Driving Pinkham Notch via Route 16 takes you through a stunning mountain pass with views of the Presidential Range, and brings you to the Eastern side of Mount Washington.

Driving from North Conway, New Hampshire you can follow Route 16 north, through Pinkham Notch. On the other side of Route 16, you’ll make it to Gorham, New Hampshire, You can connect to Routes 2 and 115 through Randolph to Crawford Notch, and circle back to North Conway, NH for a sixty-plus mile loop.

If your scenic drive through the White Mountains has you making your way through Pinkham Notch, first make a stop at J-Town Deli, in Jackson, New Hampshire. Serving breakfast and lunch, grocery items, and ready-made dinners, J-Town is the quintessential general store. We recommend grabbing a large-and-in-charge breakfast sandwich made-to-order, or if you’re stopping for lunch, a favorite sandwich is the Turkey Chipotle Club with bacon and chipotle mayo - insider tip, be sure to ask for it toasted!

Bring your breakfast or lunch on the road with you and save it to enjoy once you make it to Crystal Cascades. Located ten-miles up Route 16 from J-Town Deli, Crystal Cascades is a waterfall located on the Tuckerman Ravine trail. Park at the AMC Joe Dodge Lodge, and in less than a mile you’ll come up to this waterfall with a drop of 90 feet.

Wildcat Mountain, Great Glen Trails and the Mount Washington Auto Road are three attractions found along your drive on Route 16. With Wildcat offering scenic chairlift rides for a chance to see the Presidential Range from a whole new vantage point, and Great Glen Trails providing biking and walking trails as well as kayaking excursions, your day could be filled with outdoor adventure. The Mount Washington Auto Road follows the twists and turns of the seven-plus mile road up New England’s highest peak, Mount Washington, giving you the ultimate scenic drive.

Once you get to Gorham Village, and connect to Route 2, headed west, you’ll drive through this quaint village. One of the first things you’ll see is a huge park that is known for hosting live music, farmer’s markets and festivals throughout September and early October. Take a break from the car, and walk the village. Window shop at the locally owned stores and stretch your legs.

The Glen House Hotel isn’t far from Gorham’s center, located just seven miles back on Route 16, headed south, you can make plans to stay overnight at The Glen House Hotel, and venture back into Gorham Village to take advantage of the activities that this town holds .

The Glen House Hotel is surrounded by mountains with stunning views, high quality lodging and The Notch House Grille. It’s a great landing spot for families looking to take advantage of the activities of Great Glen Trails and Mount Washington Auto Road, as it is located right across the street from both attractions.

It’s also a great jumping off point if you’re looking to make your way back up to Gorham to rent e-bikes from Northeast ATV and ride the 32-mile Presidential Rail Trail; or play an 18-hole  round of golf at the Androscoggin Valley Country Club.

Pinkham Notch is a scenic drive that provides the opportunity to take advantage of everything Mt. Washington Valley, NH has to offer. Take on scenic views, outdoor adventure, and family attractions as you drive your way through the White Mountains.

For complete trip planning resources and information, call 800-367-3364 (800-DO-SEE-NH) to talk to a Mt Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce rep.  To learn more about New Hampshire vacations, go to www.VisitNH.gov.

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