to gorham

One of the best parts of caravaning to MINIs On Top is motoring through the beautiful scenery and twisty mountain roads of northern New Hampshire. Some of the best motoring routes can be found just north of the Area 51 gathering point. Each year we offer four different mapped routes to take caravan members from Area 51 to Gorham, NH. Of course, you can create your own route for Motoring Adventure is you are so inclined!

Of course, you do not need to follow any of these routes; feel free to explore on your own! However, if you wish to take one of the mapped routes, please read the route descriptons below. Also, you may wish to print out the route maps to help you choose a route; just click on the "Route Map & Driving Directions" link under each route heading to launch the PDF file.

A big tip o' the Yellow Hat to Angus Crowe for his time and effort in developing the route information that was used to create the final versions below.

Note that each route description gives estimated travel time and mileage; these estimates do not include time/miles which may be needed for vista-viewing, food, fuel, unusual traffic congestion, etc. Therefore, with a 2:00pm departure time from Area 51, you can roughly estimate your arrival time in Gorham for each route. Those who will be going on the Moose Hunt may wish to take one of the shorter routes.

Please remember that MINIs On Top will be held a week after Bike Week in Laconia, NH. It seems that bikers and MINI owners connect in their enjoyment of motoring, so there will still be many of our kindred spirit on the highways and back-roads we travel. Please -- watch out for motorcycles wherever you drive and extend all courtesy to our fellow enthusiasts!

Route 1 - Direct to Gorham
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Estimated Mileage: 99 miles
Route Map & Driving Directions

This route will appeal to those who wish to minimize driving time to Gorham or to those who will need to arrive in Gorham earlier in the afternoon. Even though a fair portion of the route is on Interstate 93, the views will still delight young and old.

Traffic should move moderately fast on I-93 but may be slower than normal on Rt. 3, Rt. 115, and Rt. 2. Pinch-points may include the Twin Mountain intersection and Rt. 2 into Gorham.

Route 2 - Kanc/BearNotch to Gorham
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Estimated Mileage: 111 miles
Route Map & Driving Directions

This route is the one followed by the YC/A51 Caravan in year's past. It will appeal to those who have interest in experiencing the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and the twisty Bear Notch Road.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are planning to take the Saturday Kancamagus Drive with the rest of the MINIs from the Loon Lot, you may not wish to take this route as it may "spoil" some of the excitement of that day's drive. First time Kancamagus drivers may also wish to wait for the Saturday Drive.

Traffic should move moderately fast on the I-93 but much slower than normal in downtown Lincoln, on Rt. 112, Bear Notch Road, and Rt. 16. Pinch-points may include Lincoln (beginning of Kancamagus Hwy) and Bartlett (intersection of Bear Notch Road and Rt. 302).

Route 3 - Golden Pond to Gorham
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
Estimated Mileage: 114 miles
Route Map & Driving Directions

Back-roads will dominate this route and, thus, will appeal to those who have done the Kancamagus Scenic Byway and Bear Notch route and to those looking for a moderately long adventure.

The route soon departs from I-93 and follows back-roads to the Lakes Region just south of the White Mountains. From there, the route winds its way toward Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire. It then heads north toward Squam Lake -- the picturesque filming location for the movie "On Golden Pond". Back-roads are followed to Rt. 16, which goes through Conway and North Conway to Gorham.

Traffic should be slower than normal on all non-interstate roads and care will need to be exercised on the roads between Meridith and Rt. 16 near Conway. Pinch points will include Rt. 104 near Meredith, downtown Meredith, Conway, North Conway, and Bartlett.

Route 4 - Polar Caves to Gorham
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Estimated Mileage: 125 miles
Route Map & Driving Directions

This extended back-roads adventure spends little time on main roads and treats the eye to sights along some of the most rural paved roads in the state. You will pass by Polar Caves Park on Rt. 25 near Plymouth, one of a number of family entertainment destinations in nothern New Hampshire.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are planning to take the Franconia 1 or Franconia 2 Dirves with the rest of the MINIs from the Loon Lot on Saturday, you may not wish to take this route as its northern half may "spoil" some of the excitement of that day's drive.

Traffic should be slower than normal on most of the roads. Pinch-points may include Franconia, the Twin Mountain intersection and Rt. 2 into Gorham.