The best scenic byway in New Hampshire might just be a 30-mile route in Merrimack County linking five different small towns. From Henniker to Salisbury, this trip has beautiful views, fun local history, and plenty of the quintessential New England sites people travel for. Luckily for us, it’s in our own backyard!
While it’s hard to pick a favorite, we might have to say that the best scenic byway in New Hampshire is the Currier & Ives Scenic Byway in Merrimack County.
currierandivesbyway.org
The route covers 30 miles and includes visits to Henniker, Hopkinton, Warner, Webster, and Salisbury.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook New England College Covered Bridge, Henniker, NH 03242, USA
In addition to incredible views of one of the most beautiful areas in the state, there’s also a ton of history and nature.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook
The route begins in either Henniker or Salisbury, depending on what’s most convenient for you. If you choose to start your journey in Salisbury you’ll quickly come to one of the state’s favorite historical landmarks, the birthplace of New Hampshirite Daniel Webster.
Robin Levesque / Google
Next it’s on to Webster and Warner where you’ll want to enjoy the scenery as well as the local shopping.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook Warner, NH, USA
For more history, plan on stopping at the Lower Warner Meeting House in Warner.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook The Lower Warner Meeting House, 225 E Main St, Warner, NH 03278, USA
The small town charm is on big display as you make your way along the route.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook Kearsarge Mountain Road, Kearsarge Mountain Rd, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Because the towns here are small, the community feel that comes with a trip through any of New Hampshire’s small towns is palpable. Take the drive in the summer and you might find live music in the center of Henniker!
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook Henniker, NH, USA
Keep going, and you’ll come to one of the byway’s most beautiful bridges, the Henniker Covered Bridge, which spans the Contoocook River.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook New England College Covered Bridge, Henniker, NH 03242, USA
While this is a road trip, you don’t be spending the majority of your time in the car for this trip. Be sure to take advantage of the local parks along the way, such as Amey Brook Park on Old Concord Road in Henniker.
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook These are just a few examples of what you’ll see along the way on the Currier & Ives Scenic Byway, so be sure to keep an open mind and set aside enough time to do this one at your own pace. Amey Brook Park, Old Concord Rd, Henniker, NH 03242, USA
The Currier & Ives Scenic Byway is about 30 miles and can be enjoyed any time of year. For more information on additional sites along the route, check out the official website.
currierandivesbyway.org
Currier & Ives Scenic Byway / Facebook
New England College Covered Bridge, Henniker, NH 03242, USA
Robin Levesque / Google
Warner, NH, USA
The Lower Warner Meeting House, 225 E Main St, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Kearsarge Mountain Road, Kearsarge Mountain Rd, Warner, NH 03278, USA
Henniker, NH, USA
These are just a few examples of what you’ll see along the way on the Currier & Ives Scenic Byway, so be sure to keep an open mind and set aside enough time to do this one at your own pace.
Amey Brook Park, Old Concord Rd, Henniker, NH 03242, USA
If you love the idea of seeing the state by car you’ll appreciate that there are plenty of ways to do it. These 7 beautiful byways in New Hampshire are perfect for a scenic drive.
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