Three Rivers Scenic Drive

White Mountain National Forest is home to 48 peaks over 4,000 feet, topped by Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the northeast and an iconic drive to its stately summit. Discover the sublime beauty of Pinkham Notch, waterfalls, rivers and lakes in a region synonymous with recreation.

Ellis Falls

Our drive begins in Glen and travels to Wentworth Location, but can be done in either direction. To reach Glen, we recommend using either the Kancamagus Scenic Byway or the White Mountain Trail, both of which start at I-93.

The first half of this scenic drive travels through the White Mountain National Forest. Note that parking, trailheads and some day-use activities along this road require a White Mountain National Forest Pass.

Heading north on NH-16, the road parallels the Ellis River and in Jackson, you enter the White Mountain National Forest. Stop to take in the breathtaking views of the Ellis River Valley. In a few miles, don’t miss the powerful chute of the 64-foot Glen Ellis Falls (H1). Follow the 0.3-mile easy trail from the parking area which leads through a tunnel under the highway. There is a viewing platform at the top and midway, as well as 150 stone steps down to the glistening green pool at the bottom. New Hampshire is adorned with many spectacular waterfalls and two more come up later in the drive.

Continuing north on NH-16, you soon arrive at the mountain pass Pinkham Notch (H2), named after Daniel Pinkham who explored this area in the 1700s on a sled pulled by a pig. Carved by glaciers, erosion and rivers, Pinkham Notch separates the Presidential, Wildcat and Carter-Moriah Ranges, creating a stunning landscape. Marvel at picture-perfect snow-dusted peaks and expansive views. Stop at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center located at the top of the Notch just south of Wildcat Ski Area which serves as a hiker hostel and restaurant as well. Many trails leave from here year-round including the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, which travels by Tuckerman Ravine, a glacial cirque left behind during the last ice-age and is the most popular route to the summit of the 6288-foot Mount Washington. An easier way to those incredible views can be had by taking the 1-mile, round trip, Square Ledge Trail. Be careful, the aptly named trail has steep drop-offs. Lost Pond Trail is another short walk to exquisite views of the reflecting mountains on Lost Pond and beaver dams. Or hike to Crystal Cascade a dazzling, two-tiered waterfall, both elegant and strong as tumbles through lush forest. The falls are about 3/10 of a mile up Tuckermans Ravine Trail.

Back on the road, shortly after Pinkham Notch, the Ellis River ends and the Peabody River parallels the road.

The Wildcat Mountain Ski Area (A1) is New Hampshire’s premier ski destination but offers much to do year-round. Take the gondola to Wildcat’s 4,100-foot summit and once at the top, enjoy a picnic and explore the stunted boreal Spruce/Fir forest, wildflowers and wildlife. There is a charge to ride the gondola but Wildcat Mountain also features many free Summer Naturalist Programs. Thompson Falls (H11) drape dramatically across a wide rocky outcrop, and tumble again lower down, where you can scramble among the rocks and enjoy the cool water. It is an easy hike beginning near the base lodge at Wildcat Mountain Ski Area.

The Mount Washington Auto Road (T1) is the highlight of this drive. Beginning at The Glen House just ahead, the Mount Washington Auto Road spirals 8-miles up to the top of Mount Washington, one of the most accessible mountain summits in the United States. The road was completed in 1861 and the 12-degree grade was an engineering marvel. There is a charge to drive up which includes an audio tour (on CD or cassette) and the infamous “This Car Climbed Mt. Washington” bumper sticker. Should your vehicle not be in tip-top shape, you may want to consider a guided shuttle tour. Either way, it’s quite a ride. Magnificent views of mountain, valley, forest, and rocky precipices await as the road hugs the mountainside — with nary a guard rail in sight. Elevation changes mean climate changes and with that you are rewarded with diverse flora and fauna from lush forest to alpine flowers clinging in the thin soil above the treeline. Culminating with panoramic views that span into New York, Vermont, Maine, into Canada, and the Atlantic Ocean, this is truly an adventure. In winter, SnowCoach tours are available in a van converted with track system instead of wheels. For those undertaking long hikes, there is a shuttle service from AMC Pinkham Notch, the Great Gulf Trailhead and one-way for hiking down Mount Washington.

About a mile past the Mount Washington Auto Road is the Great Gulf Overlook (V1), where you can see a glacier cirque surrounded by the vast rugged wilderness. A glacier cirque is a bowl-like depression carved in a mountain by a glacier, this one having long since melted.

As you exit the White Mountain National Forest, visit the Androscoggin Ranger District (I1) for regional information. The historic small town of Gorham makes a great base for recreational activities and features a variety of dining, shopping and outfitters.

The Peabody River merges with the Androscoggin River which the NH-16 follows for the remainder of this scenic drive. Consider a small side-trip east on US-2 for 3-miles to North Road (T2). Especially during the fall foliage, this road is a treat, meandering around the Androscoggin River, passing peaceful country-side, farms and stables. North Road runs from US-2 near Gorham and heads to Bethel, Maine, but you can turn right onto Meadow Road for a shorter trip, which also skips the portion of the road that is unpaved. Don’t forget to stop and gaze upon the Presidential Range to the west near the start of the road in Gorham.

Or take a side trip to Moose Brook State Park (H3) in the heart of the Presidential Range. Enjoy the array of recreation opportunities, including swimming, fishing, great hiking and biking trails, picnicking and camping. You may spot deer, but unfortunately, no moose. There is an entrance fee to this state park.

Heading north on NH-16, you soon arrive in the town of Berlin, where to the east of the town, you can see the Mahoouc Range. Popular for picnicking, fishing and boating is Nansan Wayside Park (H4) along the banks of the Androscoggin River. Note the 170-foot steel framed Nansen Ski Jump. Built in 1936 by Scandinavians who brought their love of winter sports, it was once the largest ski jump in North America. It is currently closed.

Just a few miles northwest of downtown Berlin is one of the newer additions to the New Hampshire state park system. Along with swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, Jericho Mountain State Park (H12) is a destination for ATV, UTV, trail bike and snowmobile enthusiasts with miles of trails.

NH-16 then enters the Thirteen-Mile Woods Scenic Area where moose, deer, and bear enjoy the lazy and wild sections of the Androscoggin River. Take advantage of the many parks on the way. Androscoggin Wayside Park (H13) offers peaceful views and is popular with anglers, kayakers and canoeists as is Milan Hill State Park (H5). Milan Hill State Park also offers tent camping and yurts and in winter, a range of cross-country ski trails. In several miles, you arrive in the town of Pontook, home to the Pontook Reservoir Recreation Area (H6). An important bird area, have binoculars handy to observe the endangered or threatened Osprey, Common Loon, Pied-Billed Grebe, Bald Eagle and Northern Harrier, as well as a host of other waterfowl.

Continuing north following the Androscoggin River, you arrive in the mining town of Errol. If you were to head west on US-26 for 16 miles, you would reach the town of Dixville Notch, known as being one of the first cities to report national election results, though for this drive, we continue north on NH-16.

The scenic drive comes to an end as you arrive in Wentworth Location close to the Maine Border. While here, visit Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (A2) where the forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers are home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, amphibians and fish. Only 1/3 of a mile — the accessible Magalloway River Trail and its observation platform are ideal for viewing moose, boreal birds and waterfowl. Or explore by canoe, kayak or rowboat for a unique vantage point. Fishing is permitted with valid New Hampshire or Maine fishing license. From here, consider heading east on NH-16 into Maine, and following ME-16 to the Rangeley Lakes Region.