New Hampshire has many scenic drives, but perhaps one of the best is along the Kancamagus Highway. This two-lane road stretches 34.5 miles from Lincoln to Conway, and reaches its highest point at Kancamagus Pass (2,855 ft.). Designated as an American Scenic Byway, “The Kanc”, as it is locally known, has lots to see and do along the way.

Town of Lincoln

Town of Lincoln NH/Facebook If traveling eastbound, the customary starting point for the Kancamagus Highway is here in Lincoln, a small resort/ski town located partly in the White Mountain National Forest. Learn more about Lincoln on the town’s website.

Swift River

Patrick Kinney/Flickr The highway follows this tributary of the Saco River on the eastern side of Kancamagus Pass. Many pulloffs along the road offer access to the river for swimming.

Sabbaday Falls

Dan Mitler/Flickr This terraced waterfall can be reached from the highway via a 0.3-mile walking path. It is best visited in the spring or after significant rain events. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area

horslips5/Flickr This ledgy natural gorge along the Swift River is a stunning example of both the geology of the White Mountains and the power of water. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

Boulder Loop Trail

rickpilot_2000/Flickr For hikers, plentiful opportunities abound for exploration from trailheads along the Kanc, from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Boulder Loop Trail is a mix of both and has excellent views along the way. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

Scenic Overlooks

Eric Kilby/Flickr The highway has several scenic overlooks scattered along its length. A very popular stop is this view of Mt. Osceola and Scar Ridge.

Leaf-Peeping

Eric Kilby/Flickr The Kanc is famous for its foliage and each fall, visitors descend upon the highway to take in nature’s beautiful display of short-lived color.

Albany Covered Bridge

Allan Harris/Flickr Near the eastern end of the highway at Conway, the Albany Covered Bridge spans the Swift River. Originally constructed in 1858, it has been restored and repaired over the years and is still in use today. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

The Kanc can be driven and enjoyed throughout the year, but caution is advised during winter storms. For complete information what to expect on your drive, check out the Kancamagus Highway website.

Town of Lincoln NH/Facebook

If traveling eastbound, the customary starting point for the Kancamagus Highway is here in Lincoln, a small resort/ski town located partly in the White Mountain National Forest. Learn more about Lincoln on the town’s website.

Patrick Kinney/Flickr

The highway follows this tributary of the Saco River on the eastern side of Kancamagus Pass. Many pulloffs along the road offer access to the river for swimming.

Dan Mitler/Flickr

This terraced waterfall can be reached from the highway via a 0.3-mile walking path. It is best visited in the spring or after significant rain events. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

horslips5/Flickr

This ledgy natural gorge along the Swift River is a stunning example of both the geology of the White Mountains and the power of water. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

rickpilot_2000/Flickr

For hikers, plentiful opportunities abound for exploration from trailheads along the Kanc, from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Boulder Loop Trail is a mix of both and has excellent views along the way. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

Eric Kilby/Flickr

The highway has several scenic overlooks scattered along its length. A very popular stop is this view of Mt. Osceola and Scar Ridge.

The Kanc is famous for its foliage and each fall, visitors descend upon the highway to take in nature’s beautiful display of short-lived color.

Allan Harris/Flickr

Near the eastern end of the highway at Conway, the Albany Covered Bridge spans the Swift River. Originally constructed in 1858, it has been restored and repaired over the years and is still in use today. More information is available on the U.S. Forest Service website.

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Address: Kancamagus Highway, NH-112, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA