New England’s Famous Auto Road
The Kancamagus Highway In the White Mountain National Forest
Scenic Drives In New England
View the White Mountains from the First National Scenic Byway in the Northeast. Yes, you can! Plan a visit to the Kancamagus Highway in the White Mountain National Forest.
Travel on the Kancamagus Highway was never as smooth and easy as it is now. This is one of the most famous scenic Highways in the United States of America. The Kancamagus was established in 1959. Today this scenic New England road stretches for 34.5 miles across the White Mountains of New Hampshire from Lincoln to Conway.
This scenic New England highway is a destination – particularly during the summer and autumn.
The Kancamagus Hiway was the first of the National Scenic Byways in the northeast US. The road is now open year round.
Kancamagus is a Native American word (Fearless One) and this region is rich in Native American connections and legends. The scenic mountain and valley views are breathtaking and the opportunities to pull off the highway to enjoy it are plentiful. There are picnic tables at some viewing areas. Others afford an opportunity to take a short hike to visit a nearby waterfall.
HISTORY OF THE KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY
The wooded trails were followed by a town road which was completed in 1837. Much of the early work on the is road was completed by the Civilian Conservation Corp. (CCC). The CCC worked with the NH State Highway Department and opened to thru traffic in 1959.
KANCMMAGUS HIKES & SCENIC AREAS
There are several scenic areas to visit that are just a short walk from the main road (Rt. 112). Fall Pond is the easiest of the pond walks. Sawyer Ponds and Greely Ponds are about 1/2 day hies from the road. Lower Falls is a good place to cool off during summer and a nice area for a picnic or photo.
NH WHITE MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAILS
Hiking families and serious deep-woods hikers will enjoy the trails available from the Kancamagus Highway. The Rain “N River Trail is the most hiked. This hike offers an easy half-hour hike for intermedia hikers. The Walk to Sabbaday Falls is another easy White Mountain hike along the Sabbaday Brook Trail. Pick up a hiking map at the Saco Ranger Station Visitor Center at the east end, or the White Mountains Information Center at the west end of the Kancamagus Highway.
WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST PARKING PASS REQUIREMENTS
The White Mountain National Forest Recreation pass is required for all parked vehicles. The Recreation Pass must be displayed. There are three pass options ranging from $5 dollars (USD) daily to an annual pass for households ($40 USD). Passes are available at USFS Information Centers and the White Mountains Visitors Center.
WHERE TO STAY
Consider spending several nights or more during your White Mountain vacation. For accommodations consider lodging in the nearby towns of North Conway, Jackson, Sugar Hill, Franconia, and North Woodstock, NH. The NH White Mountain Region offers a wide variety of attractions, including hiking, fishing and golf courses. NH Living shares additional information about the Kancamagus Highway.
Contact us for information about featuring your business in NE Living Magazine.
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains: Four-season Guide to 60 of the Best Trails in the White Mountain National Forest | $30.33 | On Sale |
|
White Mountain Guide: AMC’s Comprehensive Guide to Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest | $26.95 | On Sale |
|
Lantern Press 16x24 Inch Giclee Art Print Wall Decor, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, Lithograph | $24.99 | On Sale |
|
White Mountain National Forest New Hampshire Maine T-Shirt | $19.99 | On Sale |
|
AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountains: Four-Season Guide To 60 Of The Best Trails In The White Mountain National Forest | $6.00 | On Sale |
|
White Mountain National Forest [Map Pack Bundle] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map) | $24.95 | On Sale |
|
Lantern Press 24x36 Inch Giclee Art Print Wall Decor, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, Kancamagus Scenic Byway | $29.99 | On Sale |
|
White Mountain National Forest New Hampshire Mt. Washington T-Shirt | $18.95 | On Sale |
|
White Mountain National Forest New Hampshire Mt. Washington Pullover Hoodie | $33.49 | On Sale |
|
The Art of the National Parks (Fifty-Nine Parks): (National Parks Art Books, Books For Nature Lovers, National Parks Posters, The Art of the National Parks) | $44.99 | On Sale |
|
White Mountain National Forest New Hampshire Mt. Washington Premium T-Shirt | $21.95 | On Sale |
|
Rather Be White Mountain National Forest T-Shirt T-Shirt | $19.99 | On Sale |
|
Appalachian Mountain Club White Mountain Guide: Hiking Trails in the White Mountain National Forest | $37.71 | On Sale |
|
Lantern Press 12x18 Inch Premium Wood Sign, Ready to Hang Wall Decor, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, Kancamagus Scenic Byway | $39.99 | On Sale |
|
Womens Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire Deer Buck Vacation Camping V-Neck T-Shirt | $19.99 | On Sale |
|
Vintage Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire T-Shirt | $20.99 | On Sale |
|
Kancamagus Highway New Hampshire Deer Buck Vacation Camping Pullover Hoodie | $31.99 | On Sale |
|
Kancamagus Highway Moose T-Shirt New Hampshire T-Shirt | $20.99 | On Sale |
|
Womens Kancamagus Highway Moose graphic New Hampshire V-Neck T-Shirt | $19.99 | On Sale |
|
5 Pieces Canvas Wall Art Painting Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire Home Decoration Print On Framed Canvas Ready to Hang Picture Poster Artwork for Wall Decor | On Sale | |
|
6 Panels Canvas Wall Poster Artwork Picture Sunset from Kancamagus Pass Kancamagus Highway White Art Painting Framed Print Bedroom Home Living Room Office Decoration Gift | On Sale |
Attractions | Inns | Resorts | Hotels
Rental Homes |
Real Estate | Restaurants
Camping | Business | Pet Friendly Lodging
