Driving the White Mountains: Tourist Routes, Real Hazards

Beautiful but Unforgiving Roads

The White Mountains draw visitors year-round to routes like the Kancamagus Highway, Route 16 through Pinkham Notch, and Franconia Notch. These roads feature steep grades, sharp curves, sudden weather changes, and limited cell service. Many drivers are tourists unfamiliar with mountain driving, which raises the risk of run-off-road and collision crashes.

Season-Specific Hazards

Winter brings ice, snow, and ski traffic. Summer and fall bring heavy tourist volume and drivers stopping abruptly for scenery and wildlife. Moose are a serious hazard on North Country routes at dawn and dusk. Mountain weather can change in minutes, turning a clear drive into a whiteout.

Mountain Driving Tips

Use low gears on long descents to avoid overheating brakes, maintain extra following distance, and pull fully off the road at designated overlooks rather than stopping in travel lanes. Check conditions before you go and carry an emergency kit, since help can be far away.

After a Mountain Crash

Remote crashes can mean long waits for emergency response, which makes the severity of injuries higher. Carroll and Grafton County Superior Courts handle injury cases from the White Mountains region. Document what you can and seek prompt medical care once help arrives.