Cruising Down the Kancamagus Highway for Fall Foliage
As the air turns crisper and the leaves change color, visiting New Hampshire during autumn is a must for any nature enthusiast. Join me as I take you through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest along the winding, awe-inspiring 34-mile-long Kancamagus Highway. Affectionately known as “The Kanc,” this unforgettable route offers breathtaking views of vibrant fall foliage, majestic mountains, and charming New England towns.
Prepare for an unforgettable road trip through a real-life autumnal wonderland to witness the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage.
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What is the Kancamagus Highway?
Often considered one of the best scenic drives in New Hampshire, a road trip through New England isn’t complete without a drive along the Kancamagus Highway.
Route 112, best known as the Kancamagus Highway, or “Kanc” for short, is a beautiful national scenic byway that meanders from Lincoln, NH, just north of Woodstock, through the White Mountain National Forest to Conway, NH.
A New England visitor’s guide recommended The Kancamagus Highway as one of the most scenic foliage drives, and as I made my way leaf-peeping from Vermont to Maine, it definitely lived up to the hype.
I recommend stopping at the White Mountains Visitor Center in Woodstock, NH, before heading through the mountains.
Here, you can pick up a free map of places to stop for photos of the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage. The map also points you to accessible hikes to stretch your legs.
The employees are extremely helpful and highlight the stops for hikes, waterfalls, and other points of interest on the map.
The visitor center has an adorable gift shop with White Mountain National Forest souvenirs, such as ornaments and t-shirts.
Trip Tip: Use the clean bathrooms before heading out. Once you drive into the White Mountain National Forest, there are no gas or food places to stop, so make sure you have what you need before heading in.
What is the best time to see the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage?
The timing for seeing the peak foliage can be tricky to pinpoint since it is based on several factors, including the weather pattern for the year. This fall foliage tracker helps you determine the colors you might see on your visit.
We visited during September, and the colors of the leaves were beginning to change. The drive is so majestic, but I imagine it is even more magnificent during the peak season when the tree-lined highway is entirely filled with reds and oranges.
You can expect higher crowds and traffic during peak color weeks. Avoid traffic by visiting during weekdays.
Parking Along the Kancamagus Highway
Parking at stops along the highway requires a parking pass, which you can purchase for $5 per day at the lots.
Using the visitor’s center map, you will find a lake, running creeks, a river, scenic overlooks, and a beginner-friendly hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Most stops include parking, restrooms, and a pavilion or shelter.
RELATED POST: Read my post, Five Day New England Fall Road Trip, to learn about more New England spots for fall foliage.
The Best Stops on the Kancamagus Highway
Hancock Overlook
If you are driving west to east, the first place you should stop is Hancock Overlook. This is a popular place to stop right by the hairpin turn on the highway.
I can’t say enough about how beautiful the landscape, scenery, and views are from each spot along the Kancamagus, and they only seem to get better along the way.
The Lincoln Woods Trailhead
The largest trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway is the Lincoln Woods Trailhead. There are over twelve hiking trails visitors can access from this area.
Additionally, there is a large parking lot, a ranger station, and bathrooms.
Pemigewasset Overlook
You will get a fabulous view of the Osceola Mountains at this stop.
This area has a parking lot that is easy to access off the highway. Here, you will find a large covered pavilion with interpretive signs giving historical information about the views.
The Pemigewasset Overlook is an excellent place to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy peacefulness and beauty.
Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
The Sugar Hill Scenic Vista is close to the middle of the drive. Again, you will find dedicated parking and a pavilion. Here, you will feel like you are on top of the trees with views for miles.
Sabbaday Falls Observation Site
Out of the entire drive, the Sabbaday Falls is my favorite place to stop.
This is one of many Kancamagus Highway hiking trails. You walk about a third of a mile into the forest to get to the falls along a mostly paved and level path. It takes about fifteen minutes at a leisurely pace with lots of stops for pictures.
The hiking trail takes you to one of the beautiful Kancamagus Highway waterfalls.
Stairs and a wooden deck lead you to this three-level waterfall. With each level you climb, the waterfall cascade changes. The waterfall flows over rocks and logs until it reaches the bottom, where it pools into the river flow.
It is absolutely gorgeous. If you take this route, give yourself some time to enjoy this part of the drive.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
It was beginning to rain at this point in our drive, so I did not get pictures of the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. However, there is a footbridge at this stop where you walk across the Swift River, even stopping in the middle to see the rocky gorge.
Albany Covered Bridge
The last notable stop along the Kancamagus Highway is the Albany Covered Bridge, dating back to 1858. It’s 120 feet long and still carries automobile traffic. Because of the rain, we missed out on pictures. But, with the Swift River running under it and the fall foliage surrounding it, it is a sight you shouldn’t miss.
You will find the only campground along the Kancamagus Highway near the covered bridge that allows reservations. The covered bridge campground has 49 campsites and charges a fee of $25 per vehicle.
There is a height limit of 7’9″, so if you have a larger RV, this might not work for you.
In Conclusion
You are nearing the end of this 35-mile-long stretch of the scenic byway. It is the most scenic road I have traveled. If you are in New Hampshire during the fall, make it a point to see the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage. You will not be disappointed.
Other Stops near the Kancamagus Highway
- A notable stop you should consider while driving the Kancamagus highway in search of fall foliage is the scenic gondola ride at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, NH.
- If you are spending time in this area of New Hampshire, consider heading to North Conway as you near the end of the Kancamagus Highway. This is a quaint town in the Mount Washington area.
- The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH was named the Best Ski Resort on the East Coast by Conde Nast. The impressive resort has tons of activities, including golf, tennis, and a canopy tour.
- Another activity you don’t want to miss is the Mount Washington Cog Railway, located at the end of the drive through the White Mountains. Trains travel to the summit of Mount Washington and operate from April through October.
Are you planning a trip to New England? Don’t miss this magnificent drive, especially during the fall. The beauty of the foliage will leave a lasting impression.
