New Hampshire Route 112

New Hampshire Route 112 is a scenic New Hampshire highway that spans approximately 56 miles, passing through the White Mountain National Forest and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The route is maintained by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, including those visiting Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain, and Loon Mountain. The highway is also close to several notable towns, including North Woodstock, New Hampshire, Woodstock, New Hampshire, and Lincoln, New Hampshire, which offer a range of amenities and services for travelers. The route's scenic beauty and proximity to popular attractions make it a favorite among visitors to the region, including those attending events at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion.

● Introduction

New Hampshire Route 112 is a significant transportation artery in northern New Hampshire, providing access to several popular tourist destinations, including Mount Washington, Mount Adams (New Hampshire), and Mount Jefferson (New Hampshire). The route is also close to the Androscoggin River, which forms part of the border between New Hampshire and Maine. The highway passes through several towns and villages, including Lancaster, New Hampshire, Stark, New Hampshire, and Lincoln, New Hampshire, each with its own unique character and attractions, such as the Lancaster Fair, the Stark Village, and the Lincoln Village. The route is also near several notable institutions, including Plymouth State University, White Mountains Community College, and the New Hampshire State Hospital.

● Route Description

The route begins at an intersection with U.S. Route 3 and U.S. Route 5 in Lancaster, New Hampshire, and proceeds east through the White Mountain National Forest, passing near several notable landmarks, including Mount Washington State Park, Cannon Mountain Ski Area, and Loon Mountain Ski Resort. The highway then continues through the towns of Stark, New Hampshire and Lincoln, New Hampshire, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the Pemigewasset Wilderness and the Franconia Notch. The route is also close to several popular hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail, the Franconia Ridge Trail, and the Kancamagus Highway Trail. The highway's scenic beauty and proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, including those visiting Squam Lake, Winnipesaukee Lake, and the White Mountain National Forest.

● History

The route was established in 1922 as part of the New Hampshire state highway system, and has since undergone several improvements and realignments, including the construction of the Kancamagus Highway in the 1950s and the 1960s. The highway has also been recognized for its scenic beauty, and has been designated as a National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration. The route's history is also closely tied to the development of the White Mountain National Forest, which was established in 1918 to protect the region's natural resources and promote outdoor recreation. The highway has played a significant role in the region's economic development, particularly in the tourism industry, with many businesses and attractions located along the route, including the Mount Washington Hotel, the Omni Mount Washington Resort, and the Inn at Valley Farms.

● Major Intersections

The route intersects with several other highways and roads, including U.S. Route 3, U.S. Route 5, and the Kancamagus Highway, which provide access to other parts of New Hampshire and neighboring states, such as Vermont and Maine. The highway also intersects with several local roads, including New Hampshire Route 116, New Hampshire Route 118, and New Hampshire Route 175, which provide access to nearby towns and villages, such as Franconia, New Hampshire, Easton, New Hampshire, and Landaff, New Hampshire. The route's intersections with other highways and roads make it an important transportation artery in the region, with many travelers using the highway to access popular destinations, including Stowe, Vermont, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, and North Conway, New Hampshire.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on the route varies throughout the year, with the highest volumes typically occurring during the summer and fall months, when tourists and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the region to enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and leaf peeping. The highway is also an important route for commercial traffic, with many trucks and buses using the highway to transport goods and people to and from the region, including those traveling to and from Boston, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, and Montreal, Quebec. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation monitors traffic volumes on the route and implements measures to manage traffic flow and ensure safety, including the use of traffic cameras, traffic signals, and road signs, such as those used on Interstate 93 and Interstate 89. The route's traffic volume is also influenced by events and attractions in the region, including the New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival, the White Mountain Storytelling Festival, and the Lincoln Summer Concert Series.