Adventure Awaits: A Subaru Road Trip Through the White Mountains

Few New Hampshire drives suit a Subaru better than a road trip through the White Mountains. The region combines mountain roads, hiking stops, waterfalls, lakes, and stretches where changing weather can quickly alter the drive. Whether you are taking a Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, or Ascent, it is the kind of trip that shows why all-weather capability and flexible cargo space are useful long after the daily commute ends.

From Hudson, head north toward Lincoln and make the Kancamagus Highway the centerpiece of the day. Then continue toward Franconia Notch for one of New Hampshire's best combinations of scenery and outdoor stops.

Why Drive the Kancamagus Highway?

The Kancamagus Scenic Byway runs for 34 miles through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway. There are no gas stations or restaurants along the central stretch, so fuel up before you begin and bring water, snacks, and anything else you need.

The road itself is the attraction. Mountain overlooks, forest, rivers, and roadside stops make it worth taking slowly. Pull over at designated viewpoints, explore Sabbaday Falls, or stop near the historic Albany Covered Bridge. In fall, the Kanc becomes one of New Hampshire's most popular foliage drives, so an early start can help you avoid the busiest traffic.

A Subaru is a natural fit here. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on models such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and Ascent adds reassurance when rain arrives or temperatures fall, while their practical cargo areas leave room for hiking boots, backpacks, picnic gear, and layers for mountain weather.

What Should You See in Franconia Notch?

From Lincoln, continue north toward Franconia Notch State Park, where I-93 threads between the Franconia and Kinsman ranges. One of the best stops is Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge reached by a roughly two-mile self-guided walk with boardwalks, stairs, and uphill sections.

Farther north, Echo Lake offers mountain views plus seasonal swimming, fishing, kayaking, and pedal boats. Parking can fill on popular weekends, so reservations are worth considering for planned summer visits.

One 2026 change is worth knowing before you go: the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is closed for replacement and is not expected to operate during the 2026 summer season. There is still plenty to do around Franconia Notch, from hiking and cycling to scenic stops and lakeside time.

Which Subaru Is Best for a White Mountains Road Trip?

For couples or smaller groups, the Crosstrek combines manageable size, strong adventure capability, and an easy-to-use infotainment system for navigating unfamiliar mountain roads. The Forester adds interior space and visibility, while the Outback is especially comfortable for longer highway miles and bulky gear. Families needing three rows may prefer the Ascent.

Wilderness versions of the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback add extra ground clearance and more trail-focused equipment, useful if your plans extend beyond paved scenic roads to campgrounds, trailheads, or rougher access routes.

Get Road-Trip Ready at Granite Subaru

Before your next White Mountains adventure, visit Granite Subaru in Hudson to find a Subaru that fits the way you travel. Whether your weekends revolve around hiking, camping, skiing, family trips, or simply finding the best roads in New Hampshire, our team can help you choose a Subaru ready for the journey.