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Bear Notch Road, White Mountains, New Hampshire
Photo: Bob Linsdell · CC BY 3.0

Drives New Hampshire New Hampshire's White Mountains and Lakes

Bear Notch Road

White Mountains, New Hampshire · Bartlett → Kancamagus Highway

Sweeping8.6 mi15 min1,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,800 ftOne way
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The drive

Bear Notch Road runs about 9 miles from Bartlett on US 302 over the notch to the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112). It is the Kancamagus's only major intersection, and it climbs to a high point near 1,800 feet with three twisty stretches along the way.

The drive runs north to south, so it can follow Crawford Notch from Bartlett and end by crossing the Kancamagus rather than repeating it. The road is Forest Road 26 in the White Mountain National Forest, and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation maintains it.

Along the way

  1. Bartlett (US-302)
  2. Kancamagus Highway (NH-112)
Elevation
1,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,800 ft
BartlettKancamagus Highway
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
BartlettKancamagus Highway
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The road is not plowed and is closed all winter. Gates have usually closed in November and opened in May.
  • Check the Forest Service road status before you go in late fall or early spring.
  • The Kancamagus itself stays open in winter, but it occasionally closes briefly while crews clear heavy snow.

Not plowed: gated from about mid-November to early May (closed Nov 9 in 2025, opened Apr 22 in 2026). Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check White Mountain National Forest road status.

Questions about this drive

Is Bear Notch Road open in winter?

No. Bear Notch Road is closed all winter, with gates at both ends, and it is typically open from about May to November.

How long does Bear Notch Road take?

Bear Notch Road from Bartlett to the Kancamagus Highway is 8.6 miles and takes about 15 minutes.

Where does Bear Notch Road connect?

Bear Notch Road connects Bartlett on US 302 with the Kancamagus Highway (NH 112), and it is the Kancamagus's only major intersection.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Bear Notch Road, from Bartlett to Kancamagus Highway