The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture and in 2018 it turns 100 years old! It runs from Conway to Lincoln and the foliage is just STUNNING. As a National Scenic Byway, the “Kanc,” as the locals call it, remains unspoiled by homes or service stations, allowing visitors to watch the maple, beech and birch trees burst into color without distraction.
Kancamagus was a real person, whose name means “The Fearless One”; he was the grandson of Passaconaway “Child of the Bear”. The town of Conway gets its name from Passaconaway; and that is your history lesson for the day.
Along the Kancamagus Highway you will have hikers, bikers, motorcyclists, trailers, tour buses, and wildlife. Signs will remind you to brake for moose; if you are fortunate enough to see them, keep a respectful distance. Shops, stores and gas stations along the drive are nearly nonexistent, so gas up before you go. Expect no cell service on this drive. By the way, the entire White Mountain National Forest is dog-friendly, if your dog is on a leash.
Some awesome spots to stop along the way from Conway to Lincoln are as follows:
The Albany Covered Bridge, is basically your first scenic stop take that turn off to see the bridge and the area surrounding it. Built in 1858, the bridge is 120 feet long with a clear span of 100 feet. You can drive across it and it is a good location for photos.
Lower Falls is a legendary White Mountain National Forest attraction. Although none of cascades are really big. The highest is the broad waterfall at 12 feet high but, it is very picture worthy stop. The access to the falls is very easy to get to and you’ll find picnic spots along with bathrooms. This is one of the few places you’ll find a bathroom along this stretch of road. **Tip bring toilet paper just incase! It is a very busy time of year and the bathrooms… well you can imagine.**
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. There is a footbridge over the gorge and the photo ops here of the Swift River rushing through it are spectacular. You can continue to explore the Rocky Gorge Area by taking the path on the far side of the bridge up to Falls Pond.
I confess I did not take the next stop because it would take too long and too much effort 😉 but you can stop at Champney Brook Trail and Bolles Trail. The first is a 7.6-mile hiking trail with access to Mount Chocorua and Champney Falls, a series of cascades about seventy feet long. Walking time to the falls and back takes about two and a half hours. Bolles Trail splits from and then returns to Champney Brook Trail, making a loop. This is a very popular feature and the lot is often overflowing, with cars parking on the side of the road, so proceed with caution.
Next you’ll come to the Russell Colbath Historic Site; it is the only early 19th century homestead in Swift River valley. Inside is a small historic house museum that shows how 19th century life was like in the area. Even if you do not stop, the house and barn are distinctive landmarks in the landscape as you drive along and can take a few pictures of.
One of the biggest stops is at Sabbaday Falls. The hike to and from the falls is on an easy gravel path, making this a great stroll for all ages. The views of the falls are lovely and refreshing. There is an upper fall, a flume and lower falls. There is plenty of parking. For many people this is their favorite feature of the Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive. *More bathrooms*
If hiking isn’t your thing then you’ll like the next stop. It is the Sugar Hill Scenic Vista (good luck finding parking especially on the weekend). Ah but the views are totally worth it. If you don’t stop there check out the scenic area by The Hancock Overlook with more lovely views, just where the road offers its tightest hairpin turn (if you are into drone photography you’ll have to get some snaps here).
The last “stop” is just before you cross over the east branch of the Pemigewasset River, turn right into the Lincoln Woods pull out area. This will offer you a chance to get a closer look at the water and the bridge. Be sure to enjoy the 150 foot pedestrian suspension bridge crossing the river just a few hundred yards north of highway 112. As you continue westward, a small pullout just a short distance along offers another short trail to the water’s edge.
Tips for your visit:
- This one is kind of a no brainer but go during a weekday as opposed to a weekend; this may save you some time and aggravation when it comes to waiting to see some sites.
- Go the 3rd week in October the first two weeks is when it is very busy with leaf peepers but the third week there is still pretty nice foliage it maybe past peak but it is still awfully beautiful. Also people plan their trips so far in advance maybe it will be a “late” peak and you’ll be the lucky ones.
- Plan as much as you can in advance like bringing a packed lunch with you may save you some LONG wait times at some of the Lincoln and Conway restaurants.
- If you’re like me you’re looking to get lucky and spot a moose it’s best to go around the hours of dawn and dusk. Going at these times the roads will also be less traveled and you can get some great pictures of sunrise at some of the scenic over looks or it could be pretty foggy and those make for neat pictures too. Did I mention a lot LESS people!!
localtouristy.com 