Not our name, but our passion
The Keniston Covered Bridge in rural Andover, New Hampshire is located in an isolated side road surrounded by heavy woodlands. The 1882 bridge spans the Blackwater River.
There is a nice trail next to the bridge and an old metal bridge crossing the river.
The easy to find Squam River Bridge in Ashland, New Hampshire is a modern bridge spanning the Squam River.
The bridge is in a multi use area with a small marina and town beach adjacent.
Ample parking area gives easy access to the beach and bridge.
the Edward N. Doggett Town Beach is located next to the Squam River Covered Bridge in Ashland, New Hampshire. The small beach is open to all visitors for a small fee ($4.00 for non residents).
There is parking across the street.
Be sure to check out the adjacent covered bridge:
And watch the boats leaving the small marina.
Last year’s foliage road trip was a bit past peak so we were hoping for better timing this year, unfortunately we were a little early. Maybe in another year we will time it just right.
It is always a bit hit or miss one week earlier or later could always bring the best views. We headed out Saturday October 7 and drove north towards New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Jumping onto NH Route 16 after fueling up at Dunkin our first stop was the Chocorua Lake Conservancy right off the road in Tamworth, New Hampshire.
As you pull out of the parking area stop at the roadside marker to learn a little about the
“Legend of Chocorua.”
We next swung onto the Kancamagus Highway and stopped at the Albany Covered Bridge just a few miles from the entrance of the National Forest.
Head on past Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge until you see the junction to Bear Notch Road.
Bear Notch Road is a seasonal road going from the Kancamagus to Bartlett, New Hampshire. The road is an often overlooked side trip offering spectacular mountain views superior to what you will find on the Kancamagus itself. If heading north it is a good way to bypass the heavy traffic going through North Conway.
The end of the road brought us to Bartlett where we then took NH Route 302 south for a short distance before again connecting to NH Route 16. Be sure to look out for the Covered Bridge Gift Shop on the left. The shop is a genuine 1851 covered bridge that has been outfitted with a gift shop inside.
Take NH Route 16 north and enjoy the scenery as you pass attractions such as Storyland and the Mount Washington Auto Road. I would definitely not recommend the auto road at this time of year the traffic can be intimidating and it is a road that you do not want to have to meet a lot of cars on.
The first major town you will come across is the town of Gorham. This is a good place to stop for groceries or fast food as you head further north. The town also has a great Historical Society Museum which has a detailed model train layout.
The town of Berlin is next up. This old mill town has seen better days since the collapse of the lumber and paper industries.
The foliage and rural landscapes highlight the next portion of the trip.
The Nansen Ski Jump, the oldest ski jump in America, is a great backdrop for photos.
The Bofinger Conservation Area has good access to the river. This is a nicely developed site with a porto-a-potty and large parking area but there are dozens of small pull offs all along the river that you can stop and take pictures at.
As you enter the 13 Mile Wood Community Forest there is a nice picnic area along the river bank at the Androscoggin State Wayside.
As you approach Errol the Mollidgewock State Park is on your right. This is a great camping opportunity in the warmer months with beautiful site right on the water.
It was getting late and we were all a bit tired so we decided to reverse course and head back home. We took Route 16 south and bypassed the Bear Notch Road heading for North Conway. This was not the best idea as the combination of “leaf peepers” and Fryeburg Fair goers made the traffic stop and go for several miles. North Conway can be a destination in itself with its history, restaurants and shopping. Stop at Schouler Park and everything is within easy walking distance.
Look to your right for a view of the Saco River Covered Bridge as a final goodbye before you head home.
The run of NH Route 16 from Berlin, New Hampshire to Errol, New Hampshire follows the path of the Androscoggin River and provides great views of the river and numerous access points for canoes and kayaks. The trip is great any time of the year but is especially nice during fall foliage season.
As you snake your way up NH Route 16 stop in Gorham, New Hampshire for picnic items or fast food before heading further north.
There is not much to see in the depressed town of Berlin, I suggest you drive by and continue north pass the paper mills on the river.
Take in the rural vistas along the river.
The Nansen Ski Jump Historic Site on the left of the road is an interesting stop. This is the first ski jump in America and has recently undergone refurbishing.
The Paul O. Bofinger Conservation Area has a large parking area and canoe access. In addition to this more developed access point there are dozens of pull offs suitable for putting in or picking up canoes.
The Androscoggin State Wayside is a nice place for a pleasant picnic or bathroom break.
Mollidgewock State Park is a great place to camp with wonderful sites right on the river.
Part of this drive encompasses the 13 Mile Woods Community Forest providing opportunities for hiking and camping in the area. From here you can stay in a number of state parks in the area, head further north to the northern forests or head back down to Berlin and North Conway.
