North Conway NH to Plymouth MA: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The journey from North Conway, New Hampshire to Plymouth, Massachusetts spans roughly 130 miles via NH-16, I-95, and MA-3, taking about 2.5 to 3 hours without stops. This route cuts through the heart of New England, from the White Mountains to the Atlantic coast.

An unusual fact: the section of NH-16 near Ossipee was once a Native American trail known as the Pequawket Trail, used for trade between the interior and the coast.

• Start: North Conway, NH (44.0542° N, 71.1289° W)
• End: Plymouth, MA (41.9584° N, 70.6673° W)
• Primary route: NH-16 south to US-202, then I-95 south to MA-3 east
• Alternative: NH-16 to NH-153 to NH-125, avoiding I-95

Planning fuel stops is crucial as gas stations become sparse between North Conway and Conway village. The best fuel economy is achieved at speeds of 55-60 mph on NH-16, where frequent traffic lights reduce efficiency.

New England gas prices average $3.50/gal (2024). A mid-size SUV will cost roughly $20 for the trip. Consider fueling at the Shell station in North Conway (mile 0) or the Irving in Portsmouth (mile 75).

• Best fuel stop: Irving Big Stop in Portsmouth, NH (exit 3 off I-95) - often cheaper than stations near tourist areas.
• Worst fuel stop: Mobil in North Conway village - premium tourist pricing.
• For EV users: Tesla Superchargers in North Conway (River Street) and Plymouth (Samson Way).

Tolls: I-95 in New Hampshire has no tolls, but the Maine Turnpike does not apply. The Sagamore Bridge on MA-3 has a $3.00 toll (cash or E-ZPass).

Cell service: Strong 4G/LTE along the entire route. Only brief dead zones near the Ossipee Lake area.

The drive begins in the White Mountains, with the Mount Washington Valley offering stunning vistas of Presidential Range peaks. As you descend south, the terrain transitions to rolling hills and pine forests around Lake Winnipesaukee.

Near the coast, salt marshes and estuaries frame the road, especially near Newburyport. The route avoids major UNESCO sites, but the nearby Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area for whales.

• Natural landscape highlights: Echo Lake State Park (North Conway), Pawtuckaway State Park (Nottingham, NH), Plum Island (Newburyport, MA)
• Local commerce: North Conway's outlet shopping (Settlers' Green), Portsmouth's historic Market Square, Newburyport's boutique stores on State Street
• Cultural note: The Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail and Plymouth's Pilgrim history provide deep historical context.

For how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, explore our guide on discovering off-the-beaten-path attractions.

NH-16 has several dangerous intersections, particularly near Conway and Ossipee. Watch for deer crossings, especially at dusk. I-95 is well-maintained but can be congested near Portsmouth.

For family breaks, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire in Dover is a top stop. Plymouth has the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, ideal for school-age kids. Pet-friendly rest stops include the Greenland Truck Stop (with a fenced dog area) and the Myles Standish State Forest (leash required).

• Fatigue management: Rest every 2 hours or 100 miles. Recommended stops: Ossipee Lake Scenic View (mile 30), Hampton Beach State Park (mile 85)
• Safety: Avoid NH-16 in winter storms (black ice common). Check road conditions: newengland511.org
• Child suitability: Story Land in Glen (near North Conway) and Canobie Lake Park in Salem, NH (south of route) are excellent.

Hidden off-route spots: The Mad River Path in Waterville Valley (5 miles east of NH-16) offers easy hiking. In MA, the Powwow River in Amesbury has a secret swimming hole.