List of mountain passes in New Hampshire facts for kids
New Hampshire is a state in the United States famous for its amazing mountains. When you travel through these mountains, you might come across special paths called mountain passes. In New Hampshire, these passes are often called notches. They are like natural doorways or gaps that let people and animals travel from one side of a mountain range to another. These notches have been important for a long time, helping people explore and settle the state.
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Exploring New Hampshire's Mountain Passes
New Hampshire's landscape is mostly covered by mountains, especially in the northern parts. Because of this, mountain passes, or notches, are super important for getting around. They make it easier to travel through tough terrain and connect different towns and regions. These natural pathways are not just for roads; they are also popular spots for hiking and enjoying nature.
Passes in the White Mountains
The White Mountains are a large mountain range in New Hampshire, known for their tall peaks and beautiful forests. Many of the most famous and important notches are found here. These passes often connect valleys and towns, making travel possible through this rugged area. They are also popular places for outdoor adventures like hiking and scenic drives.
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Bear Notch | Bartlett |
| Bunnell Notch | Kilkenny |
| Carlton Notch | Randolph |
| Carrigain Notch | between Lincoln and Livermore |
| Carter Notch | Bean's Purchase |
| Crawford Notch | Hart's Location |
| Dickey Notch | Thornton |
| Edmands Col | Thompson and Meserve's Purchase |
| Franconia Notch | Franconia |
| Hancock Notch | Lincoln and Livermore |
| Hunters Pass | Randolph |
| Jefferson Notch | Thompson and Meserve's Purchase |
| Kancamagus Pass | between Lincoln and Conway |
| Kinsman Notch | Woodstock |
| Livermore Pass | Livermore |
| Lost Pass | Waterville Valley |
| Mad River Notch | between Lincoln and Livermore |
| Oliverian Notch | between Warren and Benton |
| Perkins Notch | Bean's Purchase |
| Pinkham Notch | Pinkham's Grant |
| Sandwich Notch | Sandwich |
| Thornton Gap | between Thornton and Waterville Valley |
| Trident Pass | Success |
| Willard Notch | Kilkenny |
| Zealand Notch | between Bethlehem and Lincoln |
| Zeta Pass | Bean's Purchase |
Passes in Northern New Hampshire
Northern New Hampshire is a wilder, less populated part of the state. It has its own set of important notches that help connect small towns and provide access to remote areas. These passes are often surrounded by thick forests and offer a chance to see untouched nature.
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Notch | Columbia |
| Cranberry Bog Notch | Odell |
| Cree Notch | Columbia |
| Dixville Notch | Dixville township |
| Gadwah Notch | Columbia |
| Gore Notch | Stratford |
| Kelsey Notch | Dixville township |
| Moran Notch | Columbia |
| Stratford Notch | Stratford |
| Tabor Notch | Pittsburg |
Passes in Southern New Hampshire
While the southern part of New Hampshire is more populated, it still has its own unique mountain passes. These notches might not be as dramatic as those in the White Mountains, but they are still important for local travel and connecting communities. They often offer scenic routes through rolling hills and smaller mountains.
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Barn Door Gap | Strafford |
| Spofford Gap | between Sharon and Temple |
Why Are Notches Important?
Notches in New Hampshire are more than just gaps in the mountains. They have played a big role in the state's history and continue to be important today.
Historical Travel Routes
In the past, before modern roads, these notches were vital pathways for Native Americans and early settlers. They were the easiest ways to cross the rugged mountains, allowing people to trade, hunt, and explore new lands. Without these natural passages, travel and settlement in New Hampshire would have been much harder.
Modern Transportation
Today, many major roads and highways in New Hampshire follow these ancient notch routes. For example, Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch are home to scenic parkways that attract thousands of visitors every year. These roads make it easy for cars to travel through areas that would otherwise be very difficult to cross.
Outdoor Adventures
Beyond just driving, notches are also popular destinations for outdoor activities. Many hiking trails, like those in Franconia Notch State Park, start or pass through these areas. They offer stunning views, access to waterfalls, and opportunities to see wildlife. Notches are truly special places where nature and human history meet.
