The Kancamagus Scenic Byway, also called the “Kanc” is likely one of the most scenic highway journeys in New Hampshire and in all of New England. Especially well-liked with “leaf peepers” throughout fall foliage season, the Kancamagus Highway is a 34-mile scenic stretch alongside New Hampshire’s Route 112 within the White Mountain National Forest.
The Kancamagus Highway (pronounced “Kank-ah-mah-gus”) runs east-west, with the primary part bookended within the west within the city of Lincoln, NH, and within the east by Conway, NH.
When is the very best time to drive the Kancamagus Highway?
The drive is fairly at any time of yr, however particularly in the course of the autumn when the leaves are altering colours and the mountains develop into a carpet of fiery oranges, reds, and yellows.
Prime fall foliage season varies relying on the yr, however usually “peaks” between late September and mid-October. This makes Columbus Day / Indigenous People’s Day Weekend a well-liked time to go to New Hampshire’s White Mountains and drive the Kancamagus Highway.
You can at all times test New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage Tracker to see how when the leaves will peak within the White Mountains this yr.
If you propose on visiting within the fall, you’ll encounter fewer crowds for those who can go to mid-week. In both case, begin early to keep away from the crowds that construct later within the day.
How Long Does it Take to Drive the Kancamagus Highway?
Of course, a visit alongside this National Scenic Byway is not only in regards to the drive, it’s in regards to the journey and the locations you cease alongside the way in which. A typical drive with a number of stops will take a minimum of half a day.
If you wish to take some longer hikes or spend extra time at a few of the viewpoints, plan on taking a full day to drive the Kancamagus Highway. Since there may be a lot to do within the White Mountains and within the space close by, it’s best to plan a weekend journey (or higher, go to within the mid-week when it isn’t as crowded!)
Where to Stop on the Kancamagus Highway
We have pushed this scenic byway in each instructions and I can’t say that one is essentially higher than the opposite, however I discovered it barely much less crowded driving from east to west (beginning in Conway), so that’s how I’ve laid out the stops under. Just understand that you may simply as simply reverse this itinerary if you’re beginning in Lincoln.
If you’re staying close to Conway and touring from east to west, it’s possible you’ll wish to cease on the Saco Ranger station once you first set out on the freeway with a view to buy a leisure go that covers parking at every cease alongside the way in which.
1. North Conway
North Conway makes a super beginning spot in your scenic drive, with plentiful eating places, outlet buying, and outside points of interest equivalent to Diana’s Baths or Cathedral Ledge. For breakfast earlier than you permit, I’d advocate Peach’s Restaurant and for lunch or dinner, we love Barley & Salt Tap House and Kitchen, Flatbread’s, or the Muddy Moose.
2. Swift River
When you begin your journey alongside Highway 112 from Conway, simply after you go the Kancamagus Swift River Inn, the freeway will begin to parallel the Swift River. There is a large shoulder pull-off space for parking and a number of straightforward paths all the way down to the riverfront at this level.
When the water is low, it’s straightforward to hang around on the rocks and take within the view or do some wading. Just understand that the river could also be deeper than it appears to be like and the present sooner. Take care and convey sturdy sneakers or water sneakers with a great grip.
3. Albany Covered Bridge
The first main attraction is the Albany Covered Bridge. There is a big parking zone right here and you too can buy a leisure go by way of the self-service station. Watch out for visitors crossing the picket bridge.
There are strolling paths on both aspect of the bridge and loads of areas to climb out on the rocks within the river for an ideal scenic photograph with the bridge within the background.
4. Lower Falls Scenic Area
The Lower Falls scenic space is a very fashionable cease on the Kancamagus Highway. So a lot so that you could be wish to skip it if the parking zone appears to be like too crowded, particularly if in case you have already had an opportunity to climb on the rocks within the Swift River.
There is a small waterfall and other people swim within the river right here in the course of the summer season months. You may also discover a picnic space with just a few BBQ grills and bogs.
5. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Swimming shouldn’t be allowed on the Rocky Gorge scenic space due to the drive of the river flowing by the slender gorge, which has been carved by glaciers. It is a straightforward stroll from the parking zone all the way down to a footbridge overlooking the gorge and the waterfall.
You may climb down on the rocks for a better take a look at the gorge or proceed alongside the trail to Falls Pond and the viewing space there.
6. Champney Falls
If you’re prepared to take a full day driving alongside the Kanc, and up for a little bit of a hike, cease at Champney Falls. It is a 2.5-hour out-and-back hike to the collection of waterfalls, about 70 toes lengthy. This hike really gives a greater view when the water is excessive or within the late spring. By fall these have typically dried up. You can at all times test AllTrails for up-to-date opinions of mountain climbing trails.
7. Russell-Colbath Homestead
History buffs might take pleasure in a cease at this historic website positioned close to the Jigger Johnson Campground, however if you’re in a rush, be happy to skip it. This wood-frame home was constructed within the early 1830s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2003, a brand new put up and beam barn was constructed, which is used for interpretive applications. At occasions, a number greets guests carrying clothes that will have been worn within the 1800s.
8. Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area
Sabbaday Falls is likely one of the most visited waterfalls in New Hampshire and it may be a bit difficult to discover a spot to park both within the lot or alongside the highway. Just a brief 10-minute stroll up a large gravel path leads you to those beautiful waterfalls. You can peek on the decrease falls and pool on the base, or climb up alongside the stairway to the highest of the falls. There you may see a forty five′ drop to the pool under.
There can be a picnic space right here that makes a great place to eat lunch on the midway level in your drive. Restrooms are additionally obtainable.
9. Sugar Hill Scenic Overlook
This is one among my favourite scenic overlooks due to the elevation and the colour that one can find at Sugar Hill. There can be a pleasant viewing gazebo that makes for fairly photograph opps.
10. C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook
Overlooking the Kancamagus Pass, this overlook gives stunning views to the north into the White Mountains. The vegetation right here is as stunning because the colourful mountains within the distance.
11. Pemigewasset Overlook
If you need a view to the south, make a fast cease on the Pemigewasset Overlook on the opposite aspect of the highway. This one is less complicated to cease at if you’re touring west to east. Either method, it’s good to get a unique perspective.
12. Lincoln Woods
When you attain Lincoln Woods Trailhead, you’re nearly to the city of Lincoln. This is the biggest trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway, with entry to many mountain climbing trails so that you can end your day. There can be a Ranger Station and customer middle on-site, a great cease if you’re beginning on this route.
There is a suspension footbridge throughout the Pemigewasset River, and that is additionally an space the place you may climb on the rivers alongside the river.
13. Lincoln
The city of Lincoln makes for an ideal spot to start out or finish your drive alongside the Kancamagus Highway. There are loads of choices to choose up meals for the drive, equivalent to at White Mountain Bagel or The Moon Bakery & Cafe. If you’re staying on the town, attempt to make reservations for dinner or go early and be ready to attend. Some well-liked decisions embrace The Common Man and One Love Brewery.
If you will have any power left, there are additionally close by points of interest equivalent to Alpine Adventures ziplining, Flume Gorge, and Lost River Gorge.
Tips for Driving the Kancamagus Highway
- Start early because the parking areas can refill quick, particularly if you’re visiting within the fall.
- Get gasoline earlier than beginning your drive as there isn’t any alongside the route.
- Pack a picnic as you additionally received’t discover any eating places or meals companies besides close to the cities at both finish.
- Drive rigorously and preserve a watch out for wildlife, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.
- Restrooms can be found at lots of the most important trailheads and points of interest, however you’ll want to convey hand sanitizer and probably further bathroom paper.
- Keep in thoughts that there’s VERY LITTLE cellphone protection on the freeway. It is sensible to convey alongside a paper map or drop a pin / save these locations on a Google Map which you could entry offline.
- Another possibility is to obtain the Kancamagus Scenic Byway audioguide earlier than you go and hearken to that as you drive. It is location-enabled to play routinely.
- Parking at most trailheads and attraction parking heaps requires a Recreation Pass. You should buy a seasonal go on-line earlier than you go, or on the Ranger Station initially of the drive. If you don’t, you too can buy utilizing the self-service envelopes at main parking heaps. Just you should definitely convey small payments (presently $5.00) to place within the envelope and dangle the tag in your automotive.
- Try to go to in the course of the week if you’re planning on visiting throughout prime foliage season.
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen simply in case they’re wanted.
- Remember to pack layers because the temperature and climate can change quickly within the White Mountains.
Where to Stay Near the Kancamagus Highway
Note: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I’ll obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
There are six campgrounds alongside the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, however most guests l select to remain within the well-liked cities of Conway / North Conway or Lincoln.
Where to Stay in North Conway, NH
In North Conway, we love the Red Jacket Mountain Resort for the family-size suites and indoor waterpark (presently closed as a consequence of a fireplace however we hope it’s going to reopen). We have additionally been very pleased on the Residence Inn North Conway.
If you’re in search of a extra distinctive glamping possibility, we stayed in a glamping tent in Albany, NH on the Huttopia Resort simply south of the east entrance of the Kancamagus Highway. It was such a enjoyable spot proper on a lake with loads of resort-like facilities. You can learn my full Huttopia White Mountains overview to see if it will be a great match for you.
Where to Stay in Lincoln, NH
In Lincoln, there are many choices close to Loon Mountain, however we just like the Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain. For a extra distinctive keep, I’ve additionally stayed in a safari glamping tent on the KOA Lincoln/Woodstock. In addition to tents and campsites, the KOA additionally has Conestoga wagons, treehouses, and cabins. You can learn my full overview of glamping on the KOA Lincoln/Woodstock.
Things to do Near the Kancamagus Highway
While a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway can take a full day of your journey to New Hampshire, it’s possible you’ll wish to keep just a little longer and revel in a few of the different White Mountain points of interest. A couple of issues to do close by embrace:
Drive the Mt. Washington Auto Road – this white-knuckle drive shouldn’t be for the feint of coronary heart but when the climate cooperates, you will get wonderful views from the highest. Just be ready for prime winds on the summit! Also, notice that it is a toll highway.
Ride the Mount Washington Cog Railway – experience the practice as much as the highest of the best level within the Northeast on the second steepest cog railway on the planet.
See the autumn foliage alongside the Conway Scenic Railway. This practice experience isn’t as steep, however takes a beautiful route by the White Mountains and Crawford Notch.
Swing from the timber at Alpine Adventures zipline on two treetop routes. (Just you should definitely e-book upfront.) You may take an off-road journey tour or lease a side-by-side to take a guided tour of the non-public 300-acre mountain sanctuary.
Explore the caves and waterfalls of the Lost River Gorge. At this attraction, you may climb by caves and traverse the one-mile gorge to see waterfalls and historical rock formations.
Hike in Flume Gorge. While Flume Gorge is a part of the New Hampshire State Park system, it is a paid attraction and on-line reservations are required. You can hike alongside a two-mile loop alongside boardwalks, up stairs, and alongside paths by this 800-foot gorge. This shouldn’t be a great attraction for these with mobility points.
Enjoy summer season and fall mountain points of interest at Attitash or Cranmore Mountain Resorts. At Attitash, one can find an Alpine slide, whereas Cranmore has a mountain coaster, big swing, zip line, and scenic chair raise. Both supply stunning views!
Splash within the waterfalls of Diana’s Baths. In heat climate, you’ll want to convey your water sneakers and towels to benefit from the waterfalls. You might also wish to go to Cathedral’s Ledge close by to soak up the view.
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