Route through White Mountains, NH

I personally like the Kancamagus Highway. All are reasonable routes, and are pretty/pleasant drives. (Or so I believe--I don't recall that I've personally driven US2 through that area.)

The Kanc has several pull-outs at scenic overlooks and such and a few National Forest campgrounds (that I have never stayed at but look pleasant enough). 302 also has some pull-offs, one or two near some waterfalls, and possibly some camping opportunities that I wasn't paying attention to. Both are lovely, scenic roads.

I don't have much experience on the other two routes, but the Kanc is one of the most beautiful roads around, especially in the fall. Lots of pull outs, you can play in the river, and a number of campgrounds. It's a nice, tranquil scenic drive.

When we left Acadia last Sept., we went across US 2 on the advice of some folks here on the forums, then dropped down to 302 & stayed in Bethlehem, glad we took the advise, great scenic route.

The Kanc is for sure the prettiest way to go. Jigger Johnson is the first cg on the Kanc in Conway. There are others on the other side near Lincoln.

Driving a car is easy on them all. 2 will take you directly to the northern area of Vermont. 2 will take you directly to a very nice campground at Discovery SP in Vermont. I have tent camped there. Another really nice Vermont SP I have camped at is Branbury Sp just south of Middlebury and north of Rutland off Rt7. Nice lake, pretty rocks and trails to waterfall. The campsites on the hill side are shady and close to the falls.

I would go over the Kanc. Lots of things to see and hike to both near and far. There's several NFS CG between the pass and Lincoln.

Flapjacks in Lincoln is a good place to start the day next morning.

following

I haven't been on Rt.2 in a long time so no opinion there.

Many times when we stayed in North Conway we would do the great circle tour. Over the Kanc, up Rt.3, back down Rt.302. ALL of it is beautiful. No matter which way you go it will be good. :B

Sorry, that wasn't much help was it.

Rte 2 across the northern part of NH will give you great views of the Presidential Range, but the fewest CG options. (still several up there, tho...). Rte 302 into Conway, then north/west on Rte 302 takes you thru Crawford Notch - several hikes to waterfalls thru there, 1 NH SP (nice for tents) called Dry River CG right in the "Notch". Multiple pull-offs - Crawford Notch is the most dramatic of the numerous ones in our state IMHO. Nice USFS CG's at Zealand Rd. just before Twin Mountain - some of our favorites. Great afternoon hike up the Sugarloaf Mtns from those CG's. Rte 112 (Kancamagus Hwy) has MANY USFS CG's (Jigger Johnson is not the 1st from the east - Covered Bridge, Blueberry Crossing, Jigger johnson, Passaconaway, Big Rock, Hancock) are all great for tents - but tend to fill up quickly during the summer, especially on a weekend! Many short (or long) hikes from "the Kanc" - several waterfalls, too. Visit White Mountain National Forest website - good info on waterfalls, hikes, campgrounds. Rte 112 continues west past I-93/Lincoln area - not sure where you are headed. Franconia Notch SP is accessed by taking I-93 north from Lincoln, runs back into 302 in Littleton. 302 west towards Vermont gives you many covered bridges to see, too. PM me if you want more. ST

Sounds like the Kancamagus Highway is the way we'll go. Lots of pull offs for photo ops and some interesting camping opportunities along the way.

Thanks for the input.