Kancamagus Highway

4 Park Way, NH
4.8
5 Reviews
Kancamagus Highway
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Details

Distance
35.99 miles
Elevation Gain
2971.13 ft
Route Type
Point-to-Point

Features

Wildflowers
Waterfall
Romantic
Family Friendly
River
Forest
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About this place

Added by Outbound

This 34.5 mile stretch which offers scenic views, waterfalls, a covered bridge will leave you in awe.

The Kancamagus Highway is designated an American Scenic Byway. It cuts through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The highest point along the drive is 3000 feet. It is known as one of the best fall viewing areas in the country. If your interested there is also several campgrounds along this route.

You can choose to start it at either end near Lincoln or Conway. Be aware there is no gas stations during this stretch so make sure you are fueled up first.

I will describe the drive starting at the Conway, NH end. One of the first stops you will want to make is the Albany Covered Bridge. The bridge extends over the Swift River.

Next you can stop at the Lower Scenic Falls. Along the Swift River it has a very nice picnic area and restrooms. This is also a popular swimming area.

The next area you will want to visit also along the Swift River is Rocky Gorge. This is another easy walk along the river that takes you over a foot bridge across the Swift River to a viewing area. No swimming is allowed here as the water can be very powerful. There is also a picnic area and bathrooms.

Possibly one of the best destinations along the Kancamagus is Sabbaday Falls. The path to Sabbaday Falls is Handicapped accessible. The trail has informational postings along it. Sabbaday Falls has a 45' drop.A pathway and wooden steps leads you to the edges of the falls. The handicapped accessible trail takes you to the top where the viewing area is located. Swimming is not allowed at Sabbaday Falls. Picnic area and bathrooms are located near the parking area.

The next several miles offer many scenic outlooks all worth the stop including Sugar Hill Scenic Vista, CL Graham Wangan Grounds, Pemigewasset Overlook & Hancock Trailhead. All of these offer amazing views. Pemigewasset is a favorite and great way to end with a sunset!

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Tara Schatz
11/20/2020
Beautiful drive
This is a great drive and both Lincoln and North Conway are worth exploring. There are lots of national forest campgrounds along the river ...
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Matt Upham
5/8/2016
The Fall Is The Best Time For The Kancamagus
Doing this drive during a bright day in the fall was surreal. We started from the North Conway side, and drove all the way ...
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Leah Joy
4/10/2016
A NH Icon
The Kanc is a great road for a scenic drive. There are picturesque overlooks, trail heads, and campsites off the road. If you're looking ...
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Jake Sells
3/22/2016
Don't Forget About Winter!
Although the snow can make for an interesting drive in the White's, a four wheel drive vehicle on a day following a recent snowfall ...
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Lisa Groene
3/3/2016
Stunning Views!
One of the most beautiful drives that I have experienced, especially in the fall. Spectacular views of the White Mountains, several spots to ...
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