Favorite Notch Road? Not all are created equal…

By this, I mean that some are more like the main thoroughfares, Think Crawford Notch Rd which is also Route 302, paved rather than the back roads that I try to put you on. Today we’ll be making a loop starting and ending at Conway NH and we will hit three “notch roads” (one dirt and two paved) so you can see what I mean. Points in this journey are:

If you read last week’s article on traveling Route 16, you will note that we’re starting out on it again. I love Route 16 because it connects to so many beautiful places.

Starting the Day in Conway on Route 16

On this day, Lisa and I arrived at Jackson NH around 11ish. The first image up above is from Route 16 just as you leave North Conway at the scenic pull-out. Once you get to Jackson, Route 16 is also known as Pinkham Notch Road and you will see today’s route pass through several notches in the White Mountains.

Notch #1: Route 16 goes up through Pinkham Notch and once you arrive at the Joe Dodge Lodge it turns into White Mountain Road. You are also at the Mount Washington Auto Road if you don’t mind the spectacular views. If you want more info on Route 16 then please read New Hampshire’s Route 16 scenic drive from last week.

We continued past Wild Cat Mountain on Route 16 and came out in Gorham NH. Today, we’re going to head west a short distance on Route 2. If you want more info on what you can find along Route 2, please read this post about a scenic drive in New Hampshire. You also could head north on 16 to Errol NH, or split off Route 16 onto Route 110 and catch the wonderful views from the Milan Fire Tower which you can read about here along with some other must-see stops

Route 2 Toward Jefferson

Notch #2: We are continuing on Route 2 west through Randolph and towards Jefferson for about 10.7 miles from Gorham until we saw Valley Road on the south side of Route 2, followed it for 1.2 miles, and then made a left onto Jefferson Notch Road.  This is a real notch road (well-graded, but dirt) that starts out paralleling the south branch of the Israel River and passes over streams like Little Bear Brook, Jefferson Brook, and Clay Brook. (and yes there are bridges at all these points)

The key point for this scenic drive along Jefferson Notch Road is the opportunity to stop and explore along the way. If you are lucky, you may see… Bigfoot! (note to newbies, He likes to be called Fred…)

I found that if I stopped and got out of the car, I would find something to photograph. The road was quiet and I didn’t see another car along Jefferson Notch Road. The Notch is sometimes paved and sometimes partially dirt but I found it to be an easy drive.

You finish Jefferson Notch Road by turning onto Base Station Road and you can head east to the base station of the Cog Railway or west to Route 302. Lisa and I took the Cog in 2019, and it should be on your list of things to do. Lisa and I drove to the top of Mount Washington via the Auto Road in 2004 so we have done everything but hike it. Lisa assures me, that is not happening.

On this day, the summit was ice covered while down below the ice, it was countered with the warm, though subdued fall colors of New Hampshire. If you are lucky, you will see the Cog Rail train coming down or heading up the steep slopes of Mount Washington.

Now we have to backtrack to Route 302

Arriving at 302 is the terminus of the Conway Scenic Train trip which is Fabyan’s train station. Hitting it at the right time may get you a view of the train arriving at the station. Then make a left heading down Route 302.

Slowly Close Out Route 302 to Route 16 in North Conway

Notch #3: Go slowly while heading down Route 302. There is a pullout to get some views of the Bretton Woods Hotel. Next, there will be a stop at the AMC Highland Center and Crawford Notch. The Conway train stops here so travelers can get out and eat their lunch and stretch their legs.

Continuing on, squeeze through a narrow pass in the rocks (Ok there is room for two cars and the train to pass), and coming down the hill be prepared to stop. There are parking lots on the right for scenic photo ops like the Silver Cascade Waterfall.

There are lots of scenic opportunities in Crawford Notch State Park. The road travels along the Saco River from here to Conway and it’s just a short walk from the road. Arethusa Falls Trailhead can be found along 302 and many others. Soon the junction of 302 and Route 16 is at hand, where we started that morning.

Next is the Fourth Iron Campground and if it’s around Columbus Day Weekend, there should be a beautiful display of fall colors.

Now I have not made any food recommendations, so if you are starting to feel like dinner (or lunch) keep on Route 302 (Crawford Notch Rd) and after passing Bartlett Covered Bridge and the store, you will see the Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub on the right-hand side just before the junciton with Route 16. They have great steaks and very good seafood as well.

It’s very informal as they get the apres ski groups that come down from the Attitash Ski Area just up the road.

So this ends our really big loop that starts in, and ends in, Conway New Hampshire. Of course, as I noted in several areas, this could be extended into an extra day’s journey.

Adding in a few gentle hikes in search of waterfalls, or the like, then this could be your entire vacation just in this one area…

So day trip or week-long trip there is a lot to see and do here, it’s all up to you and your interests.

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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