BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

ROUTE: NH-112
DISTANCE: 36 miles
TIME: 1 hour

One the most popular and best motorcycle roads in New Hampshire is the Kancamagus Highway, which runs through the White Mountains from Conway to Lincoln. The entire road is relatively short at an hour ride. But pay the honor system fee to gain access to the short waterfall hikes and lounge on the rock mass of the Swift River at the foot of the highway. There’s a few overlooks available on NH-112 to stop and enjoy the mountain views. The Kancamagus Hwy is not overly technical – you’ll have lots of turns and elevation changes through the deep woods – however, there is one hairpin turn to watch out for on the eastern side of the ride. Also check out Bear Notch Rd, just off Route 112, which is a great little road that leads north to US-302.


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ROUTE: Mt Wash Auto Rd
DISTANCE: 7.7 miles
TIME: 30 mins

Mt. Washington Auto Road is a great motorcycle destination in New Hampshire. This should be on any motorcyclist’s “bucket list”. Despite being a short ride, this road is one of the most exciting, challenging motorcycle rides in all of New England! The “Ride to the Sky” has recently been all paved. The ride up is exhilarating. Starting at an elevation of 1,527ft, the road climbs at a average grade of almost 12%, and after only 7 miles, you’ll ascend to the road’s summit at 6,145ft. The ride down will definitely keep you in first gear, but overlooks the majestic White Mountains in a way that can’t be seen from any other NH motorcycle road.


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ROUTE: NH-26
DISTANCE: 31 miles
TIME: 45 mins

This New Hampshire motorcycle ride starts on the Maine border along NH-26 and connects to the little town of Colebrook, NH. Riders will travel along the Umbagog State Park area, and as you ride northwest, you’ll enter the fantastic Dixville Notch State Park region. The road in this area is cut right next to the high mountains, through deep forest and some fun curves. There’s also a particularly exciting rollercoaster-like hill that will get your adrenaline going. The scenery is outstanding with full wide turns and some great, long stretches. The road continues to be great past the Maine state line through Grafton Notch State Park. These are some of the best lesser-known motorcycle roads in New England!


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ROUTE: US-302
DISTANCE: 22 miles
TIME: 30 mins

This great motorcycle road in New Hampshire will take you through the heart of the White Mountains on US-302. You’ll ride past Crawford Notch State Park along with numerous trailheads to various hikes. This is wide open road with great views of the mountains, as well as roadside waterfalls. There’s some exhilarating elevation changes, especially along the Crawford Notch Scenic Parking area. With its close proximity to the Kancamagus Highway, this would make a great loop route if looking for a longer touring day ride. (The above mentioned Bear Notch Rd connects from US-302 to the Kancamagus Hwy.)


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ROUTE: NH-153
DISTANCE: 37 miles
TIME: 1 hour

This route along NH-153 connects you from the great town of Conway to Wakefield. There’s some great curves and elevation changes on this NH motorcycle ride with lakeside views through New Hampshire’s deep forests. Although this ride is entirely in New Hampshire, it runs very close to the Maine border. Providence Lake and Crystal Lake have beaches where you can pull off and take in the views. It’s a narrow road with minimal shoulders which means you’ll feel like you’re riding right up alongside the trees. In the summer, it’s a great ride as the full canopy over the pavement offers some nice shade. Route 153 meets up in Conway, NH close to the Kancamagus Hwy, which would make for a great extended motorcycle ride.


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ROUTE: NH-1A
DISTANCE: 15 miles
TIME: 30 mins

This short but beautiful coastal road travels along the Atlantic ocean passing numerous state beaches, with various overlooks and twisting turns. The best portions of this New Hampshire motorcycle road starts near Hampton Beach and winds up to Odiorne Point. Aside from the higher traffic you’ll probably get on this route, it’s a nice, relaxing ride. There’s plenty of spots to pull over to take in the beautiful ocean views. At the northern tip of 1A, optionally loop around Route 1B into Newcastle, and ride to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, along with other historical oceanside scenery near the Maine border.
(photo: J. Flores)


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ROUTE: NH-135
DISTANCE: 45 miles
TIME: 1 hour

If you’re looking for a quieter motorcycle ride in New Hampshire, check out NH-135, which runs along the Connecticut River from Lancaster to Woodsville. There’s some lush greenery with long open stretches with some good curves mixed in. This is peaceful riding past farms and open fields. Stop at the great town of Littleton for a good food and lodging. This entire route is on the northwestern part of the state and will take you alongside the Vermont border. It’s definitely one of the lesser known motorcycle roads in the state, but you’re riding in this part of the state, Route 135 is one that you would not want to miss.


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GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near New England. Discover more great motorcycle roads in New England with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!