New Hampshire’s Scenic Route 118
Welcome to another scenic route in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. You would think that after 20 years I would have found them all. Maybe I will, but I doubt it. You see we are creatures of habit and while Lisa doesn’t understand why I would go take a drive on the Kanc each and every year. It’s as familiar and comfortable as an old friend, full of memories.
This route is a short and simple one between Warren NH (see my last article about a rocket in NH) and North Woodstock New Hampshire. This is not a destination in and of itself. This is a part of a bigger route to explore. (More on that later)
The History of Route NH 118
I’ll keep this short, back in 1830 someone wanted a trail from Woodstock to Warren. As more people used it, it was improved and stops along this carriage route were built. Stretches of the original carriage route were included in today’s current Route 118. As with many trails, local groups (in this case a snowmobile club) keep the original carriage route alive as a snowmobile trail.
As you can see from this map, this is just a shortcut across Route 112 outside North Woodstock, down to Warren and Route 25. If you view this area as a terrain map, it shows that today’s Route 118 more or less follows the valley and you have the hills above and about you along much of the trip.
Most Scenic parts of NH 118
It’s a very nice drive but to be honest there was only one spot during our short trip on 118 that bears telling. It’s a very nice drive but scenic views are obscured by the trees along the Route. But! There is a pull-out with room for 4-5 cars and an informational sign with the history of the Route.
If you look at the map, there is a little jog in the Route that sharply turns to the South and then back North. As you head North there will be a wide dirt pull-off to stop at. At this point, you are facing Woodstock and I-93. That is it, a really pretty view of the valley leading to Woodstock.
You may ask, Is that all? No, it’s just the beginning… 🙂
Route 118 is just a part of the trip…
This is but a teaser of more to come. Here is a map I put together.
You can see Route 118 which we have now covered. but there is so much more. Route 112 and the Beaver Pond which takes you up to 116 and Easton and then Sugar Hill (Polly’s Pancakes) go over to 302 and down to Bath (Covered Bridge and their general store). You can then leave that covered bridge for the Haverhill covered bridge. As mentioned before Warren has a rocket you can head up to North Woodstock and down 3 to Thornton and Mirror Lake.
This single map would take either a long day to drive over (drive, get out and snap, get back in and drive, get out and… well you get the idea). Better yet I would take 2 or even 3 days and catch sunrise at Mirror Lake and either dawn or sunset at Beaver Pond. And if you add in the Kanc? well, that is another day or two if you get out and do a trail or two… Have fun!
Jeff Foliage Folger
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Jeff, I always stop at that pullout on 118 on my way to the White Mtns! Loads of photos. 2019 was interesting as it was a foggy day, so the usual view of the Franconia Range wasn’t there!
Its a lovely area to explore
Jeff, I always stop at that pullout on 118 on my way to the White Mtns! Loads of photos. 2019 was interesting as it was a foggy day, so the usual view of the Franconia Range wasn’t there!
Its a lovely area to explore
I always try to schedule to drive the Kanc…It has great memories and is always a little different each year but always beautiful..We do try to add different places each year but try to travel some of the same areas each year simply because they consistently have some of the best fall foliage .. I think that it gets in your blood!! As you stated,we are creatures of habit…Thanks for giving us something pleasant to think about during these trying times..
I don’t know what this year holds for my fellow leaf peepers. I know that probably half of the leaf peepers are staying home maybe closer to 3/4. I think for the most part this is the smart play. I will do what I can and get out and document the fall colors for everyone this autumn. I want you (and everyone) to stay healthy and safe…
I always try to schedule to drive the Kanc…It has great memories and is always a little different each year but always beautiful..We do try to add different places each year but try to travel some of the same areas each year simply because they consistently have some of the best fall foliage .. I think that it gets in your blood!! As you stated,we are creatures of habit…Thanks for giving us something pleasant to think about during these trying times..
I don’t know what this year holds for my fellow leaf peepers. I know that probably half of the leaf peepers are staying home maybe closer to 3/4. I think for the most part this is the smart play. I will do what I can and get out and document the fall colors for everyone this autumn. I want you (and everyone) to stay healthy and safe…