The White Mountains: 7-Day New Hampshire Road Trip

When it comes to traveling, it’s no surprise we love summer and fall road trips. Summer road trips have us dreaming about long days, cool breezes, and our favorite throwback songs playing at full blast on the radio. And then there are fall road trips, where all we want is a hot apple cider in hand while we hunt gorgeous fall foliage in sweater weather.

New Hampshire is the perfect place to go, whether you’re craving summer fun or a cozy fall. This New England state will have you pairing gorgeous drives with picturesque hikes, and if you’re coming from the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast, you can probably get here without booking a flight first. (Last minute weekend road trip, anyone?)

We’re calling this one “The White Mountains” because that’s exactly where you’re headed… to Northern New Hampshire, smack dab in the middle of New Hampshire’s White Mountain Range.

If your perfect summer or fall road trip includes as much time in nature as it includes time spent enjoying a sunset over a shades-of-blue mountain system, this one’s for you. Get ready to explore stunning scenery from both car and foot as you enjoy this 7-day road trip through New Hampshire’s White Mountains!

In our opinion, there are two best times of year to road trip to New Hampshire: summer or fall.

If you want long days (for more time to explore), afternoons on the lake, or perfect ice cream weather, visit in the summer. Although New Hampshire gets warm during summer months, compared to many other states in the US, New England’s temperatures will be a welcome relief from the heat, especially when the evening breeze rolls in.

If you want to see some of the most gorgeous fall foliage in the United States, then plan your road trip for the first few weeks of October. Make sure to keep an eye on foliage trackers in New England, as peak foliage can vary from year to year. But generally, early to mid-October will have you in the right place at the right time. New Hampshire’s White Mountains are one of the most gorgeous places to view fall foliage!

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Note: We have you driving from a different city to Lincoln, NH, multiple times along this route for two reasons: (1) The drive between Lincoln and Conway is one of the most scenic drives in New Hampshire. It’s called the Kancamagus Highway, and it’ll look different whether you’re traveling from Conway to Lincoln or Lincoln to Conway. (We were visiting in early fall and enjoyed the scenery from Conway to Lincoln more, but both are worthwhile, especially if you plan to stop along the way.) (2) We also want to make sure you don’t miss the scenic drives through Franconia Notch State Park (Lincoln to Franconia) and Crawford North State Park (Bretton Woods to Conway).

So although you’ll do some repeat drives along this road trip, we think it’s worth it.

Day 1: Campton, NH

On the first day of your 7-Day New Hampshire Road Trip, travel to the White Mountains.

We recommend starting your trip in Campton, New Hampshire, especially if you’re flying into Boston and then renting a car.

If you’re driving, find the closest point along this itinerary to your starting location, then make a full loop to return home.

Once you’re in Campton, pick one or three of these amazing things to do in New Hampshire: (1) Hike the Welch-Dickey Loop, (2) Canoe around Lake Winnipesaukee, or (3) Rock climb on Mount Rumney.

Welch-Dickey Loop

The Welch-Dickey Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains. The views are incredible (especially around sunset) and as long as you’re up for some short, steep climbs, this hike is a lot of fun.

Although there are a few different ways to hike Welch and Dickey Mountains, we recommend the Welch-Dickey Loop Trail. (This takes you to the same path and viewpoints as the Welch Mountain Rock Ledge and Welch and Dickey Mountains trails.) This is an approximately 4.4-mile trail that’s recommended to hike counter-clockwise (so you’ll hike to Welch Mountain and then Dickey Mountain).

This way, you’ll be climbing uphill during the steepest sections of the hike, which is safer than descending (particularly if it’s wet or you’re visiting when there are leaves on the ground). Take your time during the climb, and make sure to turn around to take in the view!

RTL Tip: If you’re comfortable hiking and you’ve packed headlamps, opt for a late afternoon / sunset hike. Crowds will be fewer, and walking down Dickey Mountain at sunset is incredible.

Dog-friendly? Yes! Just know there are steep sections of this hike on exposed rock.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Lake Winnipesaukee is actually located in the “Lakes Region” of New Hampshire, but since it’s at the foothills of the White Mountains, we’re including it on this road trip.

Especially because a day on the lake is a picturesque addition to any summer road trip!

Rent a canoe at Wild Meadow Paddlesports and spend the afternoon paddling. A detour to Lake Winnipesaukee on your way from Boston adds only 20 minutes to your drive. Otherwise, if you’re able to stay in Campton for an extra night, Lake Winnipesaukee is only about 30 minutes from Campton.

Make reservations in advance to ensure availability for the rental you want. Once you check in, ask if there have been any wildlife sightings. On the day we were visiting, earlier paddlers had spotted a bald eagle near ‘One Mile Island’, so we knew to look for one once there. It was incredible! We took photos while Lincoln swam and soaked up our afternoon on the lake.

Dog-friendly? Yes!

Rock Climb Mount Rumney

On the southern outskirts of the White Mountains, you’ll find Mount Rumney, one of the top sport climbing areas in the country.

If you’re looking for a challenge or something unique to do in this region of New Hampshire, consider hiring a guide and/or renting gear to test your skills on a pitch.

We booked a half-day tour through 57hours and were paired with a climbing instructor, Sam, from NEM Guides (Northeast Mountaineering).

Neither Jon nor I had any experience rock climbing outside a gym, so we were glad to have a guide and loved our experience with Sam/NEM. (You can book directly with them if you’re interested in climbing and hiring a guide.) We were also able to rent gear through NEM since we didn’t have any ourselves. (Which was a good thing because our hiking boots absolutely would NOT have cut it, ha!)

Then on the day of our climb, Sam picked out the best crag (small cliff or climbing area) for us to attempt as beginners. We got to experience 5 different pitches (routes), including a 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.7, 5.7+ (the first 5 stands for vertical, the number after the decimal is the degree of difficulty).

It was a great experience we highly recommend if you’re looking for a challenge or something unique to do in the White Mountains!

Day 2: Kancamagus Highway

Today, you’ll drive the Kancamagus Highway. This is one of the most scenic drives in New Hampshire and is incredibly popular during the fall. (It’s one of the best places to view fall foliage in all of New England.)

We recommend staying in Lincoln, NH for this portion of your road trip. (Note: You can access everything on this itinerary from Lincoln, NH, if you prefer to stay in one place for the duration of your stay. If you do prefer this, we recommend Lincoln as your home base.)

The Kancamagus Highway is the 34-mile stretch of road between Lincoln, NH, and Conway, NH. It’s a gorgeous drive all year round, and there are a number of overlooks and hikes you can explore along the way.

One hike we enjoyed was the Franconia Falls. We particularly recommend this for your summer road trip. Bring your suit because at the end of a relatively flat walk through the woods, you’ll find a natural swimming hole complete with natural water slides. Parking fills up fast here on the weekend, so head out early if you plan to add this to your trip!

The Boulder Loop Trail is another popular hike along the Kancamagus Highway. You can browse other hikes along the Kancamagus Highway here, or browse AllTrails for one that piques your interest most. There are tons of options!

Dog-Friendly? Yes! Especially if you add a hike or stops at overlooks to your trip.

Looking for lunch? Try One Love Brewing in Lincoln or Cheese Louise in Conway.

Day 3: Mount Washington

Visiting the summit of Mount Washington is one of the best things to do in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. In fact, Mount Washington is the highest peak in the White Mountains!

You have three main options for visiting the summit: (1) You can hike Mount Washington following the Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine, (2) drive Mount Washington along the Mount Washington Auto Road, or (3) take the Mount Washington Cog Railway from Bretton Woods, NH to the summit.

We were planning to hike The Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine but opted to grab drinks with our friends instead after unexpectedly seeing them at the summit. (What are the chances you run into someone you know at the top of a mountain in a state neither of you lives?!)

The drive itself to the summit of Mount Washington is gorgeous, and we highly recommend at least exploring a little bit once you park your car at the top. You can walk just 10 or so minutes down the mountain and enjoy even more beautiful views.

Note: There is an admission fee to drive the Mount Washington Auto Road (we paid $65 for two of us), but it’s a great way to see Mount Washington, and the 360-degree views at the summit are spectacular.

Dog-Friendly? Yes! Especially if you add a hike at the summit or on the way.

Looking for something fun to do afterward? Consider Ledge Brewing Company or White Mountain Cider Company.

highway on top of mountain — Mount Washington Auto Road

Day 4: Moose Trail Path

This one’s a bit of an excursion, as we’re technically taking you to the very edge of the White Mountains and into the Great North Woods Region, but if you’re interested in wildlife, you’ll enjoy this!

We’re going to Moose Alley!

Well, not technically Moose Alley, as Moose Alley is further north near Pittsburg, but this one’s closer and just as convenient a place for a moose stakeout.

Drive from Mount Washington (or wherever you’ve made your home base for your New Hampshire road trip) to Gorham, NH. The road between Gorham, NH, and Errol, NH is where you’ll try your luck to spot a moose. It’s part of the 90-mile Moose Trail Path that runs all the way to Pittsburg, NH. (So you can drive Moose Alley if you’d like! It starts at Pittsburg and goes 12 miles to the Canadian border.)

While you’re in the area, consider stretching your legs by exploring Dixville Notch State Park. The Table Rock Hike in Dixville Notch State Park is one of the most popular hikes in New Hampshire, especially in the fall. Many refer to Table Rock as a hike with a great effort-to-view ratio, meaning you can enjoy a big view for less effort. (From what I’ve read, Trail 50 is the easier option for making your way to Table Rock.)

We weren’t able to make it here during our New Hampshire Road trip, but Table Rock looks absolutely amazing so if you do, please come back and leave us a comment with a picture & your thoughts!

Note: To maximize your chances of spotting a moose, get up early and stay out late. Dawn and dusk are the best times for moose viewing. Hike during the day.

roadway with Moose Crossing sign — “Moose Alley” near Pittsburg, NH

Day 5: The Franconia Ridge Loop

We’re heading back toward Lincoln, NH for a gorgeous drive, then hike through Franconia Notch State Park.

Today, your recommended adventure is the Franconia Ridge Loop!

This is a challenging but unique hike that takes you on an 8-mile journey through the woods, up a waterfall, and along the ridge of three mountains. The views are absolutely incredible, but this one makes you work for it!

The Franconia Ridge Loop is one of the most popular hikes in the White Mountains. Our best recommendation is to hike counterclockwise and start early. (Earlier than you want to.) Expect this trail to take longer than you think. And bring more than you think you’ll need (hiking poles, water, snacks, etc.).

Here’s everything you need to know about hiking The Franconia Ridge Loop along your New Hampshire Road Trip.

If you’re up for the challenge of this hike, the view is truly breathtaking, especially on a clear day. Plus, when else can hike along the ridge of multiple mountains?

Dog-friendly? Yes, the Franconia Ridge Loop is dog-friendly. Lincoln had no issues. Counterclockwise was better for her, too, as it meant walking up the waterfall vs. down (which would have been slippery).

Not up for an all-day, challenging hike like this? Consider Artist’s Bluff instead. Like Table Rock, Artist’s Bluff is a hike with a good effort-to-view ratio that only gets prettier & prettier throughout the fall. You could also explore The Flume Gorge.

dog standing on ridge of mountain — Lincoln on the Franconia Ridge. In the background, you can see the path you’ll follow along the ridge. Incredible, with views on both sides!

Day 6: Bretton Woods, NH

After your day in Franconia Notch State Park, travel to Bretton Woods and Crawford Notch State Park. The drive between Bretton Woods and Conway, NH, through Crawford Notch State Park, is absolutely gorgeous!

RTL Tip: Visiting in the fall but before peak foliage? Try this drive! We were visiting New Hampshire at the end of September, about two weeks before peak fall foliage, and thought the leaves in this area were changing more quickly than those near the Kancamagus Highway.

From Bretton Woods, you can ride the cog railway to Mount Washington, or you can hike in the White Mountains and throughout Crawford Notch State Park. This is what we recommend, starting with Middle Sugarloaf.

This was actually a hike recommended to us by locals we met on the Franconia Ridge. Since we liked Franconia Ridge, they said we’d love Middle Sugarloaf, especially because it’s a much easier and shorter hike with gorgeous mountain views.

RTL (but really just local) Tip: There’s a trail that includes Middle and North Sugarloaf. Opt for a sunrise or sunset hike if possible. If you want to maximize your views, spend the majority of your time on Middle Sugarloaf (or opt for the Middle Sugarloaf Trail only). That’s about a 2.6-mile round-trip hike.

Dog-Friendly? Yes! The majority of this hike is through the woods on boardwalk planks and dirt paths. Some exposed roots but very little rock scrambling.

If no hiking trip is complete without at least one afternoon spent relaxing with a drink in hand, consider Ledge Brewing Company between Bretton Woods and Conway.

orange sunset over mountain — Middle Sugarloaf Trail at sunset

Day 7: Kancamagus Highway

It’s the final day of your 7-day New Hampshire Road Trip, and our recommendation is to drive from Conway, NH, to Lincoln, NH one last time before you head home.

Enjoy this scenic drive from the opposite direction, stop at an overlook or hike you didn’t have time for prior, then make your way back home or to Boston to catch your flight.

If you need some fuel for your way home, consider a stop at Mad River Coffee House (near Campton) on your way. If you’re looking for lunch or dinner, try Covered Bridge Farm Table in Campton.

Keep planning your New Hampshire Road Trip

Here are 3 scenic New Hampshire Road Trips (for more tips on planning your drive along Mount Washington, the Kancamagus Highway, and Moose Alley).

Here’s our pick for the 6 best things to do in New Hampshire.

And here are 7 of the best hikes in New Hampshire’s White Mountains (with more pictures and detail). (If you decide to hike The Franconia Ridge, here’s everything you need to know.)

If you want to turn your New Hampshire Road Trip into a New England Road Trip, check out this wicked good road trip itinerary here!

Please leave us a comment below

Which hike or activity in the White Mountains would you most love to do? Or what’s your favorite thing to do in New Hampshire? We’d love to hear about your adventures too!

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