Kancamagus Highway
A 34.5-mile scenic byway through New Hampshire's White Mountains, famous for its stunning fall foliage and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and snag parking
Kancamagus Highway
Best Time
Beat the crowds and snag parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 34.5-mile scenic byway through New Hampshire's White Mountains, famous for its stunning fall foliage and natural beauty.
"The Kancamagus Highway is a must-drive for its unparalleled fall colors and breathtaking mountain scenery."
🚗 Start Early to Avoid Traffic
Hit the road before 10 AM, especially in fall, to snag parking at popular spots and avoid heavy traffic.
⛽ Fill Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce on the Kancamagus Highway. Top off your tank in North Conway or Lincoln.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sabbaday Falls
Mile Marker 11.6
A short, accessible hike leads to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall, a must-see on the Kancamagus Highway.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Mile Marker 11.6
Witness the Swift River cascade over granite boulders, with a picturesque wooden bridge offering great photo ops.
Pemigewasset Overlook
Mile Marker 26.4
Panoramic views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness await at this popular overlook, perfect for soaking in the mountain vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Foliage
Prepare for Limited Services
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Start Early to Avoid Traffic
Hit the road before 10 AM, especially in fall, to snag parking at popular spots and avoid heavy traffic.
⛽ Fill Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce on the Kancamagus Highway. Top off your tank in North Conway or Lincoln.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Download maps beforehand for navigation.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many stops involve short hikes to waterfalls or viewpoints. Good walking shoes are a must!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Start Early to Avoid Traffic
Hit the road before 10 AM, especially in fall, to snag parking at popular spots and avoid heavy traffic.
⛽ Fill Up Before You Go
Gas stations are scarce on the Kancamagus Highway. Top off your tank in North Conway or Lincoln.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Download maps beforehand for navigation.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many stops involve short hikes to waterfalls or viewpoints. Good walking shoes are a must!
📸 Pack Your Camera
The fall colors are spectacular! Be ready to capture the stunning scenery at every turn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Kancamagus Highway's breathtaking fall foliage, calling it a quintessential New England experience. The scenic drive, numerous overlooks, and accessible hikes to waterfalls are major highlights. However, many note the intense crowds and traffic during peak season, especially on weekends, and the lack of services like gas and cell reception.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) runs between Conway in the east and Lincoln in the west. You can access it from either end. Many visitors start in North Conway, a popular hub for White Mountain National Forest activities. 
No, there is no public transportation that runs directly along the Kancamagus Highway. A personal vehicle is essential for exploring this scenic route.
The Kancamagus Highway is 34.5 miles long. While it can be driven in about an hour without stops, most visitors spend 3-4 hours or more to enjoy the overlooks, short hikes, and waterfalls.
Yes, cycling the Kancamagus Highway is a popular activity, especially for experienced cyclists. Be aware of the elevation changes and traffic, particularly during peak season.
The most popular way to experience the Kancamagus Highway is by car, stopping at various overlooks and trailheads. For a unique perspective, consider the Conway Scenic Railroad which travels through Crawford Notch. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Driving the Kancamagus Highway itself is free. However, parking at trailheads and designated areas within the White Mountain National Forest requires a recreation fee. You can purchase day passes or an annual pass.
Yes, a White Mountain National Forest parking pass is required for most designated parking areas along the Kancamagus Highway. These can often be purchased at self-service kiosks at the trailhead.
The Kancamagus Highway is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, services and access to certain areas may be limited during winter months due to snow and ice.
It's best to purchase your parking pass upon arrival at the trailhead or designated parking area. Some popular spots may have self-service kiosks.
While there aren't specific discounts for the Kancamagus Highway itself, an annual White Mountain National Forest pass can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple times or other National Forests.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key stops include Sabbaday Falls, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, and the Pemigewasset Overlook. Other popular spots are the Covered Bridge and the J.E. Henry Covered Bridge.
There are numerous hikes, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks. Popular options include the short hikes to Sabbaday Falls and Rocky Gorge, as well as longer trails like the Franconia Ridge Loop (accessible from nearby Franconia Notch).
Yes, the Kancamagus Highway features several beautiful waterfalls, with Sabbaday Falls being the most prominent and easily accessible.
You might spot deer, various bird species, and other small forest animals. Keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
The Kancamagus Highway is generally suitable for RVs, but be mindful of narrow sections and steep grades. Large RVs should exercise caution, especially during busy periods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are very limited directly on the Kancamagus Highway. It's highly recommended to eat before or after your drive in towns like North Conway or Lincoln.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas along the Kancamagus Highway, offering a great way to enjoy the scenery. Remember to pack out all your trash.
In North Conway, you can find a variety of restaurants, from casual diners to more upscale options. Lincoln also offers several dining choices at the western end of the highway.
No, there are no grocery stores directly on the Kancamagus Highway. Stock up on snacks and drinks in nearby towns before you start your drive.
North Conway offers a diverse culinary scene, including classic American fare, pizza, seafood, and cafes. Zeb's General Store is a popular spot for unique snacks and souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include Rocky Gorge Scenic Area with its bridge, Sabbaday Falls, and various overlooks like the Pemigewasset Overlook. The covered bridges are also very photogenic.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers great views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Drone usage is restricted in many areas of the White Mountain National Forest, including along the Kancamagus Highway, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check current regulations before flying.
The entire highway is a photographer's dream during fall. Focus on areas with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, often found near water features or mountain vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as services are limited. Consider bringing a frisbee or ball for some playtime at the designated picnic areas. For a unique family experience, the Conway Scenic Railroad offers a charming train ride through the mountains, which can be a great alternative or addition to driving the highway.
🚗 Budget Travelers
Packing your own food and drinks for a picnic lunch is a great way to save money on dining. Many of the best hikes along Kancamagus Highway are free to access once you have your parking pass. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and scenic overlooks, which offer incredible value for no additional cost. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late September or early October) for potentially fewer crowds and more affordable lodging in nearby towns.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping vistas from overlooks like Pemigewasset. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating colorful trees or spotting wildlife. Consider a tripod for long exposures of waterfalls or for shooting in lower light conditions.
Remember to check drone regulations before flying, as they are often restricted in National Forests. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Fall Foliage Drive
+1During the fall season, typically from late September to mid-October, the highway becomes a popular road trip destination. Visitors can expect numerous pull-offs and overlooks providing breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains ablaze with color. It's crucial to plan your visit during this peak time, as the colors can change rapidly.
+1While the drive itself is the main attraction, the Kancamagus Highway also serves as a gateway to various outdoor activities. Hikers can explore numerous trails, photographers can capture stunning landscapes, and nature enthusiasts can enjoy the serene beauty of the mountains.
Key Stops and Natural Wonders
Further along the route, the Pemigewasset Overlook (Mile Marker 26.4) provides expansive vistas of the surrounding wilderness, ideal for appreciating the scale of the White Mountains. Other notable stops include the J.E. Henry Covered Bridge and the Covered Bridge near the eastern end, offering a glimpse into historical New England architecture.
For those seeking more active exploration, numerous hikes on the Kancamagus Highway are available. These range from easy, family-friendly walks to more strenuous climbs, offering diverse ways to experience the forest's beauty.
Planning Your Kancamagus Highway Adventure
Services are limited along the highway; there are no gas stations or extensive dining options. It's essential to fill your gas tank in towns like North Conway or Lincoln before you begin. Packing snacks, water, and downloading offline maps is also crucial, as cell service is unreliable throughout much of the route.
When visiting, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles. Stay on marked trails, pack out all trash, and respect the natural environment. The Kancamagus Highway attractions are best enjoyed when preserved for future visitors.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit