Location:
Crosses east to west in the White Mountains in Central New Hampshire
Length: 28 miles (45 km)
Time To Allow: 1 hour
Description/Highlights/Points
of Interest
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway passes through the heart of New Hampshire's
White Mountains. The byway climbs to nearly 3,000 feet (914 m) as it traverses
the flank of Mt. Kancamagus near Lincoln. The Russell Colbath Historic
Site was built in the early 1800s and can be found along the byway, along
with numerous scenic areas and overlooks. Drivers should keep one eye
out for moose crossing the road!
Suggested
Itinerary
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5-mile (55.5 km) road that stretches along
State Highway 112 from the Pemigewasset River near Lincoln in the west,
to the town of Conway in the east. Beginning at the western end and traveling
east you may stop and enjoy several points of interest along the way,
in addition to the scenery!
The Lincoln Visitor Center in Lincoln contains materials and tips
for enjoying your trip on the "Kanc" (pronounced KANK). The Loon Mountain
Recreation Area, a family friendly ski area with year-round recreational
opportunities, was voted New Hampshire's #1 winter destination by Ski
magazine readers. Approximately 18 miles (29 km) from the western
end of the byway is the Passaconaway Historic Site, named for a
peace-loving Indian chief who, in 1627, united over 17 Indian tribes of
Central New England into the Panacook Confederacy. As the first "Sagamon,"
he ruled wisely until his death in 1669. Passaconaway, which means "Child
of the Bear," was the grandfather of Kancamagus.
Falls Pond and Rocky Gorge Scenic Area are located a couple
of miles past Bear Notch Road and offer picturesque views of the surrounding
area. Through the ages, the Swift River has worn a narrow cleft in solid
rock, today designated as the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. Enjoy the outstanding
natural beauty of Falls Pond, a short walk over the Gorge and rustic footbridge
which leads to a scenic path around the pond. Lower Falls and Boulder
Loop Trail are located one mile (1.6 km) further east. Conway Ranger
Station is located in the town of Conway at the east end of the byway.
While traveling the "Kanc," complete your loop by taking the White
Mountains Trail National Scenic Byway as well.
The
following organizations offer trips near the Kancamagus Scenic Byway:
New England's Roads Less Traveled
Incredible
Journeys, Inc.
Autumn leaves, pumpkins, white steeples and covered bridges — we
offer back roads of New England, and it will make all the difference!
Flying into Boston, we follow rugged coastline to Kennebunkport, Maine,
and shop in fabulous Freeport. Travel along the Acadia Byway in beautiful
Acadia National Park, enjoying vistas from atop Cadillac Mountain and
a lobster bake at Solms Sound. Visit Grafton Notch Park and stay at world-class
Mount Washington Hotel. Along foliage-rich Kancamagus Highway, see Rocky
Gorge, the Lower Falls and the Covered Bridge. Explore Vermont's Green
Mountains, Old Sturbridge Village, Newport, Rhode Island and Boston before
flying home. This trip will take place in September 2003.
Grand
Autumn New England
Tauck World Discovery
Enjoy four two-night stays in the classic destinations of autumn New England!
Our longest fall foliage excursion gives you more time to explore spectacular
landscapes vibrant in color, steeped in historical attractions, and brimming
with charming "Americana." Travel from New York City through
the states of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts,
Rhode Island and Connecticut for the quintessential journey through autumn
New England.
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