Connecticut River Byway

Byway Details

Designation

National Scenic Byway

Length

284 mi in New Hampshire

About Connecticut River Byway

The Connecticut River Byway is a 283.6-mile National Scenic Byway in New Hampshire, running along the Connecticut River from Hinsdale through towns such as Walpole, Charlestown, Bellows Falls, Claremont, Windsor and Hanover. The route passes through several small communities, including Ascutney, Plainfield, White River Junction, Norwich, Fairlee, Bradford, Barnet, Woodsville, Gilman, Lunenburg, Lancaster and Groveton. It also crosses into Vermont briefly, with the Fullington Farm River Path and Velvet Rocks Shelter among the nearby stops on the Vermont side. For comfortable driving weather, late spring and early fall stand out. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 71°F and September highs around 75°F, with July the warmest month at about 85°F. The byway is a long drive, and there are plenty of places to stop. The Upper Coos Recreational Rail Trail and Kilburn Crags Trail are close to the route. Anglers can head to the Connecticut River's Pittsburg stretch, and climbers can find Lyme Hill a short distance away.