8 Scenic Road Trip Stops Along Kancamagus Highway
A 34.5-mile section of New Hampshire Route 112 between Bath and Conway, known as the Kancamagus Highway, is one of the most popular scenic routes in America, especially for those who are after breathtaking fall views. The highway is open throughout the year, except during periods of heavy snowfall in winter, and it runs through the White Mountain National Forest.
'The Kanc', as the highway is affectionately known, offers visitors the opportunity to see several natural wonders and tourist attractions as they travel through the forest. There is also an abundance of wildlife, including moose, deer, bears, falcons, and eagles. If you want to see these for yourself, the following are must-stops as you go in search of fall foliage, views, and wildlife.
Lincoln Woods Trail
The Lincoln Woods Trailhead starts in a parking lot off The Kanc, five miles east of Lincoln, where you will also find a Ranger Station and visitor center. You will need to pay a $5 recreation fee to park by the trail or buy a White Mountain National Forest Yearly Parking Pass.
When you leave the parking area, you will cross a suspension bridge that crosses the gorgeous Pemigewasset River. Beyond the bridge, you need to keep right to follow the Lincoln Woods Trail. There are many trails that branch off this trail, including the Franconia Falls Trail. If you want to camp out for the night, you can hike to Franconia Brook Campsite on the Eastside Trail. The Lincoln Trail is ideal for families and beginners who want to spend a couple of hours in nature before continuing their highway road trip.
Loon Mountain Resort
The Loon Mountain Resort is located a few miles from the intersection with Interstate 93 on the Kancamagus Highway, within the White Mountain National Forest, on the slopes of Loon Mountain. The resort offers beautiful views and big-mountain skiing during winter. You can choose between 73 trails across three mountain peaks.
In summer, you can go on the Gondola Skyride up to Loon Peak, where you can explore the Glacial Caves formed during the last Ice Age or enjoy the views from Herbert's Observation Tower. The views of the surrounding forested areas are especially stunning in the fall. Thrillseekers can ride the zipline and soar over the Pemigewasset River. There is also a Bungee Trampoline and a large climbing wall to check out before you head back to the highway.
Hancock Overlook
If you are traveling during the fall and want to see exceptional fall foliage, Hancock Overlook should be on your list of stops. This scenic viewpoint, located east of the highway, offers panoramic views of the White Mountain National Forest. Be aware that the lookout is located at a unique hairpin turn that you should avoid attempting to navigate if you are pulling a trailer.
There is a space to sit and enjoy the atmosphere, and you can also take great photos of the sunset here, since the overlook faces west. The parking area that serves as the indicator for the Hancock Overlook is also where the trailhead for the Hancock Loop begins. The hike starts at the hairpin turn on the Hancock Notch Trail and is easy-going at the start before becoming more challenging.
CL Graham Wangan Overlook
The CL Graham Wangan Overlook sits just past the high point of The Kanc. If you stop here, you will get a breathtaking view of the Swift River watershed and the northern White Mountains. This overlook features a large paved parking lot that is spacious enough for several buses and motorhomes, allowing you to park here even during the busiest periods. Please note that this parking area is not plowed during the winter months.
Historically, the outlook was a meeting place or 'wagan ground' for Native Americans who lived in this New Hampshire area. Later, it became a supply camp for lumber companies working in the White Mountain National Forest. There are on-site interpretive signs that provide detailed explanations of the history and indicate the natural vegetation zones. If you visit during the fall, you will see a stunning display of oranges, reds, and golds. You will also see the layers of mountain ridges stretching into the distance, sometimes partially hidden in thick fog.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
If you have some time to spare, stop at the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, where you will find a short, paved trail and footpath that lead to a section of the Swift River where the water has cut a gorge through the granite rock. It is an easy stop, since it is located just off the Kancamagus Highway. When you reach the gorge, you will find the river water rushing between steep rock walls and a gloriously beautiful natural setting. The contrast of water, rocks, and trees is especially intense during the fall, as the red and orange leaves frame the gray rock.
The trail is short and flat, making it a good option for those who just want to stretch their legs and avoid a long hike. The interpretive signs and panels along the way explain the effect the glaciers once had on the White Mountains and how the rivers continue to change the landscape here. As you walk, remember to stay on the marked path, especially if it has rained recently, since the rocks around the gorge may be slick.
Russell-Colbath Historic Site
The Russell-Colbath Historic Site is very popular with travelers on The Kanc. This site preserves one of the few surviving structures from the 19th-century settlement of the Swift River valley. This structure is the 1831 home built by Thomas and Amzi Russell, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is now also a museum, managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
The house still sits on its original site and has retained its distinctive period features. These features include a five-bay façade, a timber frame, and a central chimney. There is a small trail, Rail' n River Trail, on the property that leads through the forest to the Swift River. Along the way, you will find signage that explains the settlement history and details the local logging railroads. You can take a guided tour during the summer to see the interior rooms of the house and the exhibits of household items. There are also old photographs to view, which depict life nearly two hundred years ago in the remote valley farm community.
Champney Falls
The trail to Champney Falls is just off the highway. It is a winding trail that leads to a gorge where you will find several cascades, including Pitcher Falls. This waterfall is aptly named for its dramatic splashdown inside a rocky ravine. The trail is also a loop that might take up to three hours, depending on your pace. But it is a truly immersive nature experience that goes beyond just another scenic lookout. The trail dips and climbs, and there are some slippery rocks near the water, so it's best to wear proper hiking shoes and take your time crossing these rocks.
If you want to take some photos, the light filtering through the trees onto the falls creates a magnificent backdrop. And if you visit in the fall, the foliage will make for spectacular color pops. Keep in mind that if you drive a large RV or are towing a trailer, you will have to check clearance and trailhead parking space in advance.
Albany Covered Bridge
Finally, the Albany Covered Bridge is another historic stop near the end of the Kancamagus Highway. This stunning bridge spans the Swift River as a 120-foot single land structure. The foundation and original bridge were built in 1857 in the Paddleford truss style with added arches. The Albany bridge is one of the oldest covered bridges in the region that remains open to vehicle traffic. You should note, however, that a storm and subsequent flood in 1858 destroyed the original bridge. The structure that now stands in its place was built shortly afterwards and sustained no major damage for more than one hundred years before renovations took place in the 1970s.
From any vantage point on the bridge, you will get the classic New England selfie or photo moment. The timbered roof and wooden trusses, combined with the river below and hills beyond, are as picturesque as you can imagine. It is particularly beautiful in the fall when the bright foliage reflects in the water. It is best to visit during off-peak hours so you can stay longer and read the plaques, as well as view the details of the abutments.
The Kancamagus Highway Should Be on Your Bucket List
When you start your scenic Kancamagus Highway drive, you will soon see that there is more to explore than overlooks and more to do than hike. You can use this drive to learn more about the White Mountains and the state of New Hampshire. You can also meet fellow travelers, take photo breaks, and simply sit quietly in breathtaking surroundings to recharge. When you plan on driving alone or with friends and family, the Kancamagus should take up a top spot on your travel bucket list.
