Drive Down The Scenic Sunapee Loop And Fall In Love With The Beauty Of New Hampshire All Over Again
By Michelle|Published December 02, 2021
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
There are tons of great ways to enjoy the scenic views all of New Hampshire. Hikes and walks are just one way to take in the natural surroundings here, but one of our favorite things is hopping in the car for a drive. It’s the kind of activity that can be done at a moment’s notice and it doesn’t require any hiking boots. Perfect for seeing the sights without building up a sweat, consider a drive on this loop for a great day out in the state.
Absolutely overflowing with beauty, this road trip on the Sunapee Loop Scenic Byway offers some of the best views in New Hampshire.
While The Kanc and the coastal drives get a ton of attention, this 140-mile route in the western part of the state offers something different than what most people see here. You'll begin your trip in the town of Greenfield.
Hillsborough is just as beautiful. You'll want to add some time here to visit the Franklin Pierce Homestead for a dose of history. Pierce, the 14th President of America, is the only U.S. President to come from New Hampshire.
Franklin Pierce Homestead State Historic Site, 301 2nd New Hampshire Turnpike, Hillsboro, NH 03244, USA
Even if history isn't your thing, the views through Hillsborough are lovely throughout the year. From here you'll make hit Route 10 near Goshen, ultimately reaching Route 114 in Springfield.
From here you'll find yourself driving through Windsor and Washington. A fun fact about this town is that it was the first incorporated town to be named after America's first President! And locals are pretty proud of that.
You'll pass through a number of small towns including New London, Sutton, Bradford and Henniker. Hop onto Route 202 and 209 towards Hopkinton. Then you'll take Jewel Road, which is almost marked as Route 13. The trip then goes through Goffstown before taking Route 136 back to Greenfield.
This lovely loop might take some time, but it's worth every moment to get off-the-beaten path and enjoy a section of New Hampshire that often gets overshadowed by the more well-known byways in the state.
What are some of your favorite drives in New Hampshire? Share them in the comments and we’ll check ’em out ourselves!
