Looking to drive the Kancamagus Highway? I’m sharing everything there is to know before hitting the road, including 12 of my favorite stops.
Located in New Hampshire, the Kancamagus Highway is one of the most iconic drives in all of New England. Many travelers (and locals) flock to the White Mountains for the fall foliage, but I would argue that this route is just as scenic year-round. Aside from the sweeping views found around every bend, there are so many things to do here in New Hampshire. Hit the slopes, see the infamous covered bridges, hike along the mountain ridge, and relax down by the river.
About the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus (pronounced “Kanca-MAW-gus”) Highway stretches ~34 miles across the White Mountains connecting two must-visit destinations in New Hampshire: Lincoln to the West and Conway to the East. The highway gets its name from a Native American named Kancamagus (The Fearless One). Kancamagus was a grandson of Passaconoway and the last “sagamon” (chief) of the Pennacook People. He kept peace between the whites and Indians until the English provided enough pressure leading to a nasty war. In the early 1690s, the Pennacook People eventually moved out of the White Mountains and into Northern New Hampshire and Canada.
The highway itself was not always connected. One portion started from Lincoln, and the other from Conway. Work began to connect the two roads in the 1930s. It took 25 years for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to complete the road. Today, the road is designated a National Scenic Byway and driven by 700,000-800,000+ people each year.
Best Time to Drive the Kancamagus
Being located in New England, it pretty much goes without saying that fall is going to be one of the best times to make the journey across the Kancamagus. With expansive views of the foliage as far as the eye can see, along with pleasant weather for hiking, camping, etc.. there is truly no better time to experience this place. The foliage peaks at different times each year, so I recommend doing some research, but overall, the best colors usually emerge the first week or two of October. It’s important to note that this time of year is BUSY! If you can swing a weekday, that would be best. Either way, start early.
Winter is arguably the next best time to visit, as the snow blankets the mountain peaks and hikes through the evergreens become magical. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, make sure to hit the slopes at Loon Mountain. While the road is open year-round, be sure to travel in a proper vehicle as weather patterns can change frequently, especially in higher elevations.
Summertime in the White Mountains means morning hikes, campground barbecues, swimming holes, and more. The highway can be busy during summer vacation, so I recommend to starting early to beat the crowds and heat.
Lastly, springtime will be least crowded time of the year. There may still be snow, especially at higher elevations, so be sure to check weather reports before planning for a warmer hike. It’s also important to note that with melting snow comes mud. Make sure to pack accordingly.
How to Get to the Kancamagus
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. There are two main entrances to the road: Conway (off of Route 113) and Lincoln (off of Interstate 93). I recommend spending a day exploring Lincoln first. Then, take your time driving to Conway, where I also recommend spending a day to explore.
Closest International Airports
If you’re flying in, there are a few different airports to choose from. Portland, ME, Burlington, VT, Portsmouth, NH, and Boston, MA are all about 2 hours from Lincoln. You will probably find the cheapest flights into Boston. It is just a straight shot up I-93 N from there.
Tips for Driving the Kancamagus
- Get on the road early! Especially during the summer and fall months, you could find yourself stuck in traffic even waiting to get onto the road. It will also be pretty hard finding a parking spot as many of the pull-offs and trailheads have minimal spaces.
- Fill up on gas before getting on the road. Although the Kancamagus is not too long, there are no gas stations along the route. Filling your tank up will be one less thing you’ll have to worry about.
- There is little cell service on the road. Dead zones do exist. Make sure to pack your guidebooks and download offline maps.
- The Kancamagus is a well-traveled road, but t can get cramped at times.. especially around the hairpin turns. I don’t recommend traveling this road in large RVs or towing a 5th wheel or trailer. If you are traveling in larger vehicle, it’s important to note that some parking lots will not allow you to park there so you may miss some spots or have to park elsewhere and walk to the overlook or trailhead.
- Bring toilet paper. There are restrooms at several of the trailheads. Some are more pleasant than others, but it’s always helpful to have your own supply.
Leave No Trace: There are 7 principles you should know before setting out on any adventure. This includes planning ahead, traveling along durable surfaces, disposing of waste, leaving what you find, minimizing the impact of your campfire, respecting wildlife, and being considerate to those who are also enjoying the space. Find out more information here.
Fees: The highway itself if free! YAY! However, some of the stops along the drive do require a usage fee of $5 per car/day. If you have a White Mountain National Forest annual pass ($30/year), White Mountain National Forest annual household pass ($40/year), or any of the Interagency Passes which include the annual America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year).. just throw it up in your dashboard and park for free.
12 Best Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway
1. Lincoln
First up on the 12 best stops on the Kancamagus Highway is Lincoln, New Hampshire. Lincoln is located on the western side of the Kanc and was once a successful logging and sawmill town with one of the longest running railroads in the region. Today, Lincoln brings in visitors from around the world for different reasons. There is plenty to do here and I recommend spending at least a day seeing it all before embarking on your drive to Conway.
For the adventurers, set out on the trails or hit the slopes. A portion of Franconia Notch State Park is right here in Lincoln. For the foodies, indulge in a meal found at any of the restaurants in town. From a delicious burger joint to an authentic Thai hidden gem to an Italian spot serving massive pasta dishes in a pan for the whole family to enjoy… there is going to be something for everyone.
2. Loon Mountain
Not even 5 minutes down the road from downtown Lincoln is Loon Mountain Resort. It goes without saying that if you’re visiting in the winter, and you like to ski or snowboard, you should make sure to snag a lift ticket. With 10 lifts, 61 trails, and 370 acres to explore, Loon is one of the best ski resorts in New Hampshire and New England. If you’re visiting on the weekend, try to get here early as it can get busy. If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, snow-tubing, and snowshoeing are also popular here.
During summer and fall months, the mountain is a popular place to be for activities like mountain-biking, disc golf, rock-climbing, and zip-lining. For those that don’t plan on hiking up to a summit in the White Mountains, there is a scenic gondola ride that will give you the same view.
3. Overlooks
One of my favorite things about driving down the Kancamagus is the beautiful views around every turn. There are several overlooks along the highway that showcase the surrounding epic mountain peaks. You’ll find the best views at Hancock Overlook, Pemigewasset Overlook, CL Graham Wangan Overlook, and Sugar Hill Scenic Vista. Don’t pass them by, even if they seem crowded. The quick stops are worth it.
4. Lincoln Woods
Lincoln Woods Trail is one of the first trailheads you will come upon when traveling the Kancamagus from Lincoln to Conway. The trail is labeled as a gateway to the Pemigewasset Wilderness and travels around 9 1/2 miles through the forest and along the river’s edge. If you’re visiting in winter, this route is a popular snowshoeing trail.
5. Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls is easily my favorite stop on the highway and were such a pleasant surprise with how epic it felt. The Sabbaday Brook Trail itself is only 0.7 miles round-trip. You will first walk beside the river on a wide trail before you come upon a sign to the falls. There is a lower pool that is equally as beautiful. You can walk out onto the rocks (with caution) to view the waterfall through 60 feet of rock – amazing! After admiring the lower pool, walk up the stairs onto the boardwalk to admire all of the different views of the falls.
If you have time for only one short hike on this drive, make it this one.
6. Champney Falls
If you want to see another epic waterfall and have time for a longer hike, plan to make the trek to Champney Falls. The Champney Falls Trail itself is 3.1 miles out and back with about 680 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts out with a relatively gradual elevation gain along Champney brook to the base of the falls. You could turn back around here or continue on to the upper falls. This hike can also be combined with the journey up to the summit of Mount Chocorua – a much more challenging hike, but you will absolutely be rewarded with breathtaking views.
7. Rocky Gorge
Rocky Gorge is a glacier-carved gorge that is super accessible… literally steps from the highway. The highlight has to be the foot bridge that stretches over the gorge and a powerful cascading waterfall. There is a large parking lot so parking should not be an issue. A paved trail leads to the bridge. If you keep walking over the bridge and up the slight incline, you will come upon Falls Pond which is a popular fishing spot. There is also a mile loop around the pond.
8. Russell-Colbath Historic Site
The Russell-Colbath Historic Site is one of the more unique stops along the Kanc. The house on site was built in 1832 and is the only building still standing from the historic town of Passaconaway. The site also includes a timber frame barn, cemetery and a trail along the Swift River. There are also picnic tables and restrooms, so it is a good stopping point.
9. Lower Falls and Swift River
Lower Falls is another accessible stop that will bring you up close to the Swift River. Personally, this is one of my favorite stops along the Kancamagus to see the fall foliage along the river – there is just something so magical about that view! The boardwalk makes for a pleasant walk and during the warmer months, Lower Falls is a popular swimming spot.
10. Boulder Loop
Boulder Loop Trail is one of the last trailheads you will come upon when traveling the Kancamagus from Lincoln to Conway or the first if you’re traveling from Conway to Lincoln. The trail begins behind the Albany Covered Bridge (mentioned below!) and travels around 3 miles with 900+ feet of elevation gain to the ledges. You will be rewarded with views of the Swift River Valley and Mount Chocorua. This is also a well traveled rock-climbing route – very cool to watch the climbers in action!
11. Albany Covered Bridge
No trip to New England is complete without seeing the iconic covered bridges – built to protect the timber from the harsh winters. The Albany Covered Bridge is located right off of the Kancamagus and stretches across the Swift River. The structure was built in 1858 after a windstorm had destroyed the previous bridge the year before. Smaller vehicles can drive over it, but I recommend getting out of your car and walking across on foot either way.
12. Conway
Last up on the 12 best stops along the Kancamagus Highway is Conway, New Hampshire! Conway is located on the eastern side of the Kanc and is made up of 5 different communities – Conway (where you can enter or exit the highway), Center Conway, North Conway, Redstone, and Kearsarge. North Conway is undoubtedly a favorite with a charming downtown area to stroll around, the starting point for the Conway Railroad, and plenty of delicious restaurants to enjoy a meal. I recommend spending another day to explore this area. If you have more time, head up to Crawford Notch and maybe drive up to the summit of Mount Washington!
If you’re in the White Mountains in November/December and looking for a special experience for yourself or your family, I highly recommend purchasing a permit (only $5!!) to cut your Christmas tree down right off of the Kancamagus! There are specific places you cannot cut down your tree (near parking lots, campgrounds, water sources, etc.) and there are rules on the size or your tree and how to carry it out of the forest.. so be sure to do your research and come prepared.
HAPPY EXPLORING!
Pin this guide to help you plan your next trip to the Kancamagus Highway.
