New England Travel
Motorists are treated to stunning views of the White Mountains.
People cross a bridge at Rocky Gorge, a scenic stop along the Kancamagus Highway.
Road trippers looking for a scenic drive will find one of America’s best in New Hampshire.
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USA Today named the top 10 scenic drives in America, part of its 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway ranked No. 5.
“These scenic byways are not merely routes from Point A to Point B; they are sought-after experiences that captivate travelers with their breathtaking views and rich histories,” wrote the publication about its list.
Fall foliage along Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln, NH.
Here’s what USA Today wrote about the Kancamagus Highway:
The Kancamagus Highway spans just over 30 miles along interior New Hampshire, offering stunning views of the White Mountains throughout the entirety of the route. While summer visitors can marvel at towering waterfalls along its many hiking trails, it’s best known for its dazzling fall foliage, drawing lifelong New Englanders and far-flung tourists alike each year.
The No. 1 scenic drive is Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast and is one of the longest scenic byways in the country.
For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.
Check out USA Today‘s list of the top 10 scenic drives in America.
Kristi Palma
Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.
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