SUV Rental
New Hampshire

For a stress-free experience, the main corridors of the White Mountains, such as the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch Parkway, are well-suited for SUVs. These routes feature wide lanes and numerous large parking areas at scenic overlooks. The Lakes Region, particularly around larger towns like Meredith and Wolfeboro, also offers ample space. While beautiful, the historic centers of towns like Portsmouth or some very rural unpaved roads in the Monadnock Region can present more of a challenge with tight spots and limited street parking.

After picking up your vehicle in Manchester, a convenient first stop is the Hooksett Welcome Center on I-93 North. It's located just a few miles from the airport area and provides a perfect opportunity to get organized. You can use the restrooms, grab state maps and brochures, and enjoy a quick break before the main part of your drive. The large parking lot easily accommodates SUVs, making it a hassle-free spot to adjust your mirrors, set up your navigation, and settle in for the scenic journey ahead.

To bypass the most congested areas, the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) is the most direct path, but it can get busy. For a more practical and often smoother drive, consider taking Route 125 North from the Seacoast area up to Rochester. From there, you can connect with Route 16 North for the remainder of the trip. This alternative helps you avoid some of the heavier commercial traffic further south on the Spaulding Turnpike, providing a more relaxed start to your mountain journey in your SUV.

While you can drive the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway from Lincoln to Conway in about an hour without stopping, that would miss the point of the journey. To truly experience it, you should budget at least three to four hours for the trip. This allows for unhurried stops at several of the major scenic overlooks, a short walk to a waterfall like Sabbaday Falls, and time to simply enjoy the views. An SUV provides the comfort and space to make this leisurely pace feel like a core part of your adventure.

An SUV's higher clearance and more robust suspension are most beneficial when accessing trailheads located on unpaved Forest Service roads. Areas like the Sandwich Range Wilderness or the northern Presidentials have access roads that can be rough, rutted, or muddy, especially after rain. Trailheads such as those for Mount Chocorua via the Champney Falls Trail or the Caps Ridge Trail for Mount Jefferson are examples where having an SUV can provide greater confidence and a more comfortable ride to the starting point.

Yes, most of the official scenic overlooks along major routes like the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch Parkway are designed for high traffic, including RVs and buses. These pull-offs typically have long, clearly marked entrance and exit lanes, making it very easy to maneuver an SUV safely. For example, the Pemigewasset Overlook on the Kancamagus has a very large, paved lot that is simple to navigate. You'll find that stopping for photos is generally straightforward and stress-free on these main tourist corridors.

During peak season, the main thoroughfares in Lincoln and North Woodstock can become quite congested, especially on weekends. The primary challenge in an SUV isn't maneuverability but rather patience and awareness of pedestrians. Traffic moves slowly, and people frequently cross the street between shops and restaurants. It's wise to find a central parking spot, often in a larger lot behind the main street businesses, and explore the towns on foot rather than trying to drive from one end to the other for each stop.

Parking an SUV directly in the historic Market Square area can be challenging due to the narrow streets and small, often parallel, parking spots. For a much easier overnight experience, plan to use the Hanover Parking Garage. It's centrally located, offers ample space for larger vehicles, and removes the stress of searching for a limited on-street spot. From the garage, the entire downtown waterfront and Market Square are just a short and pleasant walk away.

A great introductory loop is to start in Meredith and drive north on Route 3 along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Continue up to I-93 and head north into Franconia Notch State Park for some iconic mountain views. You can then take the scenic Kancamagus Highway east to Conway. From Conway, follow Route 16 south, which will eventually bring you back toward the Lakes Region. This route uses well-maintained, wide roads perfect for an SUV and covers a fantastic variety of lake and mountain scenery.

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a memorable but demanding drive for any vehicle, including an SUV. The road is steep, narrow, and features significant drop-offs without guardrails in many sections. However, the higher seating position in an SUV can provide better visibility around the hairpin turns. Drivers must be comfortable with mountain driving and be prepared to use a low gear for the entire descent to avoid overheating the brakes. It's a unique experience that rewards cautious and confident drivers with unparalleled views.

To enjoy a smooth drive through Crawford Notch, aim for early to mid-morning, between 8 AM and 10 AM. At this time, the sun is high enough to illuminate the scenery without causing significant glare, and you'll be ahead of the main tourist rush and RV traffic. Late afternoon, after 4 PM, is also a good option as many day-trippers are heading home. An SUV's comfortable ride makes the winding Route 302 through the notch a pleasure, especially when you aren't stuck in a long line of cars.

The main village loop in Jackson is quite manageable for an SUV, but parking can become tight during peak foliage or on a busy summer weekend. The lots for popular attractions like Jackson Falls or the shops in the village center can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the day is your best strategy for securing a convenient spot. While the roads themselves aren't excessively narrow, the combination of on-street parking and pedestrian traffic requires slow, careful driving through the heart of the village.

A great, SUV-friendly route starts with the Saco River Covered Bridge right in Conway, which has easy access. From there, head north on West Side Road, a scenic byway that runs parallel to Route 16. This road will lead you directly to the Swift River Covered Bridge, which also has a dedicated parking area. Continuing on West Side Road connects you back to Route 16 near Jackson, home to the iconic Honeymoon Covered Bridge, creating a simple and beautiful loop without any difficult maneuvers.

Driving Route 1A in an SUV on a summer weekend is an exercise in patience, as the road becomes very congested with beach traffic and pedestrians. The road itself is wide enough, but traffic moves at a crawl, and parking is extremely limited and competitive. The main advantage of an SUV here is the comfortable, high seating position, which gives you a better view over other cars to spot potential parking or enjoy the ocean scenery. It's best to go very early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.

Popular state parks like Franconia Notch (specifically the lots for the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway) and Crawford Notch are notorious for filling up early, often by 10 AM on weekends. The Echo Lake Beach lot in Franconia Notch is another prime example. Arriving late means you might have to navigate a crowded, chaotic lot to find a spot, which can be more stressful in a larger vehicle. Planning to arrive at these key destinations before mid-morning is the best strategy for a hassle-free parking experience.

The best strategy for exploring Franconia Notch from a single parking spot is to use the main lot at the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or the Peabody Lodge area. These lots are large and can accommodate SUVs easily, especially if you arrive early. From this central point, you can access the tramway, the New England Ski Museum, and Echo Lake. A paved recreation path runs the length of the park, allowing you to walk or bike to other attractions like The Basin without having to move your vehicle.

To avoid the longest lines at Castle in the Clouds, plan your visit for a weekday if possible, or arrive right when they open on a weekend morning. The entrance road involves a scenic drive up the mountain, and the main parking lots are spacious and well-suited for SUVs. The peak arrival time is typically between 11 AM and 2 PM, so getting there before or after that window will result in a much smoother entry. Buying tickets online in advance can also help expedite your arrival process.

For a reliable and accessible sunrise or sunset spot, head to the scenic overlooks along the Kancamagus Highway. These pull-offs are open 24/7 and are large enough for an SUV to park safely off the road. The Pemigewasset Overlook facing west is fantastic for sunsets, while overlooks further east provide great sunrise views. Unlike some state park gates that close at dusk, these federally managed highway overlooks offer the flexibility and space needed for early morning or late evening scenic drives.

You'll find that parking an SUV in North Conway is generally very straightforward. Most hotels, motels, and the large lots at Settlers Green Outlet Village were designed with tourist traffic in mind, featuring standard-sized parking spaces that easily accommodate mid-size and full-size SUVs. During peak weekends, the lots can become full, but the spaces themselves are not unusually tight. The primary challenge is finding an open spot, not fitting into one.

One of the biggest surprises for visitors is the prevalence of frost heaves, which create significant bumps and dips in the road, especially in the spring. An SUV's suspension helps absorb these much better than a smaller car. Another is the sudden appearance of moose on the road, particularly at dusk and dawn in the northern half of the state, requiring constant vigilance. Finally, many rural roads lack streetlights, making nighttime driving significantly darker than in more populated neighboring states.

For family-friendly hikes with easy parking, the Lincoln Woods Trailhead at the start of the Kancamagus Highway is an excellent choice. It has a very large, paved parking lot and offers a flat, scenic walk along the river. Another great option is Diana's Baths near North Conway, which features a sizable lot and a short, gentle trail to the beautiful cascades. Both locations are designed to handle high visitor volume, making them low-stress choices for families arriving in an SUV.

After heavy rain, the primary concerns on back roads are washouts and localized flooding at low-lying river crossings. Be cautious of roads that run alongside rivers, as the shoulder could be soft or eroded. Some unpaved roads can become extremely muddy and rutted, which is where an SUV's higher clearance provides a distinct advantage. Always heed any road closure signs and never attempt to drive through fast-moving water, as its depth can be deceptive.

A popular and easy day trip starts with a drive around Squam Lake, using Route 3 and Route 113 for beautiful water views. From there, head south to the bustling town of Meredith on Lake Winnipesaukee for lunch and shopping. For a great viewpoint, drive up to the Castle in the Clouds property in Moultonborough. The drive up the mountain is scenic and the parking is ample for an SUV. This itinerary creates a perfect loop that captures the essence of the Lakes Region with minimal navigational stress.

To minimize traffic when visiting Canobie Lake Park, try to approach from the north via I-93, taking Exit 3 in Windham. From there, follow local roads to the park, which helps you bypass some of the heavy commercial traffic on Route 28 in Salem. Arriving right at opening time or later in the afternoon, after the initial rush, can also make a significant difference. The park has extensive parking lots designed for large crowds, so fitting your SUV into a space will not be an issue once you are there.

Parking directly around the Dartmouth Green and on Hanover's Main Street consists mostly of metered, parallel spots that can be tight for a larger SUV. The most convenient and stress-free option is to use the public parking garage located just one block from Main Street. This garage offers plenty of space and allows you to park once and then explore the beautiful campus, shops, and restaurants on foot. It's the preferred strategy for visitors with larger vehicles.

A wonderful route for this is to travel along Route 101, particularly the stretch between Keene and Peterborough. This scenic highway passes numerous farms and has designated scenic pull-offs with great views of Mount Monadnock. Many farm stands are located right on this main road, offering easy pull-in and pull-out access for an SUV. You can create a simple and enjoyable trip by just following this road and stopping whenever a farm stand or viewpoint catches your eye.

Instead of stopping in the often-congested center of Meredith or Conway, consider a stop in the town of Center Sandwich. It's a slight, but scenic, detour off the main route and offers a quaint village green, a historic general store, and a much more relaxed atmosphere. Another great option is the rest area on the Kancamagus Highway just east of Lincoln, which has ample parking and restroom facilities. These spots provide a peaceful break from the main tourist flow and are easy to access with an SUV.

During a major event like Motorcycle Week, the main roads through Laconia and Weirs Beach become extremely congested. To navigate more freely, make use of the surrounding network of back roads and bypasses, such as Route 106 and Route 107. Plan your trips for early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the peak traffic of midday. Having an SUV provides a comfortable command of the road, which is helpful when you need to be patient and aware in slow-moving, heavy traffic.

Driving in downtown Concord during the week is manageable, but like any state capital, it can be busy. Main Street is wide and modern, so maneuvering an SUV is not difficult. For parking, it's best to head directly for one of the city's public parking garages, such as the School Street or Storrs Street garages. These offer the easiest and most reliable parking for larger vehicles, saving you the frustration of searching for a limited on-street spot during peak hours.

Night driving in rural New Hampshire requires heightened awareness, as many roads outside of towns have no streetlights. The most critical thing to watch for is wildlife, especially deer and moose, which can appear on the road suddenly. An SUV's higher headlight position can help illuminate more of the road and its shoulders, improving visibility. Always drive at a moderate speed, use your high beams when no other cars are present, and remain vigilant throughout your journey.

The Kancamagus Highway is arguably the best route for photography, as it was designed with tourism in mind and features numerous large, paved scenic overlooks. Another excellent choice is the Franconia Notch Parkway (I-93), which also has several designated scenic areas and rest stops. For a quieter option, Route 302 through Crawford Notch offers many well-maintained pull-offs. These routes ensure you can stop safely to capture your photos without obstructing traffic.

Getting to Santa's Village is very straightforward, as it's located directly on Route 2 in Jefferson, a well-maintained state highway. The park is well-equipped to handle large crowds and has a massive, well-organized parking lot. Attendants are usually on hand during peak days to direct traffic, making the process smooth even when it's busy. You will have no trouble finding a suitable space for your SUV, allowing you to focus on a fun family day.

To streamline a waterfall tour, focus on those located along the Kancamagus Highway and in Crawford Notch, and start your day early. Begin at Sabbaday Falls on the Kancamagus, which has a decent-sized lot that fills by mid-morning. Then, drive west to see the cascades at Rocky Gorge. From there, head north on Route 302 to visit Silver and Flume Cascades in Crawford Notch, which have convenient roadside pull-offs. An early start is the key to securing parking at these popular spots before the crowds arrive.

The Seacoast region, including Portsmouth, and the southern parts of the state around Manchester and Concord remain fully accessible and vibrant during the shoulder seasons. In the mountains, larger towns like North Conway and Lincoln maintain most of their services year-round, though some smaller attractions may have limited hours. An SUV is particularly useful during these months, as you can encounter unpredictable weather, including early snow or muddy spring roads, and the vehicle provides extra confidence for navigating variable conditions.

A classic and efficient loop starts in Littleton, where you can explore its charming Main Street. From there, drive south on I-93 through Franconia Notch, making your scenic stop at the Flume Gorge or the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. After your stop, continue south to Lincoln and then take the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) east. To complete the loop without significant backtracking, you can then head north on Bear Notch Road (seasonal) or Route 302 back towards the Littleton area, enjoying different but equally stunning mountain scenery.

When visiting quintessential New England towns like Peterborough, Exeter, or Littleton, you'll find that Main Street parking is often parallel. While many modern SUVs are equipped with backup cameras that make this easier, the spots can still be a tight fit. A good strategy is to look for public lots located just a block or two off the main street. These lots usually have angled or straight-in parking that is much simpler to navigate with a larger vehicle, and the short walk is often very pleasant.

New Hampshire serves as a perfect and scenic bridge between Vermont and Maine. A common SUV-friendly route is to take Route 302, which runs east-west across the northern part of the state. This road takes you from the Wells River area of Vermont, through the heart of the White Mountains at Crawford Notch, and continues directly into the Fryeburg/Bridgton area of Maine. It's a well-maintained, beautiful highway that showcases some of New England's best scenery, making the stopover a highlight rather than just a transit.

If you're new to driving an SUV, the spacious parking lots of suburban shopping centers around Manchester, Nashua, or Concord are excellent places to practice. On a quiet Sunday morning, you can get a feel for the vehicle's turning radius and dimensions without pressure. For road practice, the Everett Turnpike (Route 3) on a weekend is a wide, well-maintained highway that is generally less intense than I-93. This can help you build confidence before navigating the more winding and narrow mountain roads.

To avoid the infamous Sunday afternoon traffic jam on I-93 South, your best strategy is to either leave very early in the morning, before 10 AM, or wait until after 7 PM. If your timing is fixed for the afternoon, consider an alternate route. From the White Mountains, taking Route 16 South to the Spaulding Turnpike and then I-95 South can sometimes be faster than sitting in stopped traffic on I-93. The comfortable ride of an SUV makes a slightly longer, but constantly moving, route a much more pleasant end to your trip.