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4runnerguy's avatar
4runnerguy
Explorer
May 12, 2015

Route through White Mountains, NH

After leaving Acadia NP, we will be passing through NH in June as part of our loop through the northeast states. I see three possible routes through the White Mountains. 1. US 2, 2. US 302, and 3. NH 112 (Kancamagus Highway). We will be tent camping on this trip and have a rental car. Which route would you take? Also, is there a NFS or SP CG along your preferred route that you could recommend for an overnight stop?

We've both been up Mt. Washington so probably won't do that again, but a short hike to a waterfall or lake isn't out of the question. The next day we're off through VT on our way to relatives in NY
Roads and Routes

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  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    May 12, 2015
    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.
  • BillMFl's avatar
    BillMFl
    Explorer
    May 12, 2015
    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.
  • Roadpilot's avatar
    Roadpilot
    Explorer
    May 12, 2015
    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.
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Nomad
    May 12, 2015
    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.
  • Crowe's avatar
    Crowe
    Explorer
    May 12, 2015
    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.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    May 12, 2015
    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.

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