The Best Stops on the Kancamagus Highway (And Which Ones To Skip)

If you've seen the name Kancamagus and wondered what all the hype was about, or how in the world to pronounce it, you're not alone.

In our efforts to plan the ultimate drive through New England, including White Mountains National Forest, we couldn't escape recommendations for this scenic drive.

As it turns out, the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is not only beautiful, it's loaded with unique road side stops. Most of them are scenic natural views of the surrounding wilderness, but there are also historic points of interest, like a 19th century homestead, and a classic covered bridge.

Below we've rounded up all the best things to see along the highway, laying them out in order from west to east, effectively creating a full itinerary for you.

Being avid hikers, we can't help but recommend our favorite trails when we talk about a destination, so we'll be including some of the best hikes along the Kancamagus as well.

Lastly, we've included a custom map of the full drive and provided some first hand recommendations about when to go and everything else you need to be fully prepared.

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Oh, and it's "Kanc-ah-mah-gus."

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The Best Stops on the Kancamagus Highway

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Lincoln Woods

The large parking lot at Lincoln Woods Trailhead may seem like it's just a road side stop with views up the river. But it's actually the gateway into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Experienced hikers will set out from here for a challenging 2-3 day trek around the Pemigewasset Loop.

Some other great trails start from here, including the 6.9 mile out-and-back to Franconia Falls, but if your goal is to simply drive the highway for the day, it's worth a stop to get out and have a closer look at the suspension bridge.

You can take a much shorter walk up either side of the river, using the two pedestrian bridges to loop back to the parking area.

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The Overlooks

The next few stops are scenic overlooks, spread out along seven miles of the highway.

Views are slightly different from each, but we didn't personally feel the need to stop at every one of them. They're quick and easy, being right along the road, so if you do it won't add much time to your drive. But, if you want to choose one or two, we'd recommend Pemigewasset or C.L. Graham Wangan (those ones are really close together).

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Hancock Overlook

The hairpin turn at Hancock Overlook has become one of the most iconic images of "The Kanc" in recent years.

Unfortunately, those photos have typically been heavily photoshopped and shot from a drone, showing off an impressive aerial perspective of the foliage or a top down view of the road. Flying a drone here is actually illegal, since you're prohibited from landing within 1/4 mile of the highway. That's virtually impossible to do, since you also have to keep the drone within your line of sight.

Views from Hancock Overlook will just have to be enjoyed the old fashioned way, which isn't a bad thing.

From the parking area you'll be able to see several peaks along the Osceola Range to the south.

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Pemigewasset Overlook

This overlook faces to the west, back toward Lincoln. The parking area is in a loop, off the main road, making it much easier to pull in and out of than Hancock.

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C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook

Several mountain layers can really show off here, especially during a foggy sunrise, when the peaks catch early morning light and the fog hangs in the valleys.

This overlook and the Pemigewasset straddle Kancamagus Pass, the highest point of the road at almost 3000 feet of elevation, giving you one of the most scenic views of the whole drive.

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Sugar Hill Overlook

If, for some reason, you passed by the first three overlooks then you should stop at Sugar Hill. Otherwise, it's a skip in our book, because the views aren't any better than what you've already gotten.

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Lily Pond

There's a lack of information out there about Lily Pond, because it's not a major stop and, quite frankly, there isn't much to it.

It's a small body of water right off the road with a short dirt path to get out to it. There isn't even much of a place to park, besides an unpaved pull out.

We actually skipped over Lily Pond.

But others have noted that it's a good place to spot a moose, so it might be worth it for that alone. It would also make for a beautiful scene, moose or not, on a calm morning when the foliage is reflecting off the surface of the water.

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Sabbaday Falls

This is one of the most popular stops along the route, for good reason. Sabbaday Falls has a series of beautiful cascades over moss covered rock, each dropping into a pool before changing direction and dropping again.

It's our favorite part of the Kancamagus Highway and the whole experience really reminds us of nearby Flume Gorge, albeit it on a much smaller scale. Sabbaday is yet another example of a flume - a narrow ravine with water rushing through it.

The hike to get there is easy and doable for just about everyone, mostly flat with a gravel surface. It's 0.7 miles round-trip, so the walk will only take a few minutes.

Once you reach the lower pool you can step down onto some rocks for a closer view and your first look at the falls. From there, take the series of staircases up to walk right alongside the falls and look down on them from above.

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Russell-Colbath Historic Site

This historic homestead is all that's remaining of the town of Passaconaway. It consists of the Russell-Colbath house, built in 1832, the town cemetery, and a new timber frame barn.

When the house is open to the public, typically Fri-Wed afternoons until October, you can step inside to see and learn about 19th century life in this part of New England. There are period furnishings in a museum-like setting, with a historic interpreter on-site.

We took a peaceful walk around the property, examined the headstones, and imagined what it was like to live here almost 200 years ago. It helps give a historical context to The Kanc, which originated from the road between Passaconaway and Lincoln.

If you're interested in more history and stories from the region, you should download the self-guided audio tour ahead of time. It packs in a ton of narrated information and is like having a personal guide along with you, but you can go at your own pace.

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Champney Falls Trail

This is a relatively easy 3.1 mile out-and-back trail that leads to two different falls. Champney is obviously the more well-known and consists of several rocky tiers.

Pitcher Falls can be accessed down a short spur trail not far from Champney and is equally impressive with its drop off a tall, sheer cliff.

Waterfalls can be a little underwhelming during the fall because of the reduced water flow, but if you have the time or want to fit in a short hike to stretch your legs then this trail will help you get some blood pumping.

For a more challenging hike you can go all the way out to Mount Chocorua, which makes for a total 8.0 mile out-and-back with 2,267 feet of elevation.

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Rocky Gorge Scenic Area

The Rocky Gorge is a beautiful roadside stop where the Swift River encounters a sudden mass of rock. The water passes over and around boulders, making for some interesting and dramatic views.

Again, depending on the water levels in the river the experience can differ. Earlier in the year the water may be high and rapidly rushing over the rocks. In the fall, when we visited, levels were lower and you could freely walk around in the gorge. Waterfalls and areas of rapids were also more visible.

You can get a great view from the pedestrian bridge. If you decide to go out on the rocks, be careful. Swimming in the gorge is prohibited year-round due to the danger from fast moving water and rapids.

A short walk from the bridge takes you through the forest to serene views of Falls Pond, surrounded by trees.

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Lower Falls

This is another stop right along the river with a large parking area. In summer, the water will be filled with kids and families splashing around and cooling off near the small waterfalls.

In autumn, it's still a fun place to hop around from one rock to another and enjoy the scenery.

If you're starting the drive from Conway, here or Rocky Gorge make a great place to have a picnic lunch.

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Albany Covered Bridge

One requirement of any New England road trip is a stop, or two, at a classic covered bridge.

This one, despite being more than 150 years old, is still usable. Vehicles under the 7'9" height restriction can drive across on Passaconaway Road. Pedestrian traffic is also welcome.

We walked across, since our 10 foot tall campervan couldn't make it.

There are paths along both sides of the river, as well as a fishing pier on the north side. From a little way down either of them you can find a nice angle to photograph the bridge. We found that our favorite spot was on the south side, with all the large rocks on the river bank in the foreground.

There's a large parking area on the south side of the river, but on the north side you'll also find more parking and the Boulder Loop trailhead.

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Boulder Loop Trail

This 3.7 mile hike offers forest views, huge boulders, and a scenic look out over the Passaconaway Valley over rocky ledges. There's a decent amount of elevation gain, but it's only moderately challenging and most people who do it say that the effort is worth the pay off.

It's a well maintained interpretive trail, marked by yellow blazes, and there are 15 stops with information about the history and biology of the area.

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Map of the Best Stops on the Kancamagus Highway

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Practical Tips and What to Expect

Fees: The Kancamagus Highway is managed by the US Forest Service, so you'll need an appropriate recreation pass for your visit. A daily pass is only $5 and can be purchased at self pay stations on the route. There should be working credit card machines, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand, just in case.

If you already have an America the Beautiful pass or any other federal interagency pass, this will cover the fee. You just need to display it in your windshield. And if you don't have one, but are considering trips to Acadia or any other national parks, we highly recommend it. It's $80, but gives you annual access to tons of federal recreation sites.

Limited cell service: Don't expect to have cell service during most of the drive. It's a good idea to download offline Google maps ahead of time and don't forget to save our custom map above, which features all of the best stops along the Kancamagus Highway.

This is also a good time to subscribe to AllTrails+ if you haven't already. It's under $3/month and you can download offline trail maps, share your realtime location with others, and print maps to carry as a back-up.

Road conditions: The Kancamagus is a smooth, well maintained road without scary curves or dangerous drops. The weather, however, can be unpredictable later in the year and icy or snowy conditions in the mountains can develop quickly. Always be sure to check the weather forecast if you're visiting beyond late September.

Best time of day for the drive: Because parking lots can fill up quickly, it's best to start your drive early in the morning. Summer and fall bring the largest crowds, especially during peak foliage season. If you're visiting then, try to plan your drive for a weekday if possible.

Rest stops, picnic areas, and gas stations: Places to stop, stretch your legs, take in the scenic views, and even eat a meal are plentiful along The Kanc. However, there are no gas stations between Conway and Lincoln. It's only a 35 mile drive, so unless you're running on empty you should be fine, but make sure you have adequate fuel before heading out.

Bathrooms are located at many of the rest stops and trailheads and are usually well maintained.

‍Pro tip: bring your own hand sanitizer and a roll of toilet paper. Ya know, just in case.

Food, water and other essentials: Another amenity you won't find along the drive are restaurants or food vendors. Pack a lunch and choose one of the scenic vistas or quiet spots along the river to enjoy a picnic.

Water is available at a few of the stops, so start with a full reusable bottle and top it off as you go.

Some other things you'll need to bring along are sunscreen and bug spray, a few different layers of clothing, and some sturdy hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails.

A friendly reminder: Though we understand how tempting it is, drones are prohibited within 1/4 mile of the highway. It's also illegal to fly them over moving vehicles and people, so The Kanc really is just not the place for them. Let's all do our part in making the experience enjoyable for everyone.

And, on that note, let's remember to leave no trace when we recreate outdoors. You can do that by packing out or disposing of all your trash properly, leaving nature the way you found it, and keeping your distance from wildlife.

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Common Questions

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Where does the Kancamagus Highway start and end?

You can begin the drive from either Lincoln or Conway, New Hampshire. From the west, some drivers choose to start at the White Mountains Visitor Center, but the first scenic stop is typically Lincoln Woods Trailhead, just outside of town. In Conway, on the opposite end of the Kancamagus Highway, the Saco Ranger Station serves as an anchor point for the east.

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When is peak fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway?

The best fall foliage can usually be seen on The Kanc during the first two weeks of October. Weather throughout the year can affect the exact peak, so it's best to give yourself a window of a few days in the area. You can keep an eye on Visit NH's fall foliage map and tracker as it gets closer.

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How much time do I need to drive the Kancamagus Highway?

While the full 35 mile stretch could be driven in as little as an hour, the average time to drive the Kancamagus Scenic Byway is about 2-3 hours. We'd recommend giving yourself a half day to fully appreciate it, leaving time for a good sunrise, a couple of hiking trails, and a picnic lunch, without stressing about when you need to be done.

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Is the Kancamagus Highway worth it?

Absolutely! Some will point out that you can find equally beautiful views all over New Hampshire, with much smaller crowds. We're all for going off the beaten path, and finding less popular destinations, but scenic drives like The Kanc pack so much into one area it's hard to pass up.

Since it will only cost you about half a day, we would definitely recommend doing the drive, even if you don't make it to every stop. Then, seek out some of the less traveled pockets of New Hampshire as well.

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