and feed friendly alpacas while learning about fiber arts. Continue to Milford, home to the LaBelle Winery, where you can enjoy a tasting session paired with gourmet cheese platters. Before the grand finale, take a detour to Andres Institute of Art, an outdoor sculpture park where trails lead past dozens of thought-provoking installations.

End your adventure in Derry, where a sunset hot air balloon ride with A & A Balloon Rides provides breathtaking panoramic views of the New Hampshire landscape.

Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge

This road trip from Manchester takes you deep into New Hampshire’s untouched wilderness. First, stop in Hanover, home to Dartmouth College and the Baker-Berry Library, a great spot for a quick visit. Continue to Rumney, where the Polar Caves Park has granite formations and glacial caves to explore. A bit farther north, swing by Errol to experience a moose tour or stop at LL Cote, a general store with everything from outdoor gear to local goods.

Finally, reach Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for kayakers, birdwatchers, and wildlife lovers. The lake’s waters are perfect for spotting bald eagles and loons, and the remote campsites are an unparalleled escape into nature.

Mount Washington Cog Railway

A drive from Manchester to the depths of New Hampshire’s rugged terrain is an adventure like no other. Begin at Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton, where centuries of rushing water have carved smooth, intricate formations into the bedrock. Continue to the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves, where wooden walkways and underground caves are an unforgettable subterranean experience. Before reaching your final stop, visit the historic Mount Washington Hotel for a luxurious break in the grandeur of the White Mountains.

Finally, take the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the summit, where extreme weather conditions and awe-inspiring views create a once-in-a-lifetime experience atop the highest peak in the Northeast.

Pawtuckaway State Park

From Nashua, a drive to Pawtuckaway State Park is an adventure filled with forests, lakes, and unique geological formations. First, visit the town of Milford and its scenic Oval, where cafés and antique shops offer a pleasant stop. Next, head to Raymond and check out Tuckaway Tavern, a well-loved local spot known for its butcher shop and massive burgers.

Arrive at Pawtuckaway State Park, where you can hike up South Mountain for sweeping views, kayak through the park’s network of islands, or explore giant glacial boulders hidden within the dense forest.

Henniker

For those who love mystery and legend, this spooky road trip from Nashua takes you to the state’s most haunted locations. Begin in Portsmouth with a visit to The Music Hall, a historic theater with a well-documented history of ghostly apparitions. Next, head to Concord and explore the New Hampshire State Hospital Cemetery, the final resting place for hundreds of patients from the 19th-century asylum. Before the final stop, visit the Pine Hill Cemetery in Hollis, known as "Blood Cemetery" due to eerie local legends.

The journey ends at the Ocean-Born Mary House in Henniker, where the ghost of a woman allegedly saved from pirates is said to still roam the halls of the historic home.

These road trips blend adventure, history, and mystery, ensuring each journey is as thrilling as the destination. Whether you’re climbing frozen waterfalls, floating above the landscape in a hot air balloon, or delving into subterranean caves, these routes invite travelers to see the Granite State through a new lens. Starting from Manchester or Nashua, each trip uncovers a different side of New Hampshire, proving that road trips in this small but diverse state never lack excitement. With hidden gems and unforgettable experiences around every corner, your next adventure awaits.