GREAT NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTORCYCLE RIDES
The Best Roads Are Here
What Are The Best Motorcycle Rides In New Hampshire?
- Kancamagus Highway (36 miles)
- Mt. Washington Auto Road (7.7 miles)
- NH Route 26 (31 miles)
- Hampton Beach to Portsmouth (15 miles)
- Route 153 (37 miles)
- Jaffrey to Hollis (33 miles)
- Route 119 (40 miles)
- Route 135 (45 miles)
- Crawford Notch Rd (22 miles)
Motorcycle Rides Near Me In New Hampshire
Below is our detailed list for the best New Hampshire motorcycle rides and roads! Ride alongside some impressive peaks and wide open roads in The Granite State. "Live Free Or Die" is the state's motto, and between the White Mountains and the seacoast beaches, you'll certainly be riding free on these great motorcycle roads in New Hampshire! Click on each New Hampshire motorcycle map link for the direct Google Maps route.
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KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY
NH-112
DISTANCE: 36 miles
TIME: 50 mins
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 rockmass 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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MT. WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD
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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NH ROUTE 26
NH-26
DISTANCE: 31 miles
TIME: 40 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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CRAWFORD NOTCH ROAD
US-302
DISTANCE: 22 miles
TIME: 25 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 153
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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HAMPTON BEACH TO PORTSMOUTH
Route 1A
DISTANCE: 15 miles
TIME: 35 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.
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ROUTE 135
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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JAFFREY TO HOLLIS
Routes NH-202, NH-101, NH-122
DISTANCE: 33 miles
TIME: 1 Hour
A great motorcycle ride in New Hampshire is this route in the southern part of the state. You'll ride past forests, farms, and beautiful scenic orchards, especially in the Hollis area. Traffic can be heavy on a summer weekend. But there's some nice scenery throughout on these winding NH motorcycle roads. Also, be sure to check out the short ride up Miller State Park Road just off Route 101. It's a decent climb that will take you to the Observatory for some beautiful views.
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ROUTE 119
NH-119
DISTANCE: 40 miles
TIME: 1 Hour
One of the best motorcycle rides in NH is this route that leads east/west along the southern part of the state, from the MA state line to Brattleboro, VT. It follows along the Asheulot River near the Vermont border with some beautiful views. This route has some nice open stretches of road, with various elevation changes and some fun curves. NH-119 will take you through deep wooded forests, and the road continues to be great into Massachusetts. See covered bridges, ride along some nice rivers and past beautiful farmland on Route 119 in southern New Hampshire.
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Where Can I Find NH Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local NH Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in New Hampshire!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best time of year to ride a motorcycle in New Hampshire?
Summer and autumn are the best seasons to ride a motorcycle in New Hampshire. The cold and snow start early, and lingers until late spring. June-August are the busiest months to ride. September and October will see less crowds and the fall foliage will be at its peak.
Do I have to wear a helmet to ride a motorcycle in NH?
According to New Hampshire law, motorcycle riders and their passengers are not required to wear a helmet.
What is the best motorcycle road in New Hampshire?
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is the most popular motorcycle road in the state. The highway winds through the heart of the scenic and mountainous White Mountain National Forest. However, the most challenging and thrilling motorcycle ride in New Hampshire is the Mt. Washington Auto Road. The road climbs from an altitude of 1,527 ft at the bottom to 6,145 ft at the top, at an average gradient of 11.6%.
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Motorcycle Rides Near Me in New Hampshire
Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety.