White Mountains Gorges & Mount Washington
Head north from Boston for a weekend to experience Franconia Notch, the Kancamagus Highway, and Mount Washington all in one trip.
New Hampshire's most classic short route, staying one night each in Lincoln and North Conway, traversing the White Mountains from west to east. The itinerary does not require long-distance hiking, as waterfalls and gorges have short walking trails, and you can drive or take a shuttle up Mount Washington. Traffic is heavy during the fall foliage season, so start early. Perfect for those who only have three days and want to see the mountains, as well as families with children.
The Mount Washington Auto Road is generally open from May to October, but is highly weather-dependent.
Day by day
Day 1 · North to Franconia Notch
Lincoln & Franconia Notch（The Flume Gorge、The Basin、Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway）
Drive north along Interstate 93 for about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Driving times between points within the notch are 5–15 minutes.
Book tickets for Flume Gorge and the aerial tramway in advance during peak season.
Stay: Lincoln and North Woodstock
Day 2 · Eastbound on the Kancamagus Highway
Lincoln & Franconia Notch（Kancamagus Highway） → White Mountains (North Conway)（Sabbaday Falls、Rocky Gorge、Lower Falls、North Conway Village）
Drive east along Route 112 for about 56 km. A direct drive takes 45 minutes, but stops will take half a day.
Parking along the highway requires a White Mountain National Forest pass; there are no dining options along the route.
Stay: North Conway
Day 3 · Mount Washington & Return
White Mountains (North Conway)（Mount Washington Summit、Glen Ellis Falls、Jackson Village & Honeymoon Bridge） → Boston
Drive north along Route 16 for about 40 minutes to the mountain. Return to Boston via Jackson in the afternoon (about 3 hours).
Head up the mountain first thing in the morning; the road may close temporarily due to high winds or icy conditions.