The Strangest Road Names in New Hampshire and How They Got Them
Just a short drive north from Concord, the state capital of New Hampshire, lies the quaint town of Franconia, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains. As you explore the winding roads here, you might come across “Lonesome Lake Road,” named after the serene alpine lake found at the end of a moderate 3.2-mile trail from the Franconia Notch Visitor Center. The trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Franconia Ridge and a peaceful mountain pond surrounded by spruce trees, making it a favorite for nature lovers. The road’s name evokes the quiet solitude that hikers experience at the lake, perfectly capturing the remote beauty of this spot. Visiting during early fall is especially magical when the foliage turns vivid shades of red and gold, enriching the landscape with color.
Heading southeast toward Portsmouth, a historic coastal city about an hour’s drive from Boston, you find yourself in the charming Strawberry Bank neighborhood. Here, “Dodge’s Lane” presents a curious story embedded in the town’s colonial past. This narrow lane is near the Strawbery Banke Museum, an outdoor history museum that preserves centuries-old houses and artifacts describing early New England life. The lane’s name traces back to local families who shaped the town’s maritime and mercantile history. Walking through this neighborhood connects visitors to Portsmouth’s colonial roots, best experienced on a sunny spring afternoon when the gardens are in bloom and the harbor glistens in the sun.
In the southwestern part of New Hampshire, near Keene, about 90 minutes west of Concord, you’ll find the quirky “Goblin’s Hollow Road.” It leads to the entrance of Pisgah State Park, the largest state park in New Hampshire. The park offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and snowmobiling in winter, with the Hidden Valley Trail providing a moderately challenging 4-mile loop through dense forest and past rocky outcrops. The name “Goblin’s Hollow” is inspired by the area’s unusual rock formations and folklore tales of mischievous forest creatures. Exploring this park during the dappled light of late afternoon feels almost enchanted, as shadows play across the moss-covered boulders and old-growth forest.
Near the lakeside town of Wolfeboro, about 45 minutes east of Laconia, you’ll encounter “Poison Arrow Road,” an unusual name that piques curiosity. This road winds through the Lakes Region, leading visitors toward the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. The name references the Native American history of the area, where local tribes crafted poison-tipped arrows for hunting. Visitors can explore the Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro or take a scenic boat tour on the lake, which is especially serene in late spring when lilacs bloom and the water is calm. The road and its name serve as a reminder of the region’s deep indigenous heritage intertwined with its picturesque beauty.
In the northern town of Colebrook, roughly two hours north of Littleton, you’ll find “It’s Not Road,” a name that often confuses travelers. This road is near the Connecticut Lakes region, a popular area for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the rugged wilderness. Hikers can explore the nearby Connecticut Lakes State Forest, where trails meander through dense forests and offer glimpses of moose and bald eagles. The unique name “It’s Not Road” reportedly stems from early mapping errors and local jokes about the path’s ambiguous status as a road or trail. The best time to explore here is summer when the weather allows full access to the lakes and forest, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
Driving east from Manchester toward the Seacoast, you reach the small town of Newmarket, where “Rabbit Foot Road” snakes through rural neighborhoods near the Lamprey River. The road’s name likely comes from local folklore involving good luck charms and the river’s rich ecosystem, which includes beavers, otters, and an abundance of bird species. Just a few miles from here, you can visit the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a wonderful spot for birdwatching and walking along tidal marshes. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with the soft light enhancing the tranquil marsh views.
Finally, in the lakeside town of Meredith, about 30 minutes northwest of Laconia, the oddly named “Squam Lake Road” brings visitors toward the gateway of Squam Lake and its surrounding natural wonders. This road leads to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, where interactive exhibits and live animal habitats focus on the region’s native wildlife like otters, hawks, and black bears. Kayaking excursions on Squam Lake provide peaceful paddling experiences through clear waters framed by forested hills. Fall is an ideal season to visit, as the surrounding hardwood forests blaze with color, reflecting vibrantly on the lake’s surface and enhancing the magic behind the road’s name.
Exploring these uniquely named roads in New Hampshire reveals not only the state’s quirky sense of humor and rich local lore but also invites visitors to experience the diverse landscapes and history firsthand. Each name is a gateway to stories, trails, and towns that make New Hampshire a place where the past and present live vividly along every turn.