Kancamagus Highway
Kancamagus Highway
4.5
About
Highway 112 runs from Center Conway to North Woodstock, just south of Franconia Notch. Passing through the White Mountain National Forest, it is considered one of the most scenic highways in the U.S. and offers a number of interesting stopping off points.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Top ways to experience Kancamagus Highway and nearby attractions
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Best nearby
Restaurants
24 within 3 miles
Attractions
43 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- B KWayne, New Jersey63 contributionsScenic places, some short hikesUsed the Action guide. Started at the visitors center and got hints where to stop. We took four hours. Hiked to the Sabbady falls. Stopped for a picnic lunch at the suspension bridge ( our first stop from Lincoln)Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 12, 2023
- NewEnglandPhotoBugEaston, Massachusetts149 contributionsGREAT FOR THAT LATE DAY DRIVESo much to see on this scenic drive. The Pemi Valley Overlook is the perfect spot to catch the sunset. Bring a meal and unwind. Numerous waterfall spots along the way to check out and it seems the later the day and during the week is best if you're looking for less crowds.Visited November 2022Written June 7, 2023
- Porsche-the-TravelerHampton, New Hampshire111 contributionsPeaceful drive through nature!Make sure you stop at all the overlooks on this peaceful drive thru the mountains! Very peaceful drive thru nature. Enjoyed the walk around the pond at the Rocky Gorge! Lots of hiking everywhere!Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 22, 2023
- Eric D23 contributionsBeautiful, Scenic HighwayWe did the Kancamagus Highway in May of 2023. You could easily spend several days stopping at the different spots and hiking to various locations. We only had about four hours before it got dark. We left our hotel in Lincoln, NH and drove up the road and trying to hit the hot spots that we found online. We didn't have time to do much hiking, but there are close spots with scenic views and waterfalls. Beautiful part of the United States.Visited May 2023Written July 7, 2023
- Jenny Z69 contributionsSo much to see!Beautiful drive with with scenic outlooks, short hikes, history, and waterfalls. Grab a map from either Lincoln or Conway that outlines all the stops!! Take your time and enjoy nature in this beautiful drive.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 19, 2023
- snapshotsofzenDenver, Colorado216 contributionsBeautiful drive with lots to seeBeautiful highway that runs between Conway and Lincoln. There are so many interesting turn offs along the way. Our favorite was Sabbaday Falls and the Royal Gorge area. Take your time driving through and enjoy the scenery.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2023
- Bill CNew Hampshire Lakes Region, New Hampshire6 contributionsMajestic and beautifulWe rented a 3 Bedroom condo in Glen, originally to take our grandkids for a few days. It turned out they couldn't make it. Just gramma and grandpa and the dog. The condo was about 50 yards away from a river,(a tributary of the Ellis River?). We sat on the rocks and put our tootsies in. Still cold in August! We took a number of short ,easy hikes. I love the White Mountains! So majestic and beautiful, as are the surrounding woods and waterways! I think nature is so wonderful and this is a great place to see. Most trails were dog friendly. Went out to a great little restaurant and tavern in Jackson, called the Wildcat. We sat in the lounge,eating wonderfully prepared food and listening to live music.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 15, 2023
- EmettsnanaCartersville, Georgia39 contributionsBeautifulWe have been fortunate to ride the “Kanc” without much traffic. We have done most of our riding in later afternoons and have not had any problem finding parking places at the pull offs. We enjoyed listening to the Guide Along App as we drove the Kanc, it gives interesting stores and histories of the area. It also recommended the planes to pull off for scenery.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 2, 2023
- MidwestKathMDetroit, Michigan910 contributionsDespite the rain, we thoroughly enjoyed the drive and the sites we saw!!From the time we heard about the Kankamagus Highway, we knew we wanted to drive this scenic highway. Earlier this year our planned drive was thwarted by car trouble. So we returned...only to be driving the Kank on a rainy September day. We started in Lincoln, stocking up with sandwiches, deli salads, chips, and beverages, since there are no places to buy anything along this road. We had a map printed off the Internet; that was very helpful in identifying the scenic turnouts and other sites to visit. At the first couple scenic turnouts, the low-hanging fog was pretty despite obscuring the mountain views, and the trees provided a variety of colors and shapes in the foreground. The best stop was Sabbaday Falls, even in a steady rain (while we carried umbrellas). We passed on several other sites because it was raining too hard to enjoy ourselves.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- dnewman1156Huntsville, Alabama90 contributionsWords alone cannot do it justiceMy wife and I booked a New England Fall Foliage tour through a company we normally use for our guided overseas tours. The “K” highway was our focal point for the entire 9-day trip. As the title of this review mentioned, words alone cannot describe the views in autumn. If you are lucky enough to experience this beautiful 34 mile drive in the peak autumn timeframe, we recommend having a driver (or tour group) so your entire family can enjoy the views!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 7, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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AliJD10
51 contributions
Sep 2022
Fabulous drive with lots of places to pull over and take in the views of rivers, waterfalls, trees, mountains...just spectacular. All you pay is a flat $5 a day for a pass if you want to stop in the viewing parks and use the (basic!) loos. Just pop the $5 in the envelopes provided with your details, tear off the slip; post the envelope in the box and keep the slip in your windscreen.
We walked along next to rivers and through woods to waterfalls and just breath taking views over the trees. Only 34 miles but allow a couple of hours with stops.
We walked along next to rivers and through woods to waterfalls and just breath taking views over the trees. Only 34 miles but allow a couple of hours with stops.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harpazhadar
Haifa, Israel1,379 contributions
Oct 2019
We had only 4 hours to experience this amazing road so had to focus on few specific spots. Made some research online beforehand and decided on these 4 stops which did not disappoint! Started from the North Conway eastern entrance we stopped at the Saco Ranger Station and paid 5$ for a parking daily pass. (You have to pay only if you plan on stopping and parking on the way). There were also self service - pay your fee on site stations but you had to have the exact amount in cash to use them. Our Top stops were:
1. Albany Covered Bridge
2. Lower Falls Scenic Area
3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
4. Sabbaday Falls
We were traveling on the beginning of the Foliage season and the colors and ambiance were perfect!
Not much to eat on the way so it is best to make some sandwiches and stock on some snacks and water before entering. On the other side near Lincoln we had a terrific dinner at Black Mt. Burger Co – highly recommended!!!
1. Albany Covered Bridge
2. Lower Falls Scenic Area
3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
4. Sabbaday Falls
We were traveling on the beginning of the Foliage season and the colors and ambiance were perfect!
Not much to eat on the way so it is best to make some sandwiches and stock on some snacks and water before entering. On the other side near Lincoln we had a terrific dinner at Black Mt. Burger Co – highly recommended!!!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herb M
Rockport, MA383 contributions
Apr 2021
We returned to the Kancamagus Highway in late April for some good walking, and we had good weather for 3/4 days. We stopped at the Ranger station near Conway, and got recommendations on some easier walks. I strongly recommend doing that because there are too many choices of walks and trails, from easy to very difficult. We especially liked the riverside locations and Sabbaday Falls. We spent parts of two days here. Don't rush it, plan on at least a full day or break it into multiple days. There is more to see on the Conway end of the Highway. You can come in high season, but expect big crowds.
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dnewman1156
Huntsville, AL90 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
My wife and I booked a New England Fall Foliage tour through a company we normally use for our guided overseas tours. The “K” highway was our focal point for the entire 9-day trip.
As the title of this review mentioned, words alone cannot describe the views in autumn. If you are lucky enough to experience this beautiful 34 mile drive in the peak autumn timeframe, we recommend having a driver (or tour group) so your entire family can enjoy the views!
As the title of this review mentioned, words alone cannot describe the views in autumn. If you are lucky enough to experience this beautiful 34 mile drive in the peak autumn timeframe, we recommend having a driver (or tour group) so your entire family can enjoy the views!
Written October 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie N
Alabama464 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Even though we visited on a rainy Columbus holiday weekend you can’t beat the beauty that Mother Nature provides. Our 35 mile drive through the White Mountain National Forest was very peaceful. We began our route at the Saco Ranger Office. There we found a self-service pay station. A $5.00 per vehicle card can be purchased to be displayed on your dashboard while parking in the area. Despite the drizzle I really enjoyed walking around the lower falls along the Swift River and visiting the Franconia Falls Trail.
Written October 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Visilea
Antlers, OK465 contributions
Oct 2019
There is nothing bad to say about this! The Highway 112 aka Kancamagus Highway from Conway to North Woodstock is just over 30 miles of nothing but pure, wonderful vistas and places to see.
Our fall foliage trip was completely made when we drove along this scenic highway in the White Mountain National Park. We took it very slow and probably upset some drivers behind us until they could pass but we did not want to miss anything. There are several stops along this drive with points of interest.
One thing that I read on many sites was that there were no bathrooms along this highway, which I did not find to be accurate. There ARE bathrooms along this route and we saw park rangers cleaning them and putting in new supplies.
The waterfalls, the river, the trees, the foliage....everything was just breathtaking. Take your time and explore this area in the fall.
Our fall foliage trip was completely made when we drove along this scenic highway in the White Mountain National Park. We took it very slow and probably upset some drivers behind us until they could pass but we did not want to miss anything. There are several stops along this drive with points of interest.
One thing that I read on many sites was that there were no bathrooms along this highway, which I did not find to be accurate. There ARE bathrooms along this route and we saw park rangers cleaning them and putting in new supplies.
The waterfalls, the river, the trees, the foliage....everything was just breathtaking. Take your time and explore this area in the fall.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MovementandLocation
Kittery, ME190 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Just drove through and made only a few stops at some scenic overlooks, still, a beautiful drive. There are some pops of color, creating an ethereal yellow gold canopy. Much beauty to behold, and I look forward to many return visits to fully explore the area. No matter which side you enter or leave on, you'll find magic in the mountains.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arlene F
8 contributions
Feb 2021
We visited the Ice Castle's this year and they were wonderful. Great for the kids. The twinkling lights that surrounded the ice sculptures was very eye catching. Tub rides and sledding were available. Book on line before going. Reservations needed.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaustav M
Fairfield, CT9 contributions
Aug 2020
The entire length of the highway is strewn with scenic overlooks, hiking trails and swimming spots in the river. It was beautiful in the Summer and can only imagine how gorgeous it would be in the Fall. We spent an evening just driving for a bit and then just parked and headed into the Saco river. Rocky and sandy and shallow enough for kids and adults to safely have a quiet fun time
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,528 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This was out 2nd visit to the Kanc, and we were even more pleased the second time than the first time. There is so much to do on this highway it is truly incredible. Breathtaking sites and stops of varying lengths for all people. No admission or cost to drive it, but many stops do require the purchase of a day pass for $5 at a pay station. No gas or food stops along the route, nor is there much phone service. An enjoyable visit!!
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jared G
Philadelphia, PA
Is there drinking water available along the highway at any of the lookouts or at the lower falls? I'm thinking of biking the highway and I probably won't be able to carry enough water to make the whole trip without refilling bottles. Thanks!
NewEnglandPhotoBug
Easton, MA149 contributions
You can bring one of those water filters that hikers use. Some will attach to Smartwater bottles. I know there is a spot about half way that people do stop and get water.
Diamond Girl
New York City, NY16 contributions
Is this a safe drive? I am fearful of any roads that have areas without any railings where there are steep DROP OFFS ... areas where cars can go off the road. I've seen too many of these in other areas, sadly marked with crosses for those who lost their lives.
Robert Camper
Concord, NH110 contributions
I don't recall any bad areas, but don't remember any guard rails either. I let my 15.5 year old, learning to drive, drive the whole thing while it was snowing. No problems. It is a scenic drive, so lots of twists and turns, but most are driving it to see the scenery, so nobody was rushing. Plenty of places to pull off, take pictures, very relaxing drive.
Guide00356091428
West Falls Church, VA
Can you please let me know as to what route they are talking about from North Convey to Lincoln?
Arthur G
Endicott, NY781 contributions
Conway to Lincoln is Route 112 that is the Kancamagus highway.
Saptaparni G
Massachusetts45 contributions
Hello...I plan to travel from MA, which is an allowed state, for a one day trip to the Kanc. Was wondering the restrooms are open now?
Steven L
Syracuse, NY879 contributions
We didn't notice any but it's a little over 30 miles long with Lincoln at the west side and North Conway at the eastern side and they both have facilities. Good luck with the colors.
Alyssa
North Little Rock, AR
ADVICE NEEDED! This will be my first road trip and I need any advice you are willing to give! My goal is to drive through some serene areas filled with fall foliage, and I’d like to get “the most bang for my buck” so to speak and drive through as many areas as possible! My mom and I are planning on going the second week in October - any ideas about where to start and where to finish? Also hotels and favorite coffee shops/restaurants would be wonderful too! We want to spend 4 days driving around different places and looking at all the leaves. :)
Jennifer
Seymour, CT21 contributions
The entire Mount Washington Valley area will have beautiful foliage this time of year. Starting in North Conway, I would go up Route 16 North to Route 2 over to Jefferson. From Jefferson take 116 south to Littleton then Rt 93 south to Franconia then on to Lincoln. From Lincoln go over the Kancamagus Highway, then Bear Notch Road over to Bartlett. plenty of great places to stay in North Conway with lots of restaurants to pick from.
Dave
Shawnee, KS
Hi! What dates were you in the Kancamagus Highway area?
N600HXjules
CARVER, MA25 contributions
Let's see we have been on the Kang
in during the spring, fall, and in the winter.
We usually prefer to travel in the quieter seasons.
For decades we of course had to travel during the
summers and school vacations when I our children
were small. But the children were always well
behaved and respectful.
Allison A
Stuart, FL163 contributions
I'm going there in 2 weeks - starting Oct. 10th for a week. Hoping to see the leaves in Peak Season.....have they already turned? Just turning? Thanks!
Cynthia V
20 contributions
Try emailing the local forestry association. They would be your best source of telling you which of their many forests have leaves changing colour. And which colours are more prominent in the many different parks. It should be a spectacular scenery. Great timing for an artist.
Is the kanc safe to travel towing a 33’ fifth wheel camper?
NHwaterfront
Kingston, NH89 contributions
IF you try to do the 32 miles towing a 5th wheel that large, be very, very careful, obey speed limits, watch signs and take your time. There are many sharp turns and hills. As the driver of your vehicle it is quite tempting to look at everything around you, due to the beauty of the surrounding scenery. For your safety keep a close eye on the road while driving. A few spots along the road can get a bit narrow. Also keep an eye out for wildlife on the roadway.
Amanda B
1 contribution
Hi any good spots to stop to see moose
NHwaterfront
Kingston, NH89 contributions
Sometimes you see moose; sometimes you don't. There are no special spots to stop and see them. Please be careful while driving on the Kancamagus Highway as moose can be very dark in color and unlike Deer, the eyes of the Moose do not reflect light from headlights, making these enormous animals even more dangerous to drivers. Never attempt to chase a moose or any animal with your vehicle. Moose are generally very gentle but can charge your vehicle if it feels threatened. If there are baby Moose nearby, use extra caution as a mother Moose will be slightly more aggressive if you get too close.
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Claim your listingKancamagus Highway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kancamagus Highway
- Hotels near Kancamagus Highway:
- (0.14 mi) Blackberry Crossing Campground
- (0.20 mi) Quiet home with wooded views, central AC, yard, grill, deck, & firepit
- (3.43 mi) Residence Inn North Conway
- (0.53 mi) Stunning Year Round Getaway Near Everything on a Large Tranquil Pond!
- (0.43 mi) Colorful, charming home with pond access - near hiking, the Kank & more!
- Restaurants near Kancamagus Highway:
- (0.00 mi) Riverstones Bakery
- (0.10 mi) Cheese Louise North Conway
- (1.70 mi) Banners Restaurant
- (0.63 mi) Almost There Restaurant
- (0.51 mi) Dunkin'
- Attractions near Kancamagus Highway:
- (0.14 mi) Russell-Colbath Homestead
- (0.23 mi) Boulder Loop Trail
- (0.23 mi) Champney Falls Trail
- (0.22 mi) The Red Barn
- (0.23 mi) Oliverian Brook Trail
Kancamagus Highway Information
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