Driving directions to Crawford Notch, North Conway, Jackson, etc.

[bikehikeskifish]

Google Maps, and other similar sites, suggest going up 93 to 302 to Crawford Notch. Once you put in North Conway or Jackson, they send you up 25 above Winni. I've gone to Attitash skiing both ways, but not recently, and I have no record or recollection of the journey, except that 25 to N. Conway on a Friday night was not expedient I'm starting in Manchester.

Which way is better, in the collective wisdom of this group?

(I need to start expanding north and east... especially on days when I am allocated a full day to go, and save the remaining SW corner peaks for 1/2 or 3/4 day trips.)

(also, I did do a search but didn't find much... however, a pointer to an existing thread if you know it's there would be fine.)

Thanks,
Tim

 

[marty]

From Manchester, I would take 93 North to just past Franconia Notch, then take 3 North to 302 and 302 East(?) to Crawford Notch.

Marty

 

[DougPaul]

The break-even point on distance for destinations on Rte 302 is, IIRC, somewhere between Crawford TH and Davis TH. Add in traffic and the slower roads for Rte 25 etc and the break-even point on time for destinations on Rte 302 might be a bit closer to N. Conway.

You can also use the Kanc and Bear Notch Rd. Slow, but pretty.


Similarly, the distance break-even point (via Rte 93 and 2 vs 25 and 16) for Rte 16 is about Wildcat Ski area, but the roads around to the north are generally faster.

Doug

 

[Kevin Rooney]

This is a slight variant on your question, but sometimes the question is framed 'what's the fastest route to Pinkham/Rocky Branch'? Having done this many scores of times - from the intersection of 302 in Twin Mountain - whether you go north at this point and go thru Gorham and turn south, or turn right and go thru Crawford Notch and Jackson - it won't matter in the long run more the 5 minutes +/-.

 

[MadRiver]

When the Bear Notch road is open I have found that the Nancy Pond Trailhead is the break even point. Anything north of Nancy Pond I take 93-3-302, anything south of Nancy Pond I take 112-Bear Notch-302.

 

[sapblatt]

The break-even point on distance for destinations on Rte 302 is, IIRC, somewhere between Crawford TH and Davis TH. Add in traffic and the slower roads for Rte 25 etc and the break-even point on time for destinations on Rte 302 might be a bit closer to N. Conway.

You can also use the Kanc and Bear Notch Rd. Slow, but pretty.


Similarly, the distance break-even point (via Rte 93 and 2 vs 25 and 16) for Rte 16 is about Wildcat Ski area, but the roads around to the north are generally faster.

Doug

That's funny Doug - I never measured it but from Peabody MA I have always treated the Highland Center (which is reasonably close to your spot) as the cutoff point to decide if I am going to take 16 or I-93...anything west of the Highland Ctr I take 93 - it is east I take 16. Appalacia is always a tough call - I generally take 93 if it is a tossup as I prefer it.

 

[DougPaul]

That's funny Doug - I never measured it but from Peabody MA

I measured it from the junction of Rtes 93 and 128 using my Garmin Metroguide 4.02 digital maps. Any route that takes 93 from a point south of the junction with Rte 104 should have the same break-even points.

Doug

 

[bikehikeskifish]

I'm pretty sure Google Maps (or other map sites) are using the same mathematical model to compute the distance. However, it doesn't include traffic during the hours hikers travel, local road conditions (crappy pavement, dirt, etc.), or other local knowledge.

Maybe it really doesn't make a huge difference (+/- 5 minutes) either way. I thought I would ask, rather than just go on the online directions.

Tim

 

[dentonfabrics]

I live just north of you and I'll swear to the fact that 93>Kank>Bear Notch Rd is the way to go!

 

[SAR-EMT40]

I live just north of you and I'll swear to the fact that 93>Kank>Bear Notch Rd is the way to go!

Absolutely correct when Bear notch is open. The amazing thing is that there is remarkably little variation in the time, usually 5 minutes or so, certainly no greater than 15, no matter what way I go. But when given the chance I always take Bear Notch.

I should also mention that I don't necessarily pay a lot of attention to the speed limit. More to the conditions so YMMV. No pun intended.

Keith

 

[sapblatt]

I live just north of you and I'll swear to the fact that 93>Kank>Bear Notch Rd is the way to go!

I would agree with that at 7 or 8am - I usually leave at 3-4am which makes 16 quite quick...I do hate it going home...
I love the Kanc for scenery but not as a fast route...

 

[bikehikeskifish]

Funny, that never shows as a route using online mapping sites. I've ridden (cycled) Bear Notch Road in both directions, but never in a car.

Sounds like it is mostly personal preference and no one way clearly trumps any other.

Thanks, y'all,
Tim

 

[dug]

I've gone the 25/113/16 route; the Kanc; 302; even up to Gorham and down. I swear, they are all within 15 minutes of each other and depend on traffic more than anything. This applies more to Jackson than the southern portions of the area.

 

[sapblatt]

I agree - sadly there is not time portal - it is all about the same - just personal preference...

 

[SherpaKroto]

93 route will likely be best overall, taking into potential delays on the way. You don't want to be behind slow drivers on 25 or the Kanc. I find the traffic on 25 to be brutal anytime.

 

[grog]

When I go 113 I like to take exit 25 (Holderness) instead of exit 24, that way I avoid a lot of congestion. I try to pull over whenever someone is behind me on 113, but there's no way I'm speeding. I'm on my mountain time and it's easy does it all the time. I don't need any cop spoiling my good time.

grog