Home > Scenic Drives of America > New Hampshire > Route 16
Route 16, New Hampshire
(Scenic Drives of America Feature)
A road to the mountains, lakes, and deep forests of New Hampshire.
While everyone seem to know the beautiful Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, not many realize that Route 16, from just south of Conway north to the Maine border, is also beautiful. Route 16 is often seen as a way to get to other places (such as the North Conway outlets), and from Portsmouth to Chocorua, it is indeed a busy, high-speed road. But from Chocorua northward, Route 16 becomes much different.
From the incredible sight of Mt. Chocorua to the view of Mt. Washington from North Conway, Route 16 gets progressively more scenic as it heads north. Route 16 goes past charming Jackson and up to rugged Pinkham Notch, then drops into a valley, eventually reaching the Thirteen Mile Woods, a photographer's haven. Route 16 may not have the cache of other scenic byways, but it definitely one special road.
Map of Route 16 in New Hampshire: Click here to find the location a particularly scenic stretch of Route 16 in New Hampshire.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO ALONG ROUTE 16:
- Jackson Village--One of the most attractive towns in New Hampshire, Jackson is a peaceful place just off of Route 16. Jackson is a favorite retreat for outdoors lovers, including hikers who venture up nearby Mount Washington (see below).
- Lake Chocorua--This peaceful lake, which lies along Route 16 south of Conway, has a simply jaw-dropping view of Mount Chocorua to the north. A small park along the south shore gives people access to this much-photographed body of water.
- Mount Washington, Pinkham Notch--The highest mountain in the northeastern part of the United States, Mt. Washington is famous for its hiking trails, stunning views--and some of the wildest weather on the planet.
- Red Parka Pub, Glen, NH--An institution of sorts for skiers, hikers, and bikers, this fun restaurant and pub in Glen is always packed with tourists and locals.
- Thirteen Mile Woods (between Errol and Berlin)--Almost too beautiful to describe, the remote Thirteen Mile Woods should not be missed. Spruce and fir trees line the Androscoggin River here, with low mountains serving as a backdrop.