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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  • B K
    Wayne, New Jersey63 contributions
    Scenic places, some short hikes
    Used 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 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 12, 2023
  • NewEnglandPhotoBug
    Easton, Massachusetts149 contributions
    GREAT FOR THAT LATE DAY DRIVE
    So 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 2022
    Written June 7, 2023
  • Porsche-the-Traveler
    Hampton, New Hampshire111 contributions
    Peaceful 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 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 22, 2023
  • Eric D
    23 contributions
    Beautiful, Scenic Highway
    We 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 2023
    Written July 7, 2023
  • Jenny Z
    69 contributions
    So 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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 19, 2023
  • snapshotsofzen
    Denver, Colorado216 contributions
    Beautiful drive with lots to see
    Beautiful 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 30, 2023
  • Bill C
    New Hampshire Lakes Region, New Hampshire6 contributions
    Majestic and beautiful
    We 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 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 15, 2023
  • Emettsnana
    Cartersville, Georgia39 contributions
    Beautiful
    We 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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 2, 2023
  • MidwestKathM
    Detroit, Michigan910 contributions
    Despite 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 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 3, 2023
  • dnewman1156
    Huntsville, Alabama90 contributions
    Words alone cannot do it justice
    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!
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 7, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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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.
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!!!
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!
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.
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.

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