Driving the Kancamagus Highway in Peak Foliage
New Hampshire is one of the best places in the world for some Fall foliage leaf peeping. We had been on several fall hikes before and seen beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow. But this fall, we were excited to experience what is known as one of the best drives in America, the Kancamagus Highway, also called the Kanc. The Kancamagus Highway is a 35 mile long scenic drive that cuts through the White Mountains connecting the towns of Lincoln and Conway. It normally takes about an hour to drive, but if you go during peak foliage time, like we did, be prepared to take upwards of 3 hours!
We chose to do the drive from Lincoln to Conway, but it really doesn’t matter which way you go, whatever it most convenient! As you drive along there are several viewpoints where we recommend you jump out of the car and check out. Parking can be tricky when it is busy, but with a bit of patience and luck, you should be able to find a spot! We found it worthwhile to stop at each major viewpoint because each one offered different views of the foliage and surrounding peaks. Here is the order of the major outlooks driving from Lincoln to Conway (reverse if driving from Conway to Lincoln).
You spend the first six miles getting into the forest. You can see beautiful trees hanging over into the road as you drive along. You will pass by Lincoln Woods, which offers lots of hiking and access to some waterfalls and swimming! The first major viewpoint comes after the famous “hairpin turn”, meaning its a turn where you basically just turn around, its very distinct and you can’t miss it! There is a small parking area with an overlook where you can see Mount Osceola and Osceola East Peak, two of the NH 4000 footers! Also visible is Scar Ridge. This is also the parking area to access Mount Hancock and South Hancock, two more of the NH 4000 footers. While this isn’t the best view of the drive, you have most likely been sitting for quite some time so definitely get out and check out the views. There is a gazebo that has some great information and maps that will identify everything that you are looking at!
After driving 20 more minutes we stopped at the Pemigewasset Overlook. We enjoyed this stop more than the first one because while the Hancock outlook is flat and grassy, there is a steep drop off at the outlook making it feel like you are sitting directly on top of all the foliage! Here you can also see beautiful views of the Osceola peaks, but they will feel much closer! Additionally, you can see Mount Kancamagus. After this outlook, you will drive through Kancamagus Pass, which is the highest point on the highway at 2,855 feet.
Another 20 minutes down the highway we came to the most popular outlook, the Sugar Hill Outlook, and we totally understand why! Here the foliage was so rich and expansive. While the other lookouts had great views of mountains, Sugar Hill was a flatter outlook, making it seem like the foliage went on for miles and miles. Though not really visible behind the beautiful colors, you will be right near Mount Passaconaway and Mount Whiteface, two MORE of the NH 4000 footers! Our favorite views and pictures from the day were at this stop so you do not want to miss it!
NOTE: Almost two miles after this outlook is Sabbaday Falls. While we didn’t stop here this time (we have been before), it is a beautiful series of waterfalls located only 0.4 miles from the parking lot. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed here. Despite this, the amazing views of the falls definitely make this area worth a quick pit stop!
Our last main stop of the day was at the Rocky Gorge scenic area. All of the other stops only offered stationary views or very challenging trails to 4,000 foot mountains if you wanted to be active. However, Rocky Gorge, offers a nice short nature walk to see some fabulous views. As soon as you step out of the car you can hear roaring water. A short walk into the woods offers a very crowded foot bridge where you can see beautiful foliage hanging over the water. On a warmer summer day this looks like a fun place to go for a swim!
NOTE: About a mile and a half after the Rocky Gorge scenic area, you will pass by Lower Falls, which is arguably one of the most popular stops along the Kanc. This is yet another spectacular waterfall AND you can have an amazing time swimming here in the Swift River! In the middle of summer, this spot is always packed since it’s such a great way to cool down. Like all the other waterfalls, it is well worth the visit!
We made a few other stops other than the four main stops highlighted here, but they were not designated areas. The best part about driving the Kancamagus highway is that you can truly choose your own adventure. If you are driving by and there is something that catches your eye, a trail that looks fun, or even a cute picnic bench, there is ample space on the majority of the road to just pull over. We hope you check out where we stopped but also don’t forget to make your own adventure!
ADDITIONAL TIPS: As we mentioned, even though this road is only 30 miles, during peak foliage it can get very busy and take a long time, so make sure you are gassed up as there are no gas stations along the way! Many of the outlooks require paid parking, but if you are only jumping out for a few minutes, this is not a problem. However, if you are going to go on a hike or explore a trail, make sure to bring some cash to pay for the parking. The cell service will be spotty, but we think that is part of the charm! There are a lot of campgrounds along this road, so you could turn it into a whole weekend full of adventure!
Feeling sad that you missed out on the foliage this year? Check out the video we made while driving here!