4 Day New Hampshire Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip

The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary for an Epic New Hampshire Adventure

Are you trying to plan the ultimate New Hampshire road trip? We’ve got you covered with this complete New Hampshire itinerary!

To put this together, I turned to my fellow adventurers and travel bloggers, Mike and Sara from Our Campfire Unplugged, who recently completed a 4-day road trip through New Hampshire. They documented their entire journey and compiled it into this comprehensive New Hampshire travel itinerary.

From Flume Gorge to Cannon Mountain and Mt. Washington, Mike and Sara have covered all the highlights of this beautiful state, as well as providing travel tips, seasonal activities and itinerary recommendations.

So, read on to find out everything you need to know to plan your New Hampshire adventure!

Written by Mike Lynch from Our Campfire Unplugged

We travel via RV, which means we have to start planning our summer road trips nearly 12 months in advance to secure the best campgrounds. Trust us, there is a difference between a nice campground and a sketchy trailer park with cars on blocks! 

As such, we did a lot of research before embarking on our New Hampshire adventure, which we now get to share with you.

This four-day New Hampshire Itinerary will walk through our planning and how we laid out our trip. We will share what worked, what didn’t, and a few “letdowns” we had along the way, as well as our tips and recommendations for an epic New Hampshire road trip.

One fun element of RV travel is that we get to include lots of fun day trips as part of our road trip itineraries. So we truly made the most of our time in New Hampshire, by seeing and doing as much as possible in the time we had.

New Hampshire Itinerary: Quick Overview

Discover the beauty of the Granite State with this action-packed 4-day New Hampshire itinerary:

• Day 1: Explore Franconia Notch State Park – Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, and Artist Bluff Trail.
• Day 2: Drive the Kancamagus Highway – Scenic overlooks, Sabbaday Falls, and river tubing.
• Day 3: Day trip to Vermont – Smugglers’ Notch, Ben & Jerry’s, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
• Day 4: Visit Mount Washington – Crystal Cascade Falls, Glen Ellis Falls, and Polar Caves.

BONUS: There are several fantastic seasonal activities to do in New Hampshire. In particular, if visiting in winter there’s fantastic skiing. And, in summer we recommend going river soaking or tubing.

Keep reading to plan your ultimate New Hampshire adventure!

The Ultimate New Hampshire Road Trip Itinerary

Our family has fallen in love with taking epic RV travel adventures during summer break. These road trips give us an opportunity to reconnect, give our kids a firsthand look at the places they learn about in school, experience amazing outdoor adventures, and discover the majestic beauty of America.

Our most recent summer trip was to New England. Initially, New Hampshire was supposed to be a 2-night stop on the way to Vermont, New Hampshire’s Green Mountain twin. But camping reservations in Vermont were super difficult to secure. So, instead, we decided to spend 5 nights exploring New Hampshire.

I’m glad the timing worked out this way because New Hampshire is amazing!

And so you can experience it too, here is everything we packed into these 5 nights / 4 days which made the trip so special.

New Hampshire Itinerary: Day 1 (Franconia Notch State Park)

Our first day usually is really a half day since we arrive in the early to mid-afternoon.

After previous stays in Boston and Acadia, New Hampshire was our “final” long stop on this EPIC RV road trip. Thanks to a short 5-hour travel day we had plenty of time to explore Franconia Notch State Park on our First Day. 

Franconia Notch State Park: A Natural Wonder

Franconia Notch is home to three of New Hampshire’s famous 4,000 footers (mountains that stretch over 4,000 feet above sea level). While summitting all 48 4000-footers is a huge goal for some adventures, that was NOT the purpose of our trip!

Instead, we focused on the more family-friendly hikes and attractions in the park.

Flume Gorge Trail

Our first stop was the Flume Gorge Trail. This 2.2 mile loop trail is a perfect way to begin your New Hampshire outdoor adventures.

The Flume Gorge Trail is a moderately difficult hike, with around 450 feet of elevation gain. It’s a well-marked path that winds through the woods crossing a beautiful river on a fabulous covered bridge. From the river crossing it’s a short uphill hike on a natural surface trail to the beginning of the Flume Gorge.

Hikers get to experience the Flume Gorge from the safety of a well-maintained wooden boardwalk. Since the trail is one direction, make sure to take your time along the boardwalk to enjoy the views along the way.

Pro Tip: Be sure to look back at the gorge as you go up the stairs towards the waterfall! Once up the stairs, the view of the waterfall’s magnificent plunge into the pool below is a very impressive sight to see. We loved watching the power of the water at work!

Next, the hike leads to some rock caves which you get to crawl through. These were a major selling point for our visit. But, while these rock caves were really cool, we did prefer the Polar Caves (which we visited on day 4!).

This is a really beautiful gorge. However, the downside is that everyone wants to see it, so it has thousands of visitors every year. And its popularity means that there are now quite high admission fees to access the gorge and hike the trail.

Other Must-See Attractions at Franconia Notch State Park

Some other trails which are worth checking out at Franconia Notch include:

• Cannon Mountain – Hikers looking for a challenge can climb Cannon Mountain. Or, if you’re not up for the climb (and scramble at the top), you can instead take the Cannon Mountain Tramway. The tram made getting to the summit super easy. Although tram rides are pricey… about $20 per person!

• Basin Cascade Trail – This 2-mile trail follows several waterfalls and cascades leading to The Basin, a beautiful curved waterfall, naturally carved into the granite rock.

• Lonesome Lake Trail – A 3.1-mile round-trip hike leading to the pristine Lonesome Lake with beautiful mountain views.

• Artist Bluff Trail – A 1.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of Franconia Notch, Echo Lake, and Cannon Mountain. It’s a relatively short but steep hike, perfect for a quick adventure with rewarding views.

Besides hiking, we also recommend visiting Echo Lake. Echo Lake is the perfect place to relax in the sun and cool off on a hot summer afternoon!

New Hampshire Itinerary: Day 2 (Explore the Kancamagus Highway)

After a good night of rest at the Woodstock KOA we were ready for some more exploring.

Driving the Kancamagus Highway: A Scenic Journey

Kancamagus Highway is a 34-mile journey that cuts through the White Mountains and showcases stunning views for almost the entire drive. We loved watching the plant life change as we gained elevation up to the highest point at 2,855 feet.

And the lower elevations of the highway reminded us of driving through Red River Gorge in Kentucky.

As a side note, the Kancamagus is a “truck route,” and RVs are allowed. In fact, we towed our 40-foot fifth-wheel on this route from Acadia National Park to Woodstock, NH!

Pro Tip: If you want to turn your drive along the Kancamagus Highway into an entertaining audio tour, download the Kancamagus Scenic Byway Audio Tour. The tour shares captivating stories and insider tips as you explore this scenic route!

White Mountains National Forest Visitor Center

We like stopping at the visitor centers when visiting a new National Park or National Forest. We always find this really informative, as Park Rangers love to share their knowledge of the park, including the hidden gems.

The ranger we met sized us up before making suitable hiking recommendations. After assessing we were capable hikers he handed over a map and detailed instructions for several trails we were “qualified” for!

Pro Tip: A parking pass is required. However your America the Beautiful Card serves as a parking pass in the National Forest! 

Greeley Ponds

The Greeley Ponds was a Park Ranger recommended hike. The trail starts as a walk through the woods with little to see along the path. About ⅓ of a mile in the trail begins to cross several creeks. Fortunately it’s easy to keep your feet dry by stepping on the stones in the creek.

Following the trail toward Greeley Ponds, you’ll reach the first pond about 2 miles in. However, trees obstructed the view, and the pond was not particularly appealing. Therefore, we decided to turn back rather than continue to the next pond. 

We were expecting to see a high alpine glacier-type lake on this hike, but we actually saw a standard farm pond. Parking at Greeley Ponds trailhead was also very tight. So, unless you have a lot of time to spend, we would recommend skipping Greeley Ponds!

Must-See Overlooks On the Kancamagus

It may be tempting to skip taking a quick detour to some overlooks. And we get it, if you stop at every overlook, well it would be overwhelming! But here are two we would recommend:

• CL Graham Wangan Overlook – From this overlook catch a glimpse of Mt. Kancamagus towering above the nearby mountains. Mt. Kancamagus stands over 3,600 feet above sea level and is a beautiful sight. 

• Sugarhill Overlook – The Sugarhill Overlook looks out over the expansive valley below and Sugarhill off in the distance.

In particular, these overlooks should not be missed during the fall when the autumn leaves are bursting with vibrant colors. While the parking lot may be crowded, meaning you have to wait a moment, these views are worth the time!

Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday Falls is a very popular hike along the Kancamagus Highway. It’s an easy 0.7 miles along the cascading Sabbaday Brook. The trail is a natural surface and is easy to follow.

The hike leads directly to the falls and gives visitors a stunning view of Flume Gorge and the roaring waterfall. Sabbaday Brook is very similar to Flume Gorge, but it’s FREE to access. So, if you’re on a budget, you can skip Flume Gorge and enjoy this free hike instead!

How did Sabbaday Falls get its Name?

Early settlers decided to rest on the Sabbath Day (or “Sabbaday”) in the area of this brook. Awestruck by the peace and tranquility of the cascading water, and the beauty of the nature surrounding them, they decided to name it Sabbaday Falls in honour of the Sabbaday. 

We highly recommend taking a few minutes to soak in the serenity of this beautiful and peaceful location.

Rocky Gorge & Lower Falls

The Rocky Gorge and Lower Falls are spots along the Kancamagus Highway which you absolutely can’t miss. Rocky Gorge is a particularly rocky section of the Swift River where the gushing water dramatically prepares to flow over several waterfalls!

Warning: The water current is strong in the Rocky Gorge. Swimming is not permitted. 

Take the short walk over the bridge to the Falls Pond. This Pond is really pretty and a great spot for a picnic lunch. In our experience, it’s much better than the Greeley Ponds!

After exploring the Rocky Gorge, cruise down to the Lower Falls. This is a great swimming hole and a place to cool off on a hot day. One thing we loved about New Hampshire was all the random swimming holes along the side of the road. Wading and tubing in the water is so much fun!

Diana’s Bath and Cathedral Ledge State Park

Along the way to Diana’s Bath and Cathedral Ledge stop in Conway for some ice cream. 

Diana’s Bath is a short 1.1 mile path that leads to some of the coolest rock water slides we have ever seen. This area gets super crowded so pack your patience and remain cautious when in the water. We skipped getting in the water, but made sure to enjoy the views.

Cathedral Ledge is a super cool state park where climbers challenge their skills on a vertical granite cliff face. Seeing the climbers was really impressive!

We drove the super narrow and windy road all the way to the top. This was a quick stop over to take in the beautiful views of the valley below, which we highly recommend doing. Although make sure to watch for cyclists racing down the road at breakneck speeds.

Cathedral Ledge was our final stop for the day. One of the benefits of towing our camper is cooking our own dinner. So we skipped eating in Conway. But, if you’re looking to eat out, Conway has a number of dining choices, including fast food, brew pubs and higher end restaurants.

New Hampshire Itinerary: Day 3 (Visit Vermont)

It’s time to leave New Hampshire for the Green Mountains of Vermont. This quick day trip to Vermont gave us an opportunity to experience so many fun things in Vermont.

Pro Tip: Download the Vermont Self Guided Driving Tour for an in-car audio tour with fun stories and plenty of fascinating details on your drive.

Smugglers Notch

This steep and rugged pass high in the Green Mountains was a perfect hiding place for smugglers during the time of the Embargo Act of 1807.

At this time, trade with foreign countries was illegal for US citizens. Needless to say this did not help the local economy of Vermont or New Hampshire which was accustomed to trading with Canada. So locals would use the steep cliffs and dense forest to smuggle goods to Canada. 

In my younger days once I visited Smugglers Notch in winter, as it has some great skiing. But this most recent trip was during summer, so it was all about exploring the resort’s summer attractions, the nearby small towns, waterfalls, and more.

If you can, we would recommend taking the opportunity to drive along the scenic Vermont Route 108 through Smugglers Notch. However, large vehicles like RVs cannot fit on this road!

Bingham Falls

Heading towards Stowe, Bingham Falls trailhead is located on the left side of the road. While the trailhead is easy to find, parking can be tricky.

Bingham Falls Trail is only 0.5 miles out and back along a natural surface of packed dirt. The hike to the falls is a peaceful and easy walk through the woods. And there are several sets of stairs that lead to views of the falls.

We thought these falls were okay, but they certainly weren’t as impressive as Sabbaday Falls or Flume Gorge. Still, we think this is worth a 15 to 20 minute stop to stretch your legs!

Gold Brook Bridge (aka Emily’s Bridge)

As paranormal explorers we had to make a stop at the Gold Brook Bridge. Legend has it a young girl named Emily fell in love with a man her parents did not approve of. She and her suitor decided to meet at this bridge, run away, and get married. 

Emily arrived. And waited. But her suitor stood her up and in her despair she took her life. It’s said her spirit now lives on at the Gold Brook Bridge. Although our EMF and Spirit Box did not detect any unusual or paranormal activity during our visit.

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. And, in our opinion, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is hands down the best ice cream in the world. From the funky flavors to the counterculture values that sprouted Ben & Jerry’s, this is not your ordinary ice cream shop and factory tour.

Any time you visit Ben & Jerry’s will be packed. But don’t worry, they have plenty of ice cream and parking for everyone. And, surprisingly, the ice cream line moves really quickly.

After taking a guided tour, you can enjoy an ice cream cone while relaxing in the shade in a classic New England Adirondack chair.

And make sure you visit the Flavor Graveyard before you leave! The tombstones pay homage to some good ideas that didn’t last, as well as some horrible flavor choices that someone in accounting must have dreamed up.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill & Cabot Creamery

No trip to Vermont is complete without visiting a cider mill and creamery. We checked these must dos off at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill and Cabot Creamery. 

Cold Hollow Cider Mill has a full cider mill on display where you can sample different ciders before buying some to take home. And don’t skip the Apple Cider Donuts. These tasty morsels melt in your mouth and pair perfectly with your fresh apple cider.

In the fall, hot apple cider would be an amazing treat to enjoy on the porch while sitting next to a fire pit and taking in the colorful foliage.

A few miles down the road is the Cabot Creamery, where a fresh assortment of dairy products are available. We enjoyed some fresh cheese and the best greek yogurt we’ve ever eaten. We also sampled some bourbon maple syrup which was served as a shot! And, as bourbon aficionados from Kentucky we had to grab a bottle of Smugglers Notch bourbon to take home.

We really enjoyed our day in Vermont and we felt like we ate our way across the state!

New Hampshire Itinerary: Day 4 (Mount Washington)

Mount Washington is the most well known peak in the White Mountains and for good reason. Three weather patterns converge at the peak creating some of the most extreme weather in the world!

Visiting the summit is amazing in the summer, but it can be dangerous in the winter for inexperienced hikers. So keep this in mind and time your visit right.

We kept our visit to the lower elevations and explored Crystal Cascade Falls and Glen Ellis Falls. 

Crystal Cascade Falls is a short 0.7 mile walk from the Pinkham Visitor Center at the base of Mount Washington. These falls, or cascades, were flowing well and were really beautiful. After taking in the views we headed towards Glen Ellis Falls which allowed us to walk on the Appalachian Trail for a few steps!

This easy hike will take about 15 minutes, but is worth the stop to see this set of falls. By now you can tell we really like waterfalls! And some of these falls reminded us of our favourite hometown hikes back in Louisville.

If you’re not quite up for tackling this challenging east coast hike (or rather avoid the risk of the world’s worst weather!), you can instead drive the Mount Washington Auto Road to the top. Although large vehicles (over 20 feet) are not allowed on this road.

Or, you can take the long (and slow) train ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. This is a really unique and scenic way to experience Mount Washington. But the round trip does take 3 hours, so it might not be the best option if you’re tight on time.

Polar Cave Park

Polar Cave Park is about 90 minutes south of Mt. Washington and is worth the drive. We were on the fence about visiting because we climbed through the rock cave at Flume Gorge, but we decided to give it a go anyway.

As we pulled into Polar Cave Park we immediately noticed lots of families with small kids. Initially, we thought maybe this would be too junior for our teens. But since we had pre-purchased our tickets, we soldiered on. And we loved Polar Cave Park!

It turns out the park is perfect for all ages and there was tons to see.

The fascinating rock caves formed as the glaciers shifted and thawed during the last ice age. They’re mostly rock formations, as opposed to the “wet” caves like Mammoth Cave back in Kentucky. But on the warm and humid summer day we could feel the temperature change inside the caves as we explored.

Overall, the Polar Caves ended up being one of our favorite experiences on our New Hampshire road trip!

BONUS: Moose Alley and Umbagog Wildlife Refuge

In the Great Northern Woods of New Hampshire and Maine, Moose are supposed to be everywhere. However, we have yet to spot one in the wild. 

In New Hampshire’s north country, the area north of Pittsburg along Route 3 is known as ‘Moose Alley’. This road winds its way towards the Quebec border past a series of lakes, where moose sightings are almost guaranteed.

Another great place to spot moose in New Hampshire is the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.

Sadly, on this trip, we ran out of time to visit Moose Alley and Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. We understand moose are most active at dusk, so this is the best time to try and spot them. But by the evenings we are always too exhausted from all of our daytime adventures. So we weren’t able to include these stops in our New Hampshire itinerary this time.

But if you’re interested in seeing wildlife, and have the time, these are meant to be some of the best places in New Hampshire to do so!

Crafting The Perfect Itinerary

Our 4-day New Hampshire itinerary matched our interests perfectly, with a mix of both day trips and outdoor exploration. We learned that traveling north in the summer means an escape from the hot and humid conditions in the Southeast. So New Hampshire was the ideal destination for a summer road trip.

Customize Your Itinerary

If you’re looking to do a similar trip, follow our 4-day itinerary, or customize this itinerary as much as you like to suit your own interests and timing.

You could also add an extra day and visit Concord. Or, check out Portsmouth and the 18 miles of seashore from North Hampton to Seabrook, to experience New England’s charm, and maybe even indulge in a lobster roll!

When to Visit: Timing Your Trip Perfectly

New Hampshire is a fantastic destination at any time of year. Although the type experience you’re going to have will vary quite a lot depending on the season. So you will want to choose your timing based on what you’re looking to see and do.

We visited in the summer because that’s the perfect time for longer-distance RV travel. Plus, the long summer days gave us the chance to explore as much as we could during daylight hours. 

Thanks to the snow melt and rain, New Hampshire is very lush and green in the summer, with plenty of flowing waterfalls. We learned from the locals that the waterfalls actually had much less flow than usual when we visited. Although we were still impressed by the water flow we got to see!

Our trip was in late June and early July, which we found to be the perfect time to visit. The temperature on a couple of the days was almost “too” hot. But the air quickly cools off in the evenings and the warm weather allowed us to enjoy soaking in the rivers.

Peak Fall Foliage

One of the best times of year to visit New Hampshire is during the fall. New England must be close to heaven during this time. Unlike fall in Kentucky, peak fall foliage lasts for about six weeks in New Hampshire!

We learned from some of our local friends that fall usually begins in mid-September to early October in the White Mountains and the Great North Woods. It then makes its way to central New Hampshire’s lake region for most of October before ending along Southern New Hampshire’s Seacoast.

BOOK: Boston to New Hampshire Fall Foliage White Mountains Day Trip

Seasonal Activities

New Hampshire is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the snowy slopes of winter or the refreshing rivers in summer, the Granite State has endless opportunities for adventure. Here are our favourite seasonal activities which you may want to work into your New Hampshire itinerary:

Snow Activities in Winter

• Hit the Slopes: New Hampshire is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast. Resorts like Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, and Bretton Woods offer a variety of trails for all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds.

• Après-Ski: After a day on the slopes, warm up with a hot drink at one of the resorts’ cozy lodges, or explore the bars and restaurants in other nearby towns. Whether it’s a fireside chat at the lodge or a relaxing evening at a cozy inn, après-ski is an essential part of the New Hampshire winter experience.

• Night Skiing: For those who can’t get enough, many New Hampshire resorts also offer night skiing! Skiing or snowboarding on illuminated trails under the stars is a really unique and fun way to enjoy the mountain.

• Other Snow Sports: Many resorts also offer snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. So, even if you’re not a downhill skier or snowboarder, you can still make the most of New Hampshire in the winter.

Water Activities in Summer

• River Tubing: When the summer sun heats up, there’s no better way to cool off than by taking a leisurely float down one of New Hampshire’s scenic rivers. The Pemigewasset River and Saco River are popular spots for tubing, with calm waters and beautiful landscapes to drift past. Grab a tube, kick back, and enjoy the gentle current as it carries you through forests and past sandy riverbanks.

• River Soaking: Find your own little slice of paradise by wading into the cool, clear waters of New Hampshire’s rivers. Thanks to their natural pools and gentle cascades, Sabbaday Falls and Lower Falls along the Kancamagus Highway are the perfect spots for a refreshing dip, or to soak your feet after a hike.

• Picnicking by the Water: Pack a picnic and spend the day by the river. Many tubing and swimming spots have nearby picnic areas, where you can relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Road Trip Essentials: Navigating New Hampshire

To help you make the most of your New Hampshire road trip, here are some essential tips and tricks for planning your route and navigating the Granite State.

• Map Out Your Must-Sees: Start by identifying the key attractions you want to visit. Whether it’s the stunning White Mountains, charming coastal towns, or the vibrant fall foliage, having a clear list of must-see destinations and attractions will help you plan the most efficient route.

• Use Scenic Byways: New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful scenic byways in New England. Routes like the Kancamagus Highway, the White Mountain Trail, and the Lakes Region Tour offer breathtaking views which are worth the detour.

• Consider the Seasons: New Hampshire’s landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. Plan your trip around the activities you want to enjoy—leaf peeping in the fall, hiking in the summer, or skiing in the winter—and adjust your route to take advantage of the best seasonal experiences.

• Account for Road Conditions: Especially during the winter months, road conditions can change quickly in New Hampshire. Check the weather and road conditions before you set out each day, and consider driving an all-wheel-drive vehicle or keeping tire chains handy if you’re traveling in snow-prone areas.

• GPS and Offline Maps: While GPS is helpful, cell service can be spotty in the more remote areas of New Hampshire, particularly in the White Mountains. Therefore, we recommend downloading offline maps before your trip, and keep a physical map as a backup.

• Stay Flexible: The best road trips are often the ones where you can explore at your own pace. Leave room in your itinerary for unexpected stops at local diners, roadside attractions, or hiking trails that catch your eye.

• Fuel Up Frequently: In rural areas, gas stations can be few and far between. Make sure to fuel up whenever you can, especially before heading into the mountains or more remote areas.

• Local Eats and Treats: Don’t miss out on the local cuisine! Whether it’s a maple syrup tasting, apple cider donuts, or fresh seafood from the coast, make time to indulge in New Hampshire’s culinary delights along the way.

• Respect the Environment: New Hampshire’s natural beauty is a treasure. Always follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash, staying on marked trails, and respecting wildlife.

Recommended Weekend Itineraries

We know not everyone will have quite as much time as us to spend exploring New Hampshire. So, if you’re short on time, here are some recommended weekend itineraries for both summer and fall New Hampshire road trips.

Summer Weekend Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Franconia Notch State Park.
  • Hike to Flume Gorge and explore the boardwalk through the gorge.
• Afternoon:
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by Echo Lake Beach.
  • Swim, kayak, or paddleboard on Echo Lake.
  • Take a scenic drive along the Kancamagus Highway, stopping at overlooks like Sugar Hill and C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook.
• Evening:
  • Settle into your campground or cozy inn in the Lincoln or North Woodstock area.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant in Lincoln, such as The Common Man.

Day 2

• Morning:
  • Hike the Artist Bluff Trail for panoramic views of Franconia Notch.
  • Visit the Basin and enjoy the serene waterfalls and natural pools.
• Afternoon:
  • Take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the summit for breathtaking views.
  • Explore the summit trails or visit the New England Ski Museum.
• Evening:
  • Drive to North Conway.
  • Enjoy shopping or a casual dinner in the quaint downtown area.
  • End the day with ice cream from a local shop.

Fall Weekend Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning:
  • Arrive in the White Mountains region.
  • Begin your day with a drive along the Kancamagus Highway to enjoy the vibrant fall foliage.
  • Stop at Sabbaday Falls for a short hike and waterfall views.
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch in North Conway at a local café.
  • Visit the Conway Scenic Railroad for a picturesque train ride through the mountains.
• Evening:
  • Stay overnight at a charming bed and breakfast in Jackson or North Conway.
  • Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at a local restaurant like The Red Fox Bar & Grille.

Day 2

• Morning:
  • Drive to Mount Washington and take the Mount Washington Auto Road or Cog Railway to the summit.
  • Experience the stunning 360-degree views and explore the Mount Washington Observatory.
• Afternoon:
  • Hike the Baldface Circle Trail in the Evans Notch area for more foliage views.
  • Visit Jackson Falls for a peaceful afternoon by the cascading waters.
• Evening:
  • Return to your accommodation for a cozy evening by the fire.
  • Dinner at a local tavern, followed by stargazing in the clear mountain skies.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect New Hampshire Itinerary

New Hampshire is a destination that offers something for everyone, no matter the season. Every corner of the Granite State is filled with adventure, from the majestic White Mountains to the serene rivers and vibrant fall foliage.

We hope that you’ve found our New Hampshire itinerary and tips helpful in planning your road trip, so you can also experience the best this state has to offer. And whether you’re looking to soak up the sun in summer, hit the slopes in winter, or are just quickly passing through, we’re confident you’ll love your time in this beautiful state.

About Us

We are Mike and Sara, and with our kids and dog we are traveling the US while camping in our fifth wheel. Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they also love visiting new places. When we’re not traveling we call Kentucky home, where we explore the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!

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