The 6 Most Terrifying Drives You Can Possibly Take In New Hampshire
By Ken MacGray|Published May 17, 2023
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Ken MacGray
Author
Hey! I'm a freelance writer and guidebook author. I've authored "New Hampshire's 52 With A View - A Hiker's Guide", serve as editor of Appalachian Mountain Club's "Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide", and and am co-editor of the "White Mountain Guide", also for AMC. I'm currently beginning work on the 6th Edition of AMC's Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, which will be published in 2025. I live in southern New Hampshire and can usually be found wandering throughout the state's mountains and forests.
Who doesn’t like a little adventure in their lives? A big part of our day involves getting into multi-ton vehicles and driving mere feet away from others who are doing the same. It’s enough to age us prematurely. Without other drivers, navigating the roads can still be a challenge depending on the weather and terrain. Here are a few dangerous drives in New Hampshire that will test your road skills.
Due to the population density of the area, short entrance and exit ramps, and large amounts of high-speed traffic, the drive through Concord is one that requires drivers to be alert.
This scenic highway is rarely closed during winter. That said, snowy conditions, especially near its highest point at Kancamagus Pass, can make for some slippery driving.
The western section of this road that runs over a mountain pass is feared by some for its narrow width and tight switchback turns. In either direction, watch out for oncoming vehicles at blind curves.
There's a very good reason that speed limits are reduced along this stretch of U.S. Route 3 in Pittsburg, and it's the native moose population. A collision is good for neither you nor the moose.
Thousands of people drive this road to the top of New Hampshire each year. But the road is steep in places and has significant exposure that may make some drivers uncomfortable.
The honorary "fifth season" here in New Hampshire is mud season. Be wary of traveling any dirt road during this time, especially the lesser-maintained routes. It's easy to get stuck!