There’s nothing quite like going on a nice drive through the East Coast. As one of America’s most scenic areas, this coast is full of wonderful road-side activities and places that are great to visit at any time of the year.
No matter which states you pass through on your way up, none quite compare to New Hampshire, a place that is undoubtedly one of the USA’s most gorgeous states. Even driving only through New Hampshire is a treat within itself, making it a must-do for anybody who wants to see the East Coast.
However, there are typically so many different things to do that it can be hard to know where exactly to start. The amount of scenic drives you can do that have wonderful activities to engage in along the way can be very overwhelming, but we’ve done the driving for you and have come out on top with a list of our Top 3 Scenic Drives in New Hampshire.
So, without further ado, here’s our list:
Winter Scenic Drive
One of the best ways to navigate through New Hampshire can be to follow its rivers and this drive is no exception. Taking you from Jackson all the way to Errol, this route is great for those who want something to experience during Winter. Not only can you see the wonderful rivers when they’re covered with snow and ice, but you can also spend the day at the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area to get some slopes in during your trip. We really love this drive because it gives the entire family an opportunity to get in on the action—everybody will be able to appreciate the views of the rivers, while Wildcat has a wide variety of slopes for any kind of beginner.
Historical and Colonial Seacoast Drive
This drive begins in Portsmouth and ends in Hampton. This means that you’ll be getting a nice view of a drive down south in what is undoubtedly one of the best scenic rides you’ll be able to find in the entire state. Depending on which time of year you go, the Water County Water Park might be open, something that offers a huge amount of fun activities and attractions for the whole family to get in on.
The Historical and Colonial Seacoast Drive also brings many different historical sites that were incredibly important during the American Revolution. For example, you can visit Forts Stark and Constitution in New Castle for some direct exposure to where some of the most exciting fights during the American Revolution took place. Our personal favorite part of this drive is the Odiorne State Park, something we recommend for anyone who wants to get a closer look at the ocean and be able to truly appreciate the shoreline.
Echo Lake Beauty Drive
At the top of our list is the Echo Lake Beauty Drive, a route that takes you all the way from Conway to Sanbornville. The reason why it’s so high on our list, though, has to do with its ability to show you what the state of New Hampshire is really about. Throughout its twist and turns you’ll be exposed to some of the wonderful, natural beauty that can only occur in one of the most beautiful states. This includes the wonderful foliage, the engaging peaks and valleys, and of course the view you get when you’re able to look down at it all from a high view. Those interested in birds can stop by the Watts Wildlife Sanctuary to get an up close and personal look at the wonderful animals!
This route is also named after our absolute favorite part of the trip, the wonderful views you’ll be able to get at Echo Lake State Park. In this park you’ll not only see some of the most breathtaking views available on the entire East Coast, but also be able to do some activities along the way. For those of you who like swimming, there’s always the possibility of going to Echo Lake itself, while those who like climbing should really experience the 700-foot tall Cathedral Ledge that you can climb up to as well.
We hope this guide to our Top 5 Scenic Drives in New Hampshire has been helpful and that you’ll keep it in mind next time you’re considering making a drive through America’s wonderful East Coast!