jeffauld5420

We will be traveling from Newry, ME to Stowe, VT in early October and I’m trying to choose the most scenic route through New Hampshire. Initially, I planned to drive to Dixville Notch and hike the Table Rock Trail. Photos of that view look beautiful. More recently, I’ve read about the Kanc and Franconia Notch and the Flume Gorge and now I’m wondering if I should choose that route instead. We are mostly interested in the best views/scenery. (Not so much about the shopping or restaurants.) Any opinions, suggestions or advice would be appreciated!

dfrostnh

Hope you are planning on a weekday and maybe driving very early. Check for comments about which trails arw the most crowded. Even though we live in NH, the mountains are not our favorite place. The Flume is a fun walk through a gorge with a very interesting visitors center.
what you could do is drive the Kancamagus then go south to Squam Lake with reservations for a lake cruise at 3pm. The boat is a large pontoon boat and the lake is beautiful. It's a nature cruise. It would be a long day but more interesting than just driving plus a hike. The Squam Lakes Science Center is very interest with native animals in natural habitats plus some lectures. We went to one featuring a live eastern coyote. Also during our walk around a docent stopped us to show a small owl. Our young granddaughters were with us.

Or take the fastest route to Stowe via Danville VT and spend hours lost in The Great Vermont Corn Maze. I just saw a photo that it now covers 24 acres which must be larger than when we tried to find our way out. We end up taking an emergency exit to the top and splendid views.

Madam397

We have spent a good deal of time in NH over many years as it was a great place to vacation with our family. Love the Franconia Notch area and the Flume. Have driven the Kanc several times, so beautiful. Love Squam Lake, although have never done the pontoon boat ride but used to take our kids annually to the Science Center which they loved. Further south we have done the mail boat ride on Lake Winnepesaukee,It was a sad day when I had to tell my daughters that the Old Man fell off the mountain.

jeffauld5420

Thank you for your reply and suggestions! It sounds like you’re suggesting the more southern route through the Kanc and Franconia Notch. I think we will skip the Corn Maze. LOL! We’re from Iowa so we don’t have to travel all the way to Vermont to walk in a corn field. We’re two couples in our 60’s and mostly interested in scenery and great views. Thanks again.

jeffauld5420

Thanks for your reply! It sounds like you’re suggesting the Franconia Notch area over Dixville Notch. I forgot to mention that we are two couples in our 60s. No kids or science centers on this trip. We’re just looking at leaves and other spectacular views. I’m thinking we’re going to be taking the more southern route through the Kanc but if anyone thinks that’s a mistake and we should see Dixville Notch, please let us know! Thanks again!!