Getting Oriented

Although New Hampshire has three interstates running through it (I-95, I-93, and I-89), most of its regions are accessible only on smaller roads. From Boston or Portland, Maine, I-95 provides the best access to Portsmouth and the beaches along the coast, though many people like to drive along Route 1A, which parallels the coast. North of Portsmouth, Route 16 leads to the White Mountains, whose precipitous peaks seem to rise out of nowhere, and the lakes region, home to Lake Winnipesaukee. From there I-93 cuts north toward Franconia and Littleton and south into Concord, Manchester, and Nashua. State roads east and north of I-93 lead to Dixville Notch, which casts the first vote in presidential elections, and the Connecticut Lakes. Following the Connecticut River takes you to Hanover, home of Dartmouth College, Claremont, Charleston, Walpole, and Keene. From Concord, travelers head west to reach the Monadnock Region.