New Hampshire motorcycle rides: the Kanc, the notches and Laconia

New Hampshire packs a lot of riding into a small state. In one day you can cross three notches, climb the highest peak in the Northeast and finish with dinner on Lake Winnipesaukee. It is also home to one of the oldest motorcycle rallies in the country, so the whole state is used to bikes.

The White Mountains are the heart of it: the Kancamagus, Pinkham Notch, Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and the Mount Washington Auto Road. The Lakes Region around Lake Winnipesaukee is Laconia country, with lake loops and summer towns. The Great North Woods above the mountains is remote moose country, with Dixville Notch and the road to the Canadian border. The Seacoast is a short stretch of Atlantic shore from Seabrook to Portsmouth. The south has quieter back roads close to home.

Southern New Hampshire and the Seacoast ride roughly April to early November. The White Mountains and the Great North Woods are shorter, about May to October, and snow is possible at elevation into May and again by October. The Mount Washington Auto Road and Evans Notch open and close with the season.

June is rally month, with Motorcycle Week drawing riders from across the country. Summer is warm in the valleys and cool on the summits, with afternoon thunderstorms over the mountains.

Fall foliage usually peaks in the White Mountains and the North Woods from late September into early October, and in the south a bit later. The Kancamagus becomes one of the busiest roads in New England on foliage weekends, so go at sunrise or midweek. Spring means sand, frost heaves and black flies.

Helmets: As of 2026, New Hampshire has no helmet law. It is one of only a few states without one. See the IIHS helmet law overview for how it compares. No law doesn't mean no risk. Wear a helmet, especially on mountain roads with moose and gravel.

Lane splitting and filtering: As of 2026, New Hampshire law doesn't allow lane splitting or filtering. Several states are changing their laws, so check before you ride.

Laconia Motorcycle Week is the big one. It usually runs in June, centered on Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, and it is one of the oldest motorcycle rallies in the country. The Loudon Classic races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway traditionally run during the week. Expect heavy traffic and a big police presence on every road around the lake. Check the organizer for dates.

Americade in Lake George, New York, also usually in June, is a day's ride west, and the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride runs worldwide each May. The rest of the calendar is bike nights, spring blessing of the bikes rides, charity rides and fall foliage runs. In Rippin', open Meets to find them near you and RSVP, or post your own. See motorcycle events in the app.

Rippin' is a free motorcycle app for iPhone and Android. Tap Record Ride, cross the notches, and get a Ride Wrapped recap of your map, miles, turf and points when you stop. See the free ride tracker.

Rippin' started in Southern California, so New Hampshire has few riders and roads in the app so far. The White Mountains are wide open. In Turf Wars, a loop that closes back on itself claims the land inside on the live map, and empty land is free. Loop the Kancamagus with NH 16 and US 302 and you claim a huge piece of the White Mountains.

Shops, diners and bars can become poker stops through the partners page, and riders can nominate stops; see how poker runs work. Add a favorite road through Create a Segment, and use group rides to keep your crew on one live map during Motorcycle Week.