The Kancamagus Scenic Byway, also referred to as the “Kanc” is among the most scenic highway journeys in New Hampshire and in all of New England. Particularly widespread with “leaf peepers” throughout fall foliage season, the Kancamagus Freeway is a 34-mile scenic stretch alongside New Hampshire’s Route 112 within the White Mountain Nationwide Forest.
The Kancamagus Freeway (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 Freeway?
The drive is fairly at any time of 12 months, however particularly in the course of the autumn when the leaves are altering colours and the mountains change into a carpet of fiery oranges, reds, and yellows.
Prime fall foliage season varies relying on the 12 months, however usually “peaks” between late September and mid-October. This makes Columbus Day / Indigenous Folks’s Day Weekend a preferred time to go to New Hampshire’s White Mountains and drive the Kancamagus Freeway.
You may all the time test New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage Tracker to see how when the leaves will peak within the White Mountains this 12 months.
If you happen to plan 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 Lengthy Does it Take to Drive the Kancamagus Freeway?
After all, a visit alongside this Nationwide Scenic Byway is not only in regards to the drive, it’s in regards to the journey and the locations you cease alongside the best way. A typical drive with a number of stops will take not less than half a day.
If you wish to take some longer hikes or spend extra time at among the viewpoints, plan on taking a full day to drive the Kancamagus Freeway. Since there’s 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!)
The place to Cease on the Kancamagus Freeway
We’ve 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 beneath. Simply understand that you possibly can simply as simply reverse this itinerary in case you are beginning in Lincoln.
If you’re staying close to Conway and touring from east to west, you could wish to cease on the Saco Ranger station while you first set out on the freeway as a way to buy a leisure cross that covers parking at every cease alongside the best way.
1. North Conway
North Conway makes an excellent 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 allow, I’d advocate Peach’s Restaurant and for lunch or dinner, we love Barley & Salt Faucet Home and Kitchen, Flatbread’s, or the Muddy Moose.
2. Swift River
While you begin your journey alongside Freeway 112 from Conway, simply after you cross the Kancamagus Swift River Inn, the freeway will begin to parallel the Swift River. There’s a huge 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 perform a little wading. Simply understand that the river could also be deeper than it appears and the present sooner. Take care and produce sturdy footwear or water footwear with a very good grip.
3. Albany Coated Bridge
The primary main attraction is the Albany Coated Bridge. There’s a giant parking zone right here and it’s also possible to buy a leisure cross by way of the self-service station. Be careful for visitors crossing the wood bridge.
There are strolling paths on both facet of the bridge and loads of areas to climb out on the rocks within the river for an ideal scenic picture with the bridge within the background.
4. Decrease Falls Scenic Space
The Decrease Falls scenic space is a highly regarded cease on the Kancamagus Freeway. A lot so that you could be wish to skip it if the parking zone appears too crowded, particularly when you’ve got already had an opportunity to climb on the rocks within the Swift River.
There’s a small waterfall and other people swim within the river right here in the course of the summer time months. Additionally, you will discover a picnic space with a couple of BBQ grills and bogs.
5. Rocky Gorge Scenic Space
Swimming just isn’t allowed on the Rocky Gorge scenic space due to the power of the river flowing by means of the slim gorge, which has been carved by glaciers. It’s a simple stroll from the parking zone all the way down to a footbridge overlooking the gorge and the waterfall.
You can even climb down on the rocks for a better have 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’s a 2.5-hour out-and-back hike to the collection of waterfalls, about 70 toes lengthy. This hike really provides a greater view when the water is excessive or within the late spring. By fall these have usually dried up. You may all the time test AllTrails for up-to-date evaluations of mountain climbing trails.
7. Russell-Colbath Homestead
Historical past buffs might get pleasure from a cease at this historic website situated close to the Jigger Johnson Campground, however in case you are in a rush, be at liberty to skip it. This wood-frame home was constructed within the early 1830s and is listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
In 2003, a brand new submit and beam barn was constructed, which is used for interpretive applications. At instances, a bunch greets guests carrying clothes that may have been worn within the 1800s.
8. Sabbaday Falls Picnic Space
Sabbaday Falls is among 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. Only a brief 10-minute stroll up a large gravel path leads you to those gorgeous waterfalls. You may peek on the decrease falls and pool on the base, or climb up alongside the stairway to the highest of the falls. There you possibly can see a forty five′ drop to the pool beneath.
There’s additionally 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
That is one in every of my favourite scenic overlooks due to the elevation and the colour that you can see at Sugar Hill. There’s additionally a pleasant viewing gazebo that makes for fairly picture opps.
10. C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook
Overlooking the Kancamagus Cross, this overlook provides 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’d like a view to the south, make a fast cease on the Pemigewasset Overlook on the opposite facet of the highway. This one is less complicated to cease at in case you are touring west to east. Both method, it’s good to get a unique perspective.
12. Lincoln Woods
While you attain Lincoln Woods Trailhead, you might be virtually to the city of Lincoln. That is the most important trailhead on the Kancamagus Freeway, with entry to many mountain climbing trails so that you can end your day. There’s additionally a Ranger Station and customer heart on-site, a very good cease in case you are beginning on this path.
There’s a suspension footbridge throughout the Pemigewasset River, and that is additionally an space the place you possibly can climb on the rivers alongside the river.
13. Lincoln
The city of Lincoln makes for an ideal spot to begin or finish your drive alongside the Kancamagus Freeway. There are many 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 widespread decisions embrace The Frequent Man and One Love Brewery.
In case you have any vitality left, there are additionally close by points of interest equivalent to Alpine Adventures ziplining, Flume Gorge, and Misplaced River Gorge.
Ideas for Driving the Kancamagus Freeway
- Begin early because the parking areas can refill quick, particularly in case you are visiting within the fall.
- Get fuel 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 providers besides close to the cities at both finish.
- Drive rigorously and maintain an eye fixed out for wildlife, motorcyclists, and bicyclists.
- Restrooms can be found at most of the important trailheads and points of interest, however it would be best to convey hand sanitizer and presumably additional rest room paper.
- Understand that there’s VERY LITTLE cellular phone protection on the freeway. It is smart to convey alongside a paper map or drop a pin / save these locations on a Google Map you can entry offline.
- Another choice is to obtain the Kancamagus Scenic Byway audioguide earlier than you go and take heed to that as you drive. It’s location-enabled to play robotically.
- Parking at most trailheads and attraction parking heaps requires a Recreation Cross. You should buy a seasonal cross on-line earlier than you go, or on the Ranger Station initially of the drive. If you happen to don’t, it’s also possible to buy utilizing the self-service envelopes at main parking heaps. Simply be sure you convey small payments (at the moment $5.00) to place within the envelope and cling the tag in your automobile.
- Attempt to go to in the course of the week in case you are planning on visiting throughout prime foliage season.
- Deliver bug spray and sunscreen simply in case they’re wanted.
- Bear in mind to pack layers because the temperature and climate can change quickly within the White Mountains.
The place to Keep Close to the Kancamagus Freeway
Notice: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could 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 widespread cities of Conway / North Conway or Lincoln.
The place to Keep in North Conway, NH
In North Conway, we love the Pink Jacket Mountain Resort for the family-size suites and indoor waterpark (at the moment closed because of a hearth however we hope it’s going to reopen). We’ve additionally been very completely happy 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 Freeway. It was such a enjoyable spot proper on a lake with loads of resort-like facilities. You may learn my full Huttopia White Mountains overview to see if it could be a very good match for you.
The place to Keep 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. Along with tents and campsites, the KOA additionally has Conestoga wagons, treehouses, and cabins. You may learn my full overview of glamping on the KOA Lincoln/Woodstock.
Issues to do Close to the Kancamagus Freeway
Whereas a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Freeway can take a full day of your journey to New Hampshire, you could wish to keep a bit of longer and revel in among the different White Mountain points of interest. A number of issues to do close by embrace:
Drive the Mt. Washington Auto Street – this white-knuckle drive just isn’t for the feint of coronary heart but when the climate cooperates, you may get wonderful views from the highest. Simply be ready for top winds on the summit! Additionally, be aware that it is a toll highway.
Trip the Mount Washington Cog Railway – experience the prepare 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 prepare experience isn’t as steep, however takes a stunning route by means of the White Mountains and Crawford Notch.
Swing from the timber at Alpine Adventures zipline on two treetop routes. (Simply be sure you e book prematurely.) You can even take an off-road journey tour or hire a side-by-side to take a guided tour of the non-public 300-acre mountain sanctuary.
Discover the caves and waterfalls of the Misplaced River Gorge. At this attraction, you possibly can climb by means of caves and traverse the one-mile gorge to see waterfalls and historical rock formations.
Hike in Flume Gorge. Whereas Flume Gorge is a part of the New Hampshire State Park system, it is a paid attraction and on-line reservations are required. You may hike alongside a two-mile loop alongside boardwalks, up stairs, and alongside paths by means of this 800-foot gorge. This isn’t a very good attraction for these with mobility points.
Take pleasure in summer time and fall mountain points of interest at Attitash or Cranmore Mountain Resorts. At Attitash, you can see an Alpine slide, whereas Cranmore has a mountain coaster, big swing, zip line, and scenic chair elevate. Each supply stunning views!
Splash within the waterfalls of Diana’s Baths. In heat climate, it would be best to convey your water footwear 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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