There is no better way to travel through the White Mountains in New Hampshire than by taking the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Designated as a National Scenic Byway in 1996 for its scenic qualities, the Kancamagus Highway is one of the most scenic fall drives in the entire country, especially when the fall leaves start to turn in early September to mid-October. The Kancamagus Highway begins/ends from west to east in Lincoln New Hampshire to Conway New Hampshire. You can find information on the west end at the White Mountains Information Center and on the east end at the Saco Forest Service Ranger Station.
Experience the scenic views, and the history of the region, during every season off the year, not just when the fall color map tells you that fall leaves are at their peak. Recreational activities can be found along this drive year-round, with plenty of hiking available in the summer and skiing in the winter. The best part about this Byway is that all the hotels, resorts, towns, and shops are found at the two ends of the Byway and not in between. The road is dedicated to complete serenity with no interference from the modern-day world, it is simply just the road and nature.
The Kancamagus Highway, pronounced Kan-ka-maw-gus, was completed to through traffic in 1959. The highway first began as a road to town from Conway to Passaconaway in 1837. At that time, and for over 100 years, the early European settlers lived in this isolated valley, farming and logging along the fertile soil of the Swift River. The Historic Russell Colbath House, built in the early 1800’s is a Forest Service Historic site today with a fascinating story. In the early 1900’s the road was extended west from Passaconaway and east from Lincoln. Much of the work to build the road from Lincoln to Passaconaway was completed by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp). After WWII the New Hampshire State Highway Department worked on the road when money was available. Then in 1959, the highway was opened and families began the scenic legend of the Kanc.
Of course, the European settlers were not the first to call these mountains home. The mountains and lands in this valley were names for New Hampshire’s most legendary Indians. Passaconaway (Child of the Bear) was a peace-loving chief who united over 17 Indian tribes of Central New England into the Penacook Confederacy. He died in 1669. Kancamagus (The Fearless One) was the grandson of Passaconaway. Kancamagus tried to keep peace between the Indians and the European pioneers. There are bloodlines of several tribes living among the White Mountains today.
The natural beauty of the area is second to none. The mountain ranges that this Byway runs through are so iconic and have so much history behind them. The trails that can be found along the way are all accessible for visitors to experience nature firsthand and get some of the best views in the area. The highest point along this Byway is just under 3,000 feet, and it provides some of the most scenic views in the area of the White Mountains and the White Mountain National Forest. Visitors come from all over the world during the fall, as the changing fall leaves along the highway create such spectacular sight. The Byway runs right through White Mountain National Forest. Located within the forest is the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge. All these places are easily accessible within the Forest through one of the many hiking and walking trails. Along the way, there are a total of 6 campgrounds that can be accessed by visitors. Any one of these campgrounds is a great place for families to set up camp and enjoy the natural wonders of the area. However, if camping is not necessarily the way you want to spend your time, there are plenty of accommodations that are available at either end of the 35-mile-long Byway.
Visitors will not be disappointed when they visit “The Kanc”, as it is abbreviated down to for easier pronunciation. The fall colors in the viewshed are simply too amazing to pass up and the opportunity for fun and enjoyment is truly limitless. There is fun for the whole family along this Byway, as it is more than just the scenic views. There are chances year-round for anyone to have a great time, with plenty of attractions along the way. Travelling along this Byway will create memories that will last a lifetime, no matter what age you are, or what season of the year.