Connecticut River Byway

The Connecticut River Byway offers a mesmerizing journey along one of New England’s most iconic waterways. Stretching through New Hampshire and Vermont, this scenic route hugs the river’s western edge and unfurls a ribbon of pastoral charm, storied architecture, and outdoor adventure. It’s a place where winding roads pass through rolling farmland, covered bridges, bustling towns, and cultural landmarks rooted deeply in American heritage.

This route is more than a drive. It’s an experience shaped by centuries of life along the Connecticut River, which has long served as a backbone for trade, farming, and community development. Following this byway from south to north invites travelers to connect with the land and its people while soaking in a natural landscape that remains gloriously wild in parts and thoughtfully preserved in others.

From West Chesterfield to Littleton: The New Hampshire Stretch

The New Hampshire leg of the Connecticut River Byway spans approximately 140 miles, beginning near the junction of Route 9 in West Chesterfield and running all the way to Littleton in the White Mountains. This stretch showcases small-town charm, historic villages, and peaceful riverfront scenes.

• Walpole: Known for its stately homes and pristine farms, Walpole is a postcard-perfect stop. Route 12 threads through this area, offering a slow-paced, scenic approach to rural New Hampshire life.
  
• Claremont: A town with industrial roots, Claremont offers architectural interest and access to the Cornish-Windsor Bridge, one of the longest covered bridges in the country.
  
• Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site: Located in Cornish, this preserved estate celebrates the life and work of famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, with gardens, galleries, and walking paths.

Continuing north, Route 10 takes travelers through the ivy-clad town of Hanover, home to Dartmouth College. The presence of the university adds cultural vibrancy to the town, with museums, theaters, and bookstores nestled among colonial-era buildings. From here, the route moves toward Lyme and Orford, where stately Federal-style homes known as the Seven Swans reflect architectural excellence from the early Republic period.

The final segment climbs into the Upper Valley, where the road follows Route 135 through Haverhill, Woodsville, and Littleton. Each of these towns tells a story, from 18th-century crossroads to mill-town resilience. Littleton, in particular, hums with local art, good food, and riverfront energy, making it a satisfying conclusion to this scenic drive.

Vermont’s Side: National Scenic Byway Status and Deep Roots

Designated a National Scenic Byway in 2005, Vermont’s portion of the route stretches for over 300 miles from the Massachusetts border up to Stewartstown, just shy of Canada. This section of the byway offers a rich blend of working farms, riverside meadows, heritage villages, and access to iconic outdoor landmarks.

The Connecticut River is at the heart of this corridor. Flanked by the Green Mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east, the route follows the contours of the valley with remarkable consistency. In spring and summer, it shimmers with green fields and golden light. In fall, the foliage burns in brilliant oranges and reds. Winter, too, offers its own magic, with snowy slopes and ski resorts beckoning adventurers.

Notable Stops Along the Vermont Route

• Molly Stark State Park: Located near Brattleboro, this park offers forested trails and panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
  
• Herricks Cove: A peaceful wildlife sanctuary near Bellows Falls, ideal for birdwatching and quiet reflection by the water.
  
• Fort No. 4: Near Charlestown, this living history museum offers insight into frontier life during the mid-18th century.
  
• White River Junction: A vibrant arts community housed in repurposed rail-era buildings. Spend the night here and enjoy local dining and art spaces like the Great Hall Gallery.
  
• St. Johnsbury: Known for the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, St. Johnsbury offers a walkable downtown with ornate Victorian architecture.

Activities for Every Season

This byway provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and history lovers alike. No matter the season, the route offers rich experiences along the way.

Spring/Summer:

• Rafting or kayaking on the Connecticut River
• Hiking along nearby portions of the Appalachian Trail
• Touring family-run farms and orchards

Autumn:

• Leaf peeping throughout the Upper Valley and forested stretches
• Scenic walks through small towns during fall festivals

Winter:

• Access to premier ski resorts just west of the byway
• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the countryside

A Journey Through the American Story

Throughout the route, the history of the Connecticut River Valley is everywhere. From preserved barns to timeworn churches and stone fences that mark old field lines, every corner offers a glimpse into how the land shaped generations of farmers, artists, and innovators. The rhythm of the river continues to guide the character of the towns that rise beside it.

For those seeking a route that combines rustic charm, historic depth, and sweeping natural beauty, the Connecticut River Byway offers a fulfilling and immersive experience. Set against the enduring flow of the river, the journey becomes a passage through the region’s living history, woven into its roads, fields, and the ever-present current that gave rise to it all.