LAKES REGION

Explore the Lakes Region

The picturesque Lakes Region is a mid-state area above the Merrimack Valley and below the White Mountains.

It encompasses over 273 lakes and ponds, some of its most defining being Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Lake Wentworth, and Ossipee Lake. The heart of this region is the majestic Lake Winnipesaukee. It is the largest lake spanning 72 miles across with 283 miles of shoreline and 274 habitable islands. It offers spectacular views not only of its waterways but of the mountain ranges that surround it: Ossipee, Belnap and Squam. A beautiful scenic byway in this region is the “Lakes Region Tour” which circles Lake Winnipesaukee. Starting at Alton Bay, it takes you through Gilford, Weirs Beach, Meredith, Holderness, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, and brings you back to Alton Bay. This is a must see for any motorcyclist as its superb beauty is sure to please.

GREAT NORTH WOODS

Explore the Great North Woods

New Hampshire’s Great North Woods is at the Northern part of the state above the White Mountains.

It borders Canada, Maine, and Vermont and is part of 26 million acre forestland which includes territories from the preceding states as well as New York and Quebec. It is a playground for the outdoor sportsman and is resplendent with wildlife. Best known for its moose sightings, the Great North Woods offers a 13 mile scenic byway known as “Moose Alley” that runs along route 3 north of Pittsburgh. Also once renowned for log drives down the Connecticut River, this territory is home to the “Connecticut River Byway”, a 47 mile roadway from Lancaster to Woodsville. Both of these scenic drives are sure to please.

SUNAPEE REGION

Explore Dartmouth and Lake Sunapee Region

The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region spans from Bradford northwest along interstate 89 to Lebanon at the Vermont border.

It encompasses over 273 lakes and ponds, some of its most defining being Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Lake Wentworth, and Ossipee Lake. The heart of this region is the majestic Lake Winnipesaukee. It is the largest lake spanning 72 miles across with 283 miles of shoreline and 274 habitable islands. It offers spectacular views not only of its waterways but of the mountain ranges that surround it: Ossipee, Belnap and Squam. A beautiful scenic byway in this region is the “Lakes Region Tour” which circles Lake Winnipesaukee. Starting at Alton Bay, it takes you through Gilford, Weirs Beach, Meredith, Holderness, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, and brings you back to Alton Bay. This is a must see for any motorcyclist as its superb beauty is sure to please.

WHITE MOUNTAINS

Explore the White Mountains of New Hampshire

The White Mountains are loaded with some of the most picturesque scenic views New Hampshire has to offer a motorcyclist.

It boasts of the greenest foliage in the summer and most brilliant hues of reds, yellows, and oranges in autumn. It spans central to northern part of the state just above the Lakes Region and below the Great North Woods. Some of the highlights include Mount Washington (the highest mountain in the Northeast), the Flume Gorge, the Basin, Franconia State Park, and Mount Washington Valley. There are 48 mountains that are over 4000 feet high in the White Mountain Region. One of its most spectacular byways is the 30 mile stretch of road called the Kancamagus Highway. It winds through the mountains west from Conway to Lincoln and is free of any signs of civilization and offers only pristine beauty. Traveling this byway is sure to afford you a glimpse of the White Mountains splendor.

MONADNOCK REGION

Explore the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire

The Monadnock Region is renowned for depicting classic New England beauty and charm. It is located in the southwestern part of the state.

It is resplendent with picturesque rolling hills, winding country roads, small villages, and stunning greenery. At the center of this region lies Mount Monadnock, a 3,165 ft mountain that gives the region its name. (A Monadnock otherwise known as an “inselberg” is a hill or mountain that is surrounded by virtually level land rather than other mountains.) It is often represented as one of the most climbed mountains in the world, and at its peak has views of up to 100 miles in any direction. The mountain is located mostly in Jaffrey but other notable towns in the region include Peterborough and Keene. Keene is the home of Keene State College and the widest main street in the world. When touring this region, be sure to see the Ashuelot Covered Bridge in Swanzey. It is one of the most beautiful covered bridges in New Hampshire. Travel route 137 for 17 miles to experience the unparalleled New England beauty located in this region.

MERRIMACK REGION

Explore the Merrimack Valley Region

The Merrimack Valley Region is in south central New Hampshire. It is roughly 35 miles wide and extends from Canterbury south to the Massachusetts border.

The region gets its name fro the Merrimack River which runs right through it. Concord, the state capitol, is situated here along with the state’s largest city, Manchester. Other notable cities include Nashua, Merrimack, Salem and Derry. To the east of the Merrimack Valley is the Seacoast Region and to the west is the Monadnock Region. Some of the attractions include the Christa Macauliffe Planetarium and New Hampshire Historical Society Museum both of which are located in Concord. The New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon is always a popular spot, and America’s Stonehenge is located in North Salem. It is said that one can determine solar and lunar events of the year here. One of the nicer travel routes is the “Canterbury Shaker Village Byway.” It is only 20 minutes from Concord. The byway runs right through this 694 acre village that steps you back into the past into the life of the Shaker. It is filled with scenic beauty of its woodlands, ponds, botanical garden, conservation areas and more. It totals about 24 miles round trip and is a must see.

SEACOAST REGION

Explore the New Hampshire Seacoast

The Seacoast Region is in southeastern New Hampshire and encompasses 18 miles of coastline directly along the Atlantic Ocean between Salisbury Massachusetts and Kittery Maine.

Despite the limited stretch of coastline that lies directly on the Atlantic, when considering the shores of the tidal rivers, the Great Bay Estuary, and the Isles of Shoals the collective shoreline totals more than 238 miles. The region is known for its sandy beaches, historic ports, and many islands. Some towns date back 400 years and include Portsmouth, Hampton, Durham, Dover, Rochester, Exeter, Epping and Hampstead to name a few. The most historic city is Portsmouth as it was settled in 1623 and is the 3rd oldest city in the nation. The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was the first naval shipyard in the country but is actually located close by in Kittery Maine. Portsmouth is also the place where President Theodore Roosevelt had the “Treaty of Portsmouth” signed on September 5, 1905 to end the Russo-Japanese War. To experience the historic beauty of this amazing region, travel the Coastal Byway starting north in Portsmouth head south along route 1a through Rye and end at Seabrook where route 1a becomes 286. This is a must see trip for anyone.