Bear Notch Road
A thrilling, paved mountain road in NH's White Mountains, famous for its fall foliage and winter snowmobile trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Bear Notch Road
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A thrilling, paved mountain road in NH's White Mountains, famous for its fall foliage and winter snowmobile trails.
"It's the most beautiful drive ever, a roller coaster through stunning fall colors!"
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is winding and can be steep. Take your time, enjoy the views, and be mindful of other vehicles. :car:
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The fall foliage is stunning and perfect for photography. Early mornings offer beautiful light. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Roller Coaster Drive
Experience a thrilling, paved road that twists and turns through the White Mountains. Perfect for car enthusiasts and leaf peepers alike.
Peak Fall Foliage Spectacle
Witness breathtaking autumn colors painting the landscape. This drive is renowned for its vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Winter Wonderland for Snowmobiling
Explore over 65km of groomed trails offering pristine snow, mountains, and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome and can be off-leash!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Foliage
Road Conditions & Vehicle Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is winding and can be steep. Take your time, enjoy the views, and be mindful of other vehicles.
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The fall foliage is stunning and perfect for photography. Early mornings offer beautiful light.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
If visiting in winter, Bear Notch Ski Touring Center welcomes dogs on leash and off-leash on its extensive trails. :dog:
🏍️ Motorcycle Paradise
Motorcyclists love Bear Notch Road for its curves and scenic beauty, especially during fall.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
The road is winding and can be steep. Take your time, enjoy the views, and be mindful of other vehicles.
📸 Capture the Colors
Bring your camera! The fall foliage is stunning and perfect for photography. Early mornings offer beautiful light.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
If visiting in winter, Bear Notch Ski Touring Center welcomes dogs on leash and off-leash on its extensive trails. :dog:
🏍️ Motorcycle Paradise
Motorcyclists love Bear Notch Road for its curves and scenic beauty, especially during fall.
🗺️ Connects to Kancamagus
This road conveniently links the Kancamagus Highway to Route 302, making it part of a larger scenic driving loop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Bear Notch Road's stunning scenic beauty, particularly during the fall foliage season, and its exhilarating 'roller coaster' like drive. The winter snowmobile trails are also a major draw, especially for their dog-friendly policies. Some find the road can get very crowded during peak foliage times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bear Notch Road is located in New Hampshire's White Mountains. It connects the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) to Route 302 in Bartlett. Many visitors access it as part of a scenic drive through the area.
Yes, Bear Notch Road is a paved public road, often described as having a 'roller coaster' feel due to its curves and elevation changes.
Driving is the primary way to experience Bear Notch Road. It's ideal for scenic drives, especially in the fall. In winter, it's a gateway to snowmobile trails. +1
Absolutely! Bear Notch Road is a popular connector from the Kancamagus Highway, offering a different perspective of the White Mountains.
The road itself is generally open year-round, but winter conditions can impact accessibility and are ideal for snowmobiling. Always check local conditions before traveling in winter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bear Notch Road is a public road and does not require an entrance fee or ticket for driving.
Typically, there are no specific parking fees for simply driving and stopping along Bear Notch Road. However, if you access trailheads or specific recreational areas, fees might apply.
As a public road, Bear Notch Road is open 24/7. However, visibility and safety can be significantly reduced at night or in poor weather.
For fall foliage, aim for mid-October. For winter activities, plan for December through March. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. +1
Yes, Bear Notch Road provides access to the Bear Notch Ski Touring Center's extensive snowmobile trail system in the winter.
📸 📸 Photography
Pull-offs along the road offer numerous opportunities. Look for overlooks with expansive mountain views and vibrant foliage. Early morning light is particularly beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the sweeping landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the foliage. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Mid-day can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of fall can still be captured.
Rocky Gorge is a notable spot often mentioned in conjunction with Bear Notch Road, offering scenic beauty.
Many car enthusiasts, especially those with muscle cars or motorcycles, use Bear Notch Road for photo opportunities due to its scenic backdrop.
🎫 ❄️ Winter Activities
Bear Notch Road is a prime location for snowmobiling, with access to over 65km of groomed trails at the Bear Notch Ski Touring Center.
Yes, dogs are very welcome at Bear Notch Ski Touring Center and can be off-leash on the trails, making it a great spot for pet owners.
The Bear Notch Ski Touring Center grooms its trails regularly, offering excellent conditions for snowmobiling. Check their local reports for the latest updates.
Bear Notch Road itself is a paved road, but it serves as a gateway to the dedicated snowmobile trail system in the surrounding White Mountains National Forest.
Expect a picturesque winter landscape with snow-covered mountains, frozen waterfalls, and pristine snow. It's a beautiful, serene environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In the fall, the vibrant foliage is a fantastic natural spectacle that can captivate young minds. For families visiting in winter, the Bear Notch Ski Touring Center offers a unique dog-friendly snowmobiling experience.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts & Road Trippers
The smooth, recently paved surface is perfect for showcasing vehicles, from classic muscle cars to powerful motorcycles. The scenic beauty, especially during fall foliage season, provides an unparalleled backdrop for automotive photography and memorable drives. This road is often incorporated into longer scenic drives, connecting the famous Kancamagus Highway to Route 302.
🐶 Dog Owners
While the road itself is a scenic drive, the true dog-centric experience is found on the winter trails. Ensure your dog is comfortable in cold weather and has appropriate gear. The freedom to explore off-leash in such a beautiful setting makes this a unique destination for dog lovers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Drive
the road features numerous curves and elevation changes that make it a favorite among drivers. The recently paved surface adds to the enjoyment, providing a smooth ride for cars and motorcycles alike. It's a route that demands attention but rewards drivers with stunning vistas at every turn. This road is particularly popular with car enthusiasts who appreciate its challenging yet scenic nature. Whether you're cruising in a classic muscle car
or rumbling along on a Harley-Davidson, Bear Notch Road offers an exhilarating journey through the heart of the White Mountains. The combination of the paved surface and the natural beauty makes it a must-drive for many visitors to New Hampshire. Fall Foliage Hotspot
The peak season typically falls in mid-October, when the trees are ablaze with reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the mountain backdrop. To truly appreciate the fall colors, it's recommended to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the heaviest crowds.
The sheer beauty of the autumn leaves makes Bear Notch Road one of the most picturesque drives in New Hampshire during the fall season. Winter Sports and Dog-Friendly Adventures
A unique highlight of the Bear Notch Ski Touring Center is its exceptional dog-friendliness. Dogs are not only allowed but can be off-leash on the trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to bring their furry companions along.
Social
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