Four-Day New Hampshire and Vermont Scenic Road Trip from Conway to Manchester

Morning — Conway to Kancamagus Highway

Leave Conway around 8:00 AM and take NH-16 west to NH-112, the Kancamagus Highway, toward Lincoln. Allow three to four hours rather than treating it as a direct drive—the road is roughly 34 miles, but you’ll want time for the signed overlooks and forest pullouts. There are no fuel stations, shops, or reliable cell-service stretches along the highway, so fill up and bring breakfast, water, and snacks in Conway. A federal recreation pass is required at many parking areas; expect about $5 per vehicle, payable at self-service stations, and keep valuables out of sight while stopping.

Make Sabbaday Falls your main walk: the easy, mostly level 1.5-mile round trip takes about an hour and leads to a particularly photogenic series of cascades and pools. Arrive early if possible, since the small parking area fills quickly on autumn weekends. Continue west toward Lincoln, stopping only at signed pullouts so the driver can enjoy the scenery safely; fall color may be starting, but conditions vary considerably by elevation.

Afternoon — Flume Gorge and Old Man of the Mountain Memorial

After lunch in Lincoln, drive west on US-3 into Franconia Notch State Park for Flume Gorge. Reserve timed admission online if available—September hours are commonly around 9:00 AM–4:00 or 5:00 PM, with seasonal variation—and allow about two hours for the loop, stairs, covered bridges, and waterfalls. Admission is typically roughly $18–$25 per adult and less for children, and sturdy shoes are worthwhile because the walk includes uneven, damp sections. From there, continue a short distance north to the Old Man of the Mountain Memorial at Profile Lake, where the lakeside markers recreate the famous rock profile; 45 minutes is enough for the memorial, photos, and a quiet mountain-lake break.

Evening — Dinner in Lincoln

Finish with dinner at The Common Man in Lincoln, a comfortable New England-style restaurant known for burgers, seafood, and hearty comfort food. It is popular on weekends, so a reservation or early arrival around 5:00–5:30 PM is smart; budget approximately $25–$45 per person before drinks and tip. After dinner, keep the evening easy—this is a full scenic day, and Lincoln is a good base for an early start tomorrow.

Morning — Franconia’s big view

Start early at Artist Bluff Trail, aiming for the trailhead around 8:30 AM before the small parking areas fill. The loop is short—about 1.5 miles—but steep and rocky in places, so wear sturdy shoes and allow roughly 90 minutes, including time at the overlook. The payoff is the classic view across Echo Lake toward Cannon Mountain; keep the 13-year-old close near the rocky viewpoint, as there are exposed edges. There are no reliable facilities at the trailhead, so bring water and a quick breakfast from Lincoln.

From Artist Bluff Trail, drive only a few minutes through Franconia Notch State Park to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Plan about 1½ hours here, including the tram ride and the short summit paths. The tram typically operates seasonally from late morning into the afternoon, with schedules and weather-related closures varying by date; check the official operating status before leaving. Expect roughly $30–$35 per adult and somewhat less for a child, plus parking at the tram base. Temperatures and wind can be noticeably colder at the summit, even on a sunny September day.

Afternoon — Saint-Gaudens and Cornish

After the tram, continue south and east to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, allowing around 45–55 minutes for the drive. Arrive with time for the house, studios, gardens, and sculpture-filled grounds—two hours is a comfortable visit without rushing. The park is generally open during daylight hours, while the historic buildings and ranger-led tours have seasonal schedules; verify September hours before setting out. Bring a picnic or snack for the car, since dining options near the park are limited, and take a few minutes to explore the quiet Cornish Colony roads nearby before heading toward Hanover.

Evening — Dinner near Dartmouth

Drive about 25 minutes to Molly’s Restaurant in downtown Hanover, ideally arriving around 6:30 or 7:00 PM. It is a relaxed, family-friendly choice for New England and American dishes, with most mains around $20–$40 per person; reservations are sensible on a Sunday evening. After dinner, stretch your legs along Main Street and Dartmouth College’s compact central campus—the green and surrounding streets are pleasant for an unhurried walk. Downtown parking is usually available in municipal lots or metered spaces, but check posted evening rules rather than assuming every space is free.

Morning — Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive and Bingham Falls

After arriving in Stowe, head straight for VT-108 and the Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Drive. The road squeezes between towering cliffs and boulder fields, with tight curves and a few sections too narrow for large vehicles—drive slowly and check Vermont road conditions before setting out, especially in September. Allow about an hour with brief pullouts, then continue toward the Bingham Falls trailhead. The forest walk takes roughly 1½ hours round-trip and ends at a beautiful waterfall and swimming-hole viewpoint; the rocks can be slick, so sturdy shoes are more useful than sandals. Parking is limited and typically requires a small day-use fee, and swimming should be treated cautiously because of strong currents and slippery ledges.

Afternoon — Stowe Recreation Path and Ben & Jerry’s Factory

For an easier change of pace, drive back toward town and spend 1½–2 hours on the Stowe Recreation Path, walking or renting bikes for a relaxed ride through meadows and beside the river. You can join the path at several access points near Mountain Road; bike rentals commonly run about $25–$40 per person for a half day, while walking is free. Later, make the short drive south to Waterbury for the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. Tours generally run during daytime operating hours, often around 10:00 AM–6:00 PM in this season, but times and ticket availability vary—reserve online if the tour matters to your son. Plan about 1½ hours for the factory visit and Flavor Graveyard; admission is usually roughly $6–$8 for the tour, with ice cream and shop purchases extra.

Evening — Dinner at The Bench

Return to Stowe for dinner at The Bench, a relaxed, family-friendly spot known for wood-fired pizza, burgers, and Vermont beer. It is a good place to keep the evening unhurried after a full outdoor day; expect approximately $20–$40 per person, and call or book ahead because dinner fills quickly in autumn. If you have energy afterward, take a short stroll around Stowe Village rather than adding another formal stop.

Morning — Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

After leaving Stowe around 8:00 AM, allow roughly 2½–3 hours for the drive to Manchester, arriving late morning. Go first to Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, on Hildene Road; the estate has ample parking, but plan to spend about 2½ hours here. The house, formal gardens, walking grounds, and restored Pullman railcar make this a particularly good finale for the trip—there is enough history to interest adults without feeling like a conventional museum for a 13-year-old. Check the seasonal schedule before setting out; September hours are commonly around 9:30 AM–4:30 or 5:00 PM, with admission generally in the $25–$30 adult range and reduced youth pricing. Wear comfortable shoes, since the grounds are spread out.

Midday and Afternoon — Manchester Center and the River

Drive about 10 minutes into Manchester Center for lunch at Zoey’s Deli, a relaxed local spot for sandwiches, soups, and salads; expect roughly $15–$25 per person. After lunch, browse Northshire Bookstore on Main Street, allowing 45 minutes for its excellent travel, local-interest, and young-adult sections. From there, continue to the Manchester Riverwalk, an easy 45–60-minute stroll through town and beside the Batten Kill. The walk is best treated as a gentle wandering break rather than a major hike; bring a light layer, as the river corridor can feel cool even on a sunny September afternoon.

Late Afternoon — American Museum of Fly Fishing

Finish at the American Museum of Fly Fishing, also near Main Street, where a 1–1½-hour visit explores the history of fly fishing through rods, reels, flies, artwork, and memorabilia. It is compact and engaging, especially if your son enjoys gear, outdoor history, or unusual collections. Verify the day’s closing time before arriving—fall hours can be shorter than summer hours—and aim to enter by mid-afternoon. If you still have energy afterward, leave time for a relaxed wander around Manchester Village rather than adding another formal stop; its historic buildings and mountain views are part of the appeal.