Kancamagus Scenic Byway
Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile drive Scenic Drive in Northern New Hampshire designated as a National Scenic Byway. It connects to the White Mountain Trail to make a loop and is especially beautiful in the Fall!
With gorgeous panoramic views and historic sites, the Kanc is one of the most scenic highways in the United States!
Anyone visiting New Hampshire in the Fall just has to drive the Kancamagus Highway. It is truly worth the trip! From Boston Massachusetts, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the Conway area and the start of the Kanc. It is about 1.5 hours Northeast of Portland, Maine.
For those not native to the area, the Kancamagus – meaning “fearless one” is often misspelled and mis-pronounced as “Kangamangus” or “Kancamangus.” However, the correct way pronunciation “Kank-ah-mah-gus.
Because of this, locals commonly refer to it simply as “The Kanc.” This scenic drive on NH Route 112 starts in Lincoln and runs to Conway. With the Swift River, numerous waterfalls, and hiking trails, it’s one of the best and most popular places to view fall foliage in all of New England.
Travel Tips
- Bring cash for the parking fees.
- Be flexible – many parking areas along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway have only a few spots. If one parking lot is crowded, continue along the Kanc to another spot to stop.
- Fill your car with gas and make sure you have water and snacks. There are no stores along the highway.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway
The Kanc, featured in Yankee Magazine and on the Travel Channel is famous for its Fall foliage. While the drive is stunning, there are some places you’ll want to stop off to really get a feel for the area.
Here are some of our favorite spots to visit along the Kancamagus Highway:
- Serene Rocky Gorge Scenic Area in Albany is a fabulous spot to get out and stretch your legs. You can opt to view the river from the stone bridge or do the quick loop hike.
- Sabbaday Falls in Conway also offers a beautiful short hike that is pet friendly. At just 0.6 miles, it’s a great one for families.
- The Albany Covered Bridge, built in 1858, is actually not right on the Kanc, but worth checking out. You’ll find the old wooden bridge on the Passaconaway/Dugway Road near Conway.
You can also visit the Russell-Colbath House which was built in the 1830s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The homestead property is open to the public to explore. Sometimes the historic site has a host dressed in period clothing.
Visitor Centers
Pop into the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center located a few miles east of Lincoln NH. You’ll find nice clean facilities with plenty of information on area attractions. There are a couple of trails that can also be accessed from this spot including:
- Osseo Trail (1.4 miles)
- Black Pond Trail (2.6 miles)
- Franconia Falls Trail (2.8 miles)
- Wilderness Boundary (2.9 miles)
Not far away, but off the Kanc, you’ll find the White Mountains Visitor Center. The friendly staff will be happy to help you find the best spots and trails to make your visit more than worthwhile.
Should you choose to hike any of the trails in the White Mountains, there is a $5 parking fee.
Check out our Free US National Park Pass Information and Visiting New Hampshire Parks to find info about discounted and free passes.
GPS Audio Guide
If you’re visiting New Hampshire from away, the audio guide is a great way to learn more about all the best stops along The Kanc. Since it’s linked with GPS, it tells you about places to stop as well as historical information.
Kancamagus Highway Waterfalls
The Swift River, a tributary of the Saco River, is viewable from many points along the Kancamagus Scenic Highway.
In addition to Rocky Gorge and Sabbaday Falls, you can also visit several other waterfalls along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Champney Falls is about 3.4 miles, however, you’ll only want to visit this waterfall in Spring after the snow melts, or after there has been heavy rain.
Franconia Falls is about 6.4 miles but it’s an easy hike. In addition to waterfalls, there are natural water slides and a swimming hole.
Not only can you enjoy waterfalls at Lower Falls, but there’s also a swimming hole. This is right off of the highway and easy to access, although it can be crowded – especially on summer weekends.
Franconia Notch State Park
I highly recommend planning a day or two to visit Franconia Notch State Park in the heart of the White Mountains. Between the Old Man of the Mountain historic site, Echo Lake, fly fishing, hiking, and biking trails, there is no end to the family fun to be had!
Swimming Safety Tip
Take extreme care swimming in the White Mountains and never swim when water levels are very high, or where swimming is prohibited.
White Mountain National Forest Highlights
We have traveled the Kancamagus Highway and other areas of the White Mountain National Forest quite a bit over the years. Of course, with 800,000 acres in the WMNF, we still have plenty of places to explore!
Here are some of our White Mountain adventures:
Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning in September through the first two weeks of October, visitors will see the best fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway.
Early October is always my favorite time of year, although it’s open year-round and the views are gorgeous in the winter months, too.
Even if you don’t want to do any hiking or picnicking, allow about 3 hours to drive the Kanc. You’ll want plenty of time to check out the scenic overlooks and snap a few photos if nothing else.
However, you could spend a full day on this mini road trip exploring, popular stops along the two-lane highway.
At 2,860 feet, Kancamagus Pass is the highest point.
Most visitors start in Conway at the junction of Routes 112 and 16. Pick up a map at the Saco Ranger Station.
Alternatively, you can start in Lincoln and make your way East, stopping at the White Mountains Gateway Visitors Center for a map.
There is a $5 day pass fee paid on the honor system at the parking areas and trailheads along the Kanc unless you have a White Mountain National Forest annual pass.
However, if you drive the Kancamagus Highway without stopping, there are no tolls or fees – just breathtaking scenery!
There are no “modern conveniences” such as gas stations or restaurants and no homes or other businesses to spoil the natural beauty. Plan ahead and stop for bathroom breaks and food before you set off.
There are several picnic areas on the side of the road and you’re sure to find a great spot to stop off and eat a sandwich while you enjoy the views.
The highway is named after Kancamagus, the Fearless One, the final chief (or sagamore) of the Pennacook people.
National Park Pass Info
Did you know that there are several ways to get yourself and/or your family a FREE National Park Pass?
Driving the Kancamagus Highway
Before setting off, we fill up with gas so we don’t have to worry about that along the way. Remember there are no gas stations, restaurants, etc along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.
When we want amazing food and a great atmosphere, we head to Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock. My favorite dish is the pulled pork nachos!
If we’re in the mood for a picnic instead, there are loads of spots to stop with picnic tables and restrooms. Rocky Gorge is our favorite spot for picnicking.
This old-school map shows you not only the route for the Kanc, but also some of the great spots to check out along the way. I recommend stopping at the Saco Ranger Station, just west of Conway, to pick up a copy of the map.
Kancamagus Scenic Byway Overlooks
I highly recommend these parking area spots. However, since these are some of the best places for photos, you may find them to be crowded.
- Pemigewasset Overlook in Albany
- Hancock Overlook and Sugar Hill Overlook, both in Lincoln
- CL Graham Wangan Overlook in Bartlett
Like many American scenic byway routes, there are also some other unnamed overlook spots so follow the speed limit and be on the lookout! Remember, always use caution when stopping along the Kancamagus for any reason.
You might also like to check out these posts:
- Where Kids Eat Free in NH
- Plan Your Family Vacation Without Going Broke
- NH Luxury Camping in the White Mountains
