New Hampshire’s Back Roads and Scenic Byways

Whether you’re coming up north for Bike Week or summer vacation, we urge you to explore the back roads and scenic byways in search of New Hampshire’s history and beauty. Explore on your own, or stop at the White Mountains Visitor’s Center in North Woodstock (just down the road from Woodwards) and pick up their excellent map of a 100-mile round-trip exploration of the region called The White Mountain Trail. The beautiful route will take you past classic attractions like Clark’s Trading Post and The Flume Gorge where you’ll discover waterfalls, covered bridges, scenic pools and glacial boulders…all before you even get to The Notch (Franconia Notch State Park), Cannon Mountain, and the Old Man in the Mountain Museum.
 
Following the trail further will lead you to many additional favorite spots including Santa’s Village, the Mt Washington Cog Railway and Auto Road, and Story Land. If it’s all too much for a single trip, we recommend narrowing your excursion to a single focus (a different focus each time you visit): Follow the Covered Bridge Trail to explore this integral part of both the history and landscape of the White Mountains. Waterfalls are another great focus of exploration. The White Mountains boasts more than 100 waterfalls, some visible from the road, others that may require a hike.
 
If history is your thing, there’s a trail for you too. In just the region closest to Woodwards, you’ll discover “The Frost Place,” a museum and poetry center located at Robert Frost’s old homestead in Franconia. While your there, check out the 200-year-old blast furnace that still stands from of the day of Franconia Iron Works and the Sugar Hill Historical Museum which is currently featuring a historical hat exhibit.

The White Mountains has adventures sure to please all appetites. Come on up and create your experience in the mountains this summer.