If New Hampshire’s White Mountains had a singular top must-see attraction, it would be the Kancamagus Highway.
Often referred to as “The Kanc”, it’s one of New Hampshire’s three national scenic byways. A roughly 35 mile stretch of winding scenic highway cutting across White Mountain National Forest, connecting the towns of Lincoln to the west and Conway to the east. It’s widely regarded as one of the best destinations for fall foliage in the United States and some of the most idyllic outdoor experiences in the North East.
While it offers some spots with incredible scenery from the road, the real draw of the Kancamagus Highway is that it’s littered with stops for natural attractions a short walk from their parking areas, be it swimming holes, gorges carved by white water rapids, majestic waterfalls, scenic overlooks, or covered bridges. It’s less of a views-from-the-car attraction, and more of a miniature road trip across the White Mountains featuring a collection of immersive natural attractions.
How long do I need to see the Kancamagus Highway?
How long you spend on the Kancamagus Highway depends on you. It can be driven from Lincoln to North Conway in less than an hour without stopping, but typically you should plan on 2-3 hours including driving time and periodic stops. If interested in short hikes, taking a picnic or a dip in the swift river, exploring the Kancamagus Highway could be made into a full day activity.
Ticket Information
Parking at many of the stops along the Kancamagus Highway does require a recreation pass. These passes can be purchased at either end of the Kancamagus Highway: the White Mountain Visitor Center in Lincoln and the Saco River Ranger Station in Conway. Day passes are $5 per vehicle and annual passes are $30. Additionally, there are self-serve pay stations at many of the stops along the Kancamagus, requiring cash and exact change for a slip placed in your windshield.
Interagency, Golden Age, and Golden Access passes are also accepted at the Kancamagus Highway.
Fees are also waived on the following holidays:
Veterans Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
President’s Day
National Get Outdoors Day
National Public Lands Day
Be Prepared
The Kancamagus Highway extends for 35 miles across remote sections of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. You may see plenty of other adventurers, but for nearly the length of this highway there are no gas stations, no convenience stores, and no restaurants or businesses of any kind. Cellular service is also spotty, or nonexistent. So make sure to stock water and snacks and fill up the tank in Lincoln or Conway before you embark.
Notable Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway
- Lincoln Woods trailhead
30 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 5.3 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
The Lincoln Woods trail leads deep into the Pemigewasset Wilderness, one of the most remote areas of New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. While it eventually leads to areas popular with expert hikers, it’s relatively flat with no forks for several miles, making for a pleasant out-and-back stroll along the scenic Pennigewasset River. At the trailhead are restrooms, a visitor center, and a short loop trail with a footbridge. - Discovery Trail
27.8 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 7.5 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
A leisurely 1.4 mile loop trail taking an average of 30 minutes to complete, featuring educational plaques. While not considered one of the grand views from the Kancamagus Highway, this his trail makes for a relaxing pet and family-friendly stroll through the forest on crushed gravel paths, described by the Forest Service as a living classroom in forest ecology. - Otter Rocks
27 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 8.3 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
A popular swimming hole with picnic tables along the Hancock Branch of the East Pemigewasset River. - Greely Pond Trails
25.4 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 9.9 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
A 7.2 mile trail from the Kancamagus Highway cutting between Mount Osceola East and Mount Kancamagus into Waterville Valley. It’s roughly three hours out and back. It’s a relatively secluded hike, popular for cross-country skiing, fishing, and hiking. About a mile from the trailhead is the Greeley Pond Scenic Area, with two picturesque ponds with steep mountains on either side. - Hancock Overlook
24.5 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 10.8 miles from I93 Lincoln NH - Pemigewasset Overlook
22 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 13.3 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
A must-see scenic stop. Nearing the highest points of the Kancamagus Highway, this scenic area directly off the parking area offers breathtaking views of the Osceola Mountains and a pavilion providing informative signs describing detailing its views. - CL Graham Wangan Overlook
21.7 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 13.6 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
Another of the must-see scenic stops, at 2,855 feet in elevation, this is the highest point of the Kancamagus Highway, and roughly the starting point of the Swift River. - Lily Pond
19.3 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 16 miles from I93 Lincoln NH - Sugar Hill Overlook
17.4 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 17.9 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
A scenic overlook featuring Sugar Hill and a panorama of the Swift River Valley. - Sabbaday Falls
15.4 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 19.9 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
Another must-see attraction. Sabbaday Falls is a series of waterfalls through narrow rock formations. The falls a short hike from the parking area, roughly half a mile, making this one of the more iconic stops of the Kancamagus Highway. - Hedgehog mountain
14.2 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 21.1 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
Via the UNH Trail, parking at the Downes Brook Trailhead, this is a popular 4.8 mile loop with 1,400 feet in elevation gain of moderate difficulty featuring views of the Swift River Valley. The hike takes on average about three hours to complete. - Russel Colgate House Site
12.5 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 22.8 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
A historic 19th century homestead museum open to the public. - Champney Falls
10.5 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 24.8 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
A 3.1 mile out-and-back trail to a series of waterfalls that can be spectacular after significant rainfall. Round trip, the hike typically takes about 2.5 hours. - Rocky Gorge Scenic Area and Falls Pond
9.1 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 26.2 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
One of the must-see attractions on the Kancamagus Highway, this scenic area features a rocky gorge carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago just next to the parking area. While beautiful, Rocky Gorge is not considered a safe swimming location, thus swimming is prohibited. Across a footbridge and a short trek into the woods is Falls Pond, a beautiful pond surrounded by slopes on all sides, giving it a deep feeling of seclusion. - Lower Falls
7.0 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 28.3 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
This strip of the Swift River features a series of waterfalls feeding into a large pool with a sandy floor, making it very popular swimming area for the whole family. This is one of the most popular sections of the Kancamagus Highway as it makes for an ideal leisure areas for picnics, sunbathing, and swimming. - Boulder Loop Trail & Albany Covered Bridge
6.1 miles from Rt 16 Conway NH – 29.2 miles from I93 Lincoln NH
Another of the must-see stops, a beautiful historic covered bridge built in 1858, restored in 1970. The area features picnic tables, areas for fishing, and makes for a suitable spot to dip your feet. It’s a swim at your own risk location. While the water is not deep here, the current can be strong, so use caution. This stop also contains the trailhead for Boulder Loop Trail. A 2.8 mile moderate hike, taking on average 3 hours round-trip, featuring views of the Swift River Valley and Mt. Chocorua.
Campgrounds
Covered Bridge Campground
Blackberry Crossings Campground
Jigger Johnson Campground
Passaconaway Campground
Big Rock Campground
Hancock Campground
Be Safe and Enjoy Your White Mountain Adventure
Whether you’re interested rigorous day hikes, a relaxing afternoon on the Saco river, or a few hour adventure sampler, or just an introductory preview of the White Mountains, New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway is likely the answer. It’s a must-see attraction of the White Mountains and widely considered one of the most scenic areas of the North East. Remember to take precautions, fill up the tank, bring water and snacks, and enjoy your White Mountain adventure.