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Wich way through the White Mountains

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Wich way through the White Mountains

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Old Sep 18th, 2002 | 05:22 PM
  #1  
Debbie
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Wich way through the White Mountains

I need to know which way is better, the 302 or the 112 through the White Mountains in New Hampshire. We will be there in 10 days and want the most scenic route.
 
Old Sep 18th, 2002 | 05:59 PM
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Donna
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I live in New Hampshire. In my opinion, Route 302 is definitely the more scenic. The drive through Crawford Notch is positively breaktaking. You can go over and back that route (the other direction is amazing different) or come back via Route 2, which is also magnificently scenic. For whatever reason, Route 112, also known as the Kangamangus Highway, is more "popular", hence also way more busy, particularly with RV's. There are very few places to pass the slow moving traffic. Sometimes, the RV's move right and let a line of cars pass, other times they don't. Since you'll be there 10 days, get a really good map and find West Side Road, which runs parallel to Route 16 through North Conway, and bypasses THAT traffic. Unless you plan to visit all the outlets. Shopping at the outlets is hit or miss, but there is NO SALES TAX in New Hampshire. You might want to check out the "moose tours" which leave from Gorham. Another terrific excursion is the Conway Scenic Railway. The longer trip through Crawford Notch is aweome. They have a website. It's best to book ahead. With advance booking available these days via the web, there are usually no seats left if you plan to just walk up and hop on. The box lunches are surprisingly wonderful and a good value. You'll have plenty of time to explore the Kangamangus, too, during your visit (NH is a rather small state). There are lots of scenic turnouts. Best to go on weekday, starting after lunch.
 
Old Sep 18th, 2002 | 08:43 PM
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Debbie
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Donna, that is what I was hoping I would hear. However, we will be there IN 10 days not for 10 days...not that it changes anything. Actually only have 2 days there and we are staying in Campton and then going through on to Maine via hwy 2 to hwy 28. Thank you!
 
Old Sep 19th, 2002 | 03:54 AM
  #4  
xx
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I agree w/Donna. Route 302 is the most scenic, and the less congested. I never understood what the fuss about the Kanc Hwy is all about. Sure it's pretty, but there are many more beautiful routes that cross the Whites. Have fun!
 
Old Sep 19th, 2002 | 04:55 AM
  #5  
gc
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Debbie,

If you are going west to east, I'd recommend the northern route, as well.
Directly responding to xx, the appeal of the Kanc is being totally surrounded by color as you go through the valley, and then the vistas, east and west from Kancamangus pass. However, if you can't do the entire loop, take the opportunity to go through the Franconia and Crawford Notches.
A suggestion, take route 93 from Compton. The view as you descend into the Lincoln area is breathtaking. Also, if you're into that kind of thing, the ski museum at Canon mountain is fascinating. If you have the time, and if the weather cooperates, take the tram to the top of Canon and /or the Gondola to the top of Wildcat on the other side. It's money well spent.
Have a ball!
 
Old Sep 19th, 2002 | 08:03 AM
  #6  
Donna
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Oh, IN ten days. In that case, if you are heading for Route 2 in Maine, I'd recommend going I-93 north to Route 2 in NH and driving that east continuing into Maine. It will most likely be very early for the colors, so the farther north you go, the more the colors. Just before leaving home, check the map at www.yankeefoliage.com and phone the foliage hotline. Note that "turning" means "just starting".
 
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