NJ to New Hampshire

[sperduton]

I've gotten some good advice from the forum before. I'm heading up to NH from NJ. Going to KOA in Tamworth, then a couple days later to Danforth Bay in Freedom, NH.

I already know from past experience I pretty much dislike 684/84 through CT. So I'm going up 87 and across 90. The question is over near Boston and going north. Should I go 495-95-to rt 16 and 16 all the way up. or should I go 495-93-104-25..I don't know what 104 and 25 are like vs 16.

Any suggestions. Going up on a Thursday and coming back on a Saturday.

Thanks,
Nick

[Gene_Ginny]

sperduton wrote:
... When you go up 125, do you get on 16 at the first place it crosses 16 (where it still appears to be a turnpike?) or do you continue up 125 Through Rochester and get on up there?

At the North end of 125 you get on 16 at the first point it crosses, don't continue into Rochester. That will be in the town of Gonic and yes the maps do say Spaulding turnpike but you will get on after the last toll. The point you get on 16 is at exit 12 on 16. Over the years they have done a LOT of work on that section of 16 and the road it very wide.

If you come back the same way you will see many signs going Southbound for 125 but only take exit 12 off of 16 onto 125.

Enjoy your trip. 🙂

[Crowe]

When you go up 125, do you get on 16 at the first place it crosses 16 (where it still appears to be a turnpike?) or do you continue up 125 Through Rochester and get on up there?

Exit is labeled Plaistow, NH, which when traveling north should be the first exit you come to for Rt. 125.

[sperduton]

Gene&Ginny wrote:

sperduton wrote:
.... The question is over near Boston and going north. Should I go 495-95-to rt 16 and 16 all the way up. ...

That would be my choice as I have gone that way many times. The toll portion of 16 has been upgraded a few times. After the last toll the road drops to one lane each direction but moves well and is good road.

There is a trick to avoid the Rt 95 and Rt 16 tolls that I learned many years ago from someone that was seasonal in a campground we went to often. From Rt 495 take exit 51B onto Rt 125 North. Rt 125 connects with Rt 16 just past the tolls. The first 2 or 3 miles are congested but once you get to Plaistow NH the road is mostly 50 MPH (or above 😉 ) In Plaistow there is a truck stop like gas station with a Dunkin Donuts. Easy to get gas and coffee. That "shortcut" is a little slower but shorter with more interesting scenery. Total travel time, for me, is a little better on Rt 125, even with the slow section through Haverhill MA.

When you go up 125, do you get on 16 at the first place it crosses 16 (where it still appears to be a turnpike?) or do you continue up 125 Through Rochester and get on up there?

[Crowe]

From Rt 495 take exit 51B onto Rt 125 North. Rt 125 connects with Rt 16 just past the tolls.

X2

[Gene_Ginny]

sperduton wrote:
.... The question is over near Boston and going north. Should I go 495-95-to rt 16 and 16 all the way up. ...

That would be my choice as I have gone that way many times. The toll portion of 16 has been upgraded a few times. After the last toll the road drops to one lane each direction but moves well and is good road.

There is a trick to avoid the Rt 95 and Rt 16 tolls that I learned many years ago from someone that was seasonal in a campground we went to often. From Rt 495 take exit 51B onto Rt 125 North. Rt 125 connects with Rt 16 just past the tolls. The first 2 or 3 miles are congested but once you get to Plaistow NH the road is mostly 50 MPH (or above 😉 ) In Plaistow there is a truck stop like gas station with a Dunkin Donuts. Easy to get gas and coffee. That "shortcut" is a little slower but shorter with more interesting scenery. Total travel time, for me, is a little better on Rt 125, even with the slow section through Haverhill MA.

[Crowe]

I would go Rt. 16. It's pretty direct and a decent road. It can get bogged down with slower traffic but on a Thursday you shouldn't have any issue going north nor should there be issues going south on a Saturday.