Road Trips from Salem, NH
Salem, NH, is a great starting point for a variety of day trips. You've got options that range from a quick 1.1-hour drive to a longer 3.6-hour adventure, with most routes taking under two hours. The terrain is mostly gently rolling or flat, making for comfortable drives. Several routes offer access to parks, including Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, so you can easily incorporate nature into your escape.
Total Routes
7
Shortest
1.1h
With Parks Nearby
4
Under 2 hours
Andover, NH
1h 27m61.4 mi one way
This 1.5-hour drive to Andover, NH, is a solid choice if you prefer a mostly highway route with a high drive score of 9. It's a shorter option than heading to Milan, and it offers access to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, unlike the trip to Ashland. The gently rolling terrain makes for a pleasant ride.
Ashland, NH
1h 31m75.3 mi one way
If you're looking for a 1.5-hour drive with a high drive score (9), Ashland, NH, is a good pick. This route offers a mix of highway and surface roads, with mostly flat terrain. It’s a bit longer than the drive to Madbury but offers a different road profile.
Rumney, NH
1h 51m88.6 mi one way
This 1.9-hour trip to Rumney, NH, provides a drive score of 9 and features a mix of highway and surface roads. The terrain here is gently rolling, and unlike some shorter trips, it includes park access. It’s a longer option than heading to Unity, but still manageable for a day trip.
Washington, NH
1h 35m68.8 mi one way
For a 1.6-hour drive with a drive score of 7, consider Washington, NH. This route is mostly highway and features gently rolling terrain. It's a shorter drive than Rumney and includes access to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, similar to the Andover trip.
Madbury, NH
1h 3m46.6 mi one way
This is your quickest option at just 1.1 hours to Madbury, NH, with a drive score of 6. It's a mostly highway route with mostly flat terrain. While it doesn't offer park access from the list, its proximity makes it ideal for a brief outing.
Full-day getaway
Milan, NH
3h 35m159.3 mi one way
If you're up for the longest drive at 3.6 hours, Milan, NH, offers a high drive score of 9. This route mixes highway and surface roads with gently rolling terrain. It’s significantly further than any other option, making it a true excursion.
Unity, NH
2h 1m81.6 mi one way
Unity, NH, is an 81.6-mile drive taking 2 hours, with a solid drive score of 8. This route is mostly highway and offers gently rolling terrain. It's a good middle-ground option, longer than Washington but shorter than Milan, and includes access to Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park.
Browse by Mood
Andover, NH
1h 27m61.4 mi one way
Milan, NH
3h 35m159.3 mi one way
Ashland, NH
1h 31m75.3 mi one way
Rumney, NH
1h 51m88.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The gently rolling and flat terrains are accessible, and park visits are possible as the weather warms up.
Summer
Enjoy pleasant drives through the varied terrain, with opportunities to explore parks like Saint-Gaudens.
Fall
The gently rolling terrain offers scenic views, and park exploration remains a viable activity.
Winter
Most routes are mostly highway, suggesting they are generally manageable, though park access might be limited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Salem, NH city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.