New Hampshire has the two best scenic drives in New England, and they're great in every season. From the town of Conway, the Kancamagus Highway runs along the Swift River upstream into and over the mountains. It passes a covered bridge, waterfalls, places to dip, cliffs, peaks, trail heads, overlooks and ski slopes. Interstate 93 runs the length of Franconia Notch from Lincoln to Franconia between Franconia Ridge and Cannon Cliff. It passes The Flume and the site of the "Old Man of the Mountain" profile.
New Hampshire has hundreds of trails. The best are Tuckerman up Mount Washington and Lion Head down, Mount Chocorua from Tamworth, Franconia Ridge and the network of trails in the Zealand Notch area of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The Tuckerman and Franconia Rdge trails require some effort. The rest are like a walk in the woods.
If you climb rock, you already know that cliffs in the White Mountains attract climbers worldwide. If you don't climb, you can still participate in the sport vicariously. In late spring and early summer, climbers crowd Cathedral Ledge in North Conway. They attract a crowd who watch. Plop down a lawn chair on the side of Cathedral Ledge Road, prop up your binoculars and enjoy.
No retail store in New Hampshire assesses a sales tax. Multiply that advantage by shopping the state's two major outlet malls. Settler's Green in North Conway has outlets with brand names from Adidas to Van Heusen. The Tanger outlet has a site in Tilton, just north of Concord off I-93.
Nineteen of New Hampshire's state parks have campgrounds. They're located in nearly every part of the state: Atlantic coast, inland lakes and mountains. Camping experiences range from primitive sites to lean-tos, yurt rentals, cabin rentals and full RV hook-ups. As of January 2011, overnight rates ranged from $23 for a tent platform to $50 for a three-way RV hook-up. The more adventurous can find camping within the White Mountain National Forest at no cost.
New Hampshire has its share of discount motels and hotels. Some bed and breakfasts rival them for price but add country charm. Overnight rates start at $35 in the lakes region and $90 in the Sunapee region.
