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The Kancamagus Highway is a portion of NH Route spanning east to west from Lincoln to Conway. The mile drive is a recognized National Scenic Byway. The Kancamagus Highway may be legendary, but it is a relatively new road as New England scenic byways go. Some old logging and town roads edged.
– Kancamagus highway
The Swift River narrows and cuts through flumes with wide open rocky surfaces either side, perfect for the kids to get out for a mini adventure. A wooden bridge crosses the river and provides the classic view up and down stream with leaves illuminating the river flanks.
After crossing the bridge, follow short forest trails to Falls Pond and beautiful reflection photographs with Fall colors. Lower Falls is the perfect example of a low running river later in the season, but it is still incredibly pretty with bright contrasting colors in the surrounding trees.
Lower Falls is an extremely popular recreational area with plenty of parking, bathrooms and picnic benches. This is the perfect place to swim in a large natural pool in the river, sunbathe, relax and eat lunch.
Note that swimming at Lower Falls is dangerous after heavy rainfall or when the current is strong. Hiking and photography are our two favorite things to do when we travel. Albany covered bridge is stunning and one of our personal favorites. Originally built in , this gorgeous wooden bridge has required several restorations and repairs but it remains a must-visit on The Kanc. Walk across the bridge, make your way down to the river edge to get a close up angled view and be sure to send your drone up if you have one.
The penultimate hike we recommend begins in the same parking lot, Boulder Loop Trail. This is a 2. If you have a little more time or decided to stay a night in Conway before getting up for an early morning hike, take on South Moat Mountain just 4 miles from Conway. Now, once you reach the end of Kancamagus Highway you will find yourself in Conway. This is the place to end your road trip and spend an evening.
Although the Kancamagus Highway is primarily visited in Summer and Fall, this scenic byway is still a gorgeous place to drive through during Spring and even Winter. From beginning to end you will see warm earthy colors illuminating the road side, hiking trails, rivers and ponds. You can expect the colors to begin turning around the middle of September, but plan to visit during the first two weeks of October for peak Fall colors.
Each year is slightly different and it can hard to predict exactly where to be on which day. But if you aim for those first two weeks in October you stand the best chance of hitting it right on the money. Personally, we spent a night in Loon Mountain, woke up early and got on the road so we could beat the crowds and grab a late lunch in Conway. Discover the 10 best places to visit on an unforgettable New England fall foliage road trip , with our detailed 5 days, 7 days and 10 days itinerary to help you plan the perfect visit.
Yes, the Kancamagus Highway is worth it! If you drove the Kanc just for the scenery alone it would be worth it. The drive is a perfect way to spend a day because the beauty of the White Mountain National Forest is stunning especially in the fall. The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is only 35 miles so it can easily be driven in a day. If you drove right through, it would probably only take 45 minutes to drive the entire Kanc.
But we would recommend you make some stops along the Kancamagus highway to experience everything the area has to offer. A half day or just a few hours would give you enough time to see some of the best sights along the Kancamagus Highway. Fall is also a very busy time in New England with many people coming to see the fall leaves changing color. It may get crowded on the highway so be sure to allow yourself some extra time if visiting during the peak season.
The Kancamagus Highway is open year round. But the nine mile Bear Notch Road which intersects the Kanc is closed in the winter and has weight restrictions. As you drive the 35 miles of the Kanc, you will wander through the beautiful White Mountain National Forest. We hope this road trip guide featuring the top attractions and best places to stop along Kancamagus Highway in NH helps you plan your visit!
Please let us know if you need any help planning your visit to New England in the comments below. Was This Post Helpful?
Pin It For Your Visit! Hi Gina, the entire drive is scenic as the road passes through the White Mountains. There are plenty of roadside pull overs and parking areas with vista points requiring no walking at all. Have a great trip! So where exactly are the best stops on the Kancamagus Highway? Table of Contents show. Loon Mountain. Lincoln Woods Trailhead. Hancock Overlook. Pemigewasset Overlook. CL Graham Wangan Overlook.
Sugar Hill Overlook. Sabbaday Falls. Russell-Colbath House. Champney Falls and Mount Chocorua. Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond.
Lower Falls. Albany Covered Bridge. Conway North Conway. Kancamagus Highway Road Trip Tips. Conway Hotels. Kancamagus Highway Campgrounds. More From New England. On a peak day, more than 4, vehicles traverse at least a portion of this famous route. Allow plenty of time for your outing, not only because traffic can build up but because there are so many attractions to see and Instagram-worthy photo-op stops along the Kanc, particularly if you’re up for a bit of hiking.
The Kancamagus Highway has all quintessential New England scenery to provide a perfect scenic road trip, especially if you do it in the fall. From bright red and orange autumn colors to covered wooden bridges, there’s plenty to enjoy on this breathtaking route. In addition to being New England’s prettiest drive, the Kancamagus Highway is also one of the easiest driving tours to navigate.
Follow Route west from Conway to Lincoln or vice versa. Even if you have a smartphone or GPS, don’t discount printing out a paper map to monitor your progress and ensure that you don’t miss any must-see attractions, including waterfalls and covered bridges. You can also stop at the Saco Ranger Station, just west of Conway, to pick up a map and begin to plot your stops at well-designated scenic overlooks, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and historical sites along the Kanc.
A visitor information center is also located on the western end of the Kanc in Lincoln, should you decide to drive the route in reverse. Passes are available for purchase online or from a selection of local vendors. Driving the Kanc straight through without stops is free, although the stops are well worth the fee.
This is New Hampshire’s ski country, and there are plentiful lodging options on either end of the Kancamagus Highway. Keep in mind, though, that popular hotels and inns sell out far in advance for peak weekends during the fall foliage season, and some require minimum stays of two or more nights.
Don’t forget to check Airbnb for cabins and condos available at affordable rates during the non-ski season. If you want to stay right amid the Kanc and its glorious scenery—and save money—consider a camping vacation. Only Hancock remains open through the winter months. The Kancamagus Highway may be legendary, but it is a relatively new road as New England scenic byways go. Some old logging and town roads edged into the rugged White Mountain National Forest, which the federal government set aside for conservation in Still, a connection between Conway and Lincoln was not completed until The road was paved in , and, in , it was plowed for the first time, allowing for year-round traffic.
Kancamagus tried to maintain peace between his people and encroaching English settlers, but war and bloodshed forced the tribes to scatter, with most retreating to northern New Hampshire and Canada. Most visitors will say “definitely! While the highway is only 35 miles long, it will take between two and three hours to fully experience the drive.
There are no businesses or gas stations along the road, so be prepared.