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Have you ever wondered what makes New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway such a magical drive for families? Are you considering visiting the White Mountains and trying to determine what Kancamagus highway attractions are best for your family? We recently spent the day driving the highway and have the best family friendly suggestions for you!
The 34 mile stretch of highway is jam packed with so many jaw-dropping views, family friendly hikes, scenic waterfalls and gorges, and rocky “playgrounds” that you could easily spend a day (or much more) exploring.
The highway has starting points in both Lincoln, NH and Conway, NH, so you can drive from West to East or East to West. Both areas are a good base to stay in when exploring the White Mountains.
About the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway, sometimes referred to as “The Kanc”, is a 34 mile stretch along route 112 in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is known as one of the best fall foliage drives in New England and millions flock to the area every fall.
When we were planning our trip to the White Mountains, we were not sure about including the highway in our itinerary because we weren’t visiting in the fall. We decided to include it anyways, and quickly found out that the highway is equally as beautiful in the summer months! Don’t skip it, no matter what time of year you are visiting!
Things to Know When Driving the Kancamagus Highway
- The highway has starting points in both Lincoln and Conway.
- Cell reception on the highway can be very spotty and many places have no reception at all. It is a straight drive, so it is hard to get lost, but plan ahead of time and know where you are going.
- There are no gas stations on the highway, so fill up ahead of time.
- There are also no food vendors or restaurants on the highway, so be sure to bring something with you or plan to stop in either Lincoln or Conway.
- Driving the highway straight through takes about an hour with no traffic and no stopping. But we highly recommend you plan on stopping, so planning for at least 2-3 hours to visit the highway is best! You could easily spend all day exploring the area.
- A parking pass is required to park at any of the stops on the highway. You can purchase a pass at the visitor center in Conway, at the machine at any of the parking stops along the drive, or use a pass such as the America is Beautiful pass. You only need one pass to park anywhere on the highway. The cost is currently $5.
- There are mountain bathrooms located at many of the stops along the highway, but you will want to bring some hand sanitizer and maybe even a roll of toilet paper (just in case!).
Kancamagus Highway Attractions: The Best Stops
Lincoln Woods Trailhead
The Lincoln Woods Trailhead is the first stop you will come to if driving the Kancagamus Highway from Lincoln. This stop is great for hikers and those just looking for a quick stop. There is a pretty neat suspension bridge that is easy to get to and that gives you some nice views of the Pemigewasset River.
The Lincoln Woods Trailhead is the gateway to the Pemigewasset Wilderness, where you can enjoy the shorter trail to Franconia Falls (6.9 miles), or for more experienced hikers head out for the Pemigewasset Loop (30 miles along difficult terrain-not recommended for families unless you are very experienced hikers).
Hancock Overlook
Hancock Overlook is the first overlook you come to if traveling from Lincoln. Perched high above the valley, the view stretches for miles across the peaks of the White Mountains with Southwest views. It’s an easy stop for families, with a covered pavilion and some benches. The parking area can fill up quickly, so arriving earlier or later in the day is the best bet for finding parking.
Kancamagus Highway Attractions:Pemigewasset Overlook
The Pemigewasset Overlook is another family-friendly stop that offers wide, open views to the West/Northwest White Mountains. Like the Hancock Overlook, this overlook is right off the road, so there’s no hiking required, making it one of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions for those looking for a slower, more relaxed pace. The stop also has a covered pavilion, some benches, and plenty of space for viewing the White Mountains.
There is a pretty large parking lot here, but be aware that like any other area on the drive, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak foliage days. Heading out early is the best way to avoid parking issues.
C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook
The next stop is the C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook. This overlook is very similar to the others, with a parking area, pavilion and benches. The C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook gives a little bit of a different view, looking out over the North and East Sandwich Range along with the Swift River watershed.
Sugar Hill Overlook
Sugar Hill Overlook is the next stop on the highway. Again, similar to the other overlooks, it has a covered pavilion and benches. The Sugar Hill Overlook looks out on Mt. Tremont, Owl Cliff, Bear Mountain and Sugar Hill and the Swift River Valley.
Lily Pond
Lily Pond is a quick stop, but one that I feel is one of the most underrated Kancamagus Highway attractions. There is a small pull off on the side of the road past the Sugar Hill Overlook if coming from Lincoln or past the Sabbaday Falls parking area if coming from Conway, marked with a small sign that says Lily Pond.
When we stopped, we were the only ones there, making it a very peaceful stop on the highway. A small path takes you down to Lily Pond, where you will be treated to mountain views. One of the best parts was the reflection of the mountains and clouds in the water.
Lily Pond is also said to be a good place to spot some moose. We didn’t see any when we were there, but if you visit in the early morning or at dusk you have a good chance.
Kancamagus Highway Attractions: Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls is a beautiful , 3 tier waterfall that is easily reachable on a 0.6 mile out and back trail from the Kancamagus Highway. The hike does have a steady incline, but is very manageable even for beginner hikers.
The trail follows along the Sabbady Brook until you come to the falls. We saw many families walking through/taking a dip in the brook on our way to the falls. Swimming is not prohibited near the falls due to the current.
Once you reach the falls, you can take the stairs down to the base of the falls and the rocky area there. There is also a boardwalk leading up to the falls, making it easy to get up close and admire the natural beauty.
After viewing the falls, if you are up for a longer hike, you can continue the Sabbady Brook Trail. This trail is more challenging, at a distance of 11.2 miles with water crossings and elevation gain that takes you to the peak of Mt. Tripyramid.
Russell-Colbath Historic Site
The Russel-Colbath Historic Site is the remnants of the town of Passaconaway and will give you a different perspective of the area, making it one of the best Kancamagus highway attractions. The site includes the Russell-Colbath house, built in 1832, a town cemetery, and a new timber frame barn, which was built in 2003.
You can visit the home, go inside, and view some historic items and photos that highlight what life was like in the area in the 1800’s.
You can also access the Rail N’ River Trail here, a half mile easy, flat trail that includes interpretive exhibits that further detail the history of the area. This stop is great for families interested in learning about the history of the area, but also for those just looking for a relaxing, peaceful walk. There are also picnic tables in the area, so this might be a good spot to stop for a picnic lunch or snack.
Champney Falls Trail
The Champney Falls Trail will bring you to two different waterfalls and is a great hike for families in the White Mountains. The trail is a 3.1 mile out and back trail through a forested area before reaching the falls. The Champney Falls Trail is also the start of the trail that leads to Mount Chocorua, a longer and more advanced trail (The Champney Brook trail). At about 1.4 miles, the Champney Brook Trail branches off into the Champney Falls Trail.
Once you reach the Champney Falls trail, continue on the loop until you reach Pitcher Falls. Continue for a short distance after this and you will come to Champney Falls. Past the Champney Falls you can find an overlook area with some great views of the mountains in the distance. Continue on the loop after this and it will take you back to the parking area.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
The Rocky Gorge Scenic area was one of our favorite Kancamagus Highway attractions. The Rocky Gorge area sits along the Swift River in an area that, you guessed it, is very rocky! You can spend some time walking along the rocks, admiring some small cascades, or dipping your toes in the water.
The scenery is beautiful, and some of the rocks looked so much like clay we didn’t think they were real! There is also a flat trail that leads to a bridge overlooking the gorge and river if you prefer not to climb across the rocks.The Rocky Gorge Scenic Area also has some picnic tables and might be a good place to stop for lunch.
Kancamagus Highway Attractions: The Lower Falls
The Lower Falls area was probably the most populated area when we explored the highway. It is not only scenic, but offers the opportunity for swimming and fun, making it one of the best Kancamagus highway attractions. It is a popular swimming hole in the warmer months and fills up quickly during the day. We had to continue our drive to Conway and then come back to the Lower Falls later in the day.
The area features The Lower Falls and multiple smaller cascades. It is very rocky and kids will love climbing across the large rocks/boulders. There are also several small swimming holes and natural rock slides that the kids (and maybe even you!) will love exploring. There are no lifeguards on duty, so use caution if you are planning on swimming.
If you prefer not to climb on the rocks or go for a swim, there’s a nice flat trail that leads to an overlook where you can take in the views. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch in the area. There are bathrooms/changing rooms at this stop.
Albany Covered Bridge
The Albany Covered Bridge is one of the last stops before reaching Conway (or first if coming from Conway). The stop features a historic covered bridge built in 1859, a classic New England sight.
This stop is an easy one and requires no hiking. The bridge is just a short walk from the parking lot. You can walk across the bridge and follow the short path down to the Swift River for a different perspective/view of the bridge. You can also drive across the bridge if you choose too, as long as your vehicle is under 7’9”.
The Albany Covered Bridge is a great spot for a family photo, especially in the fall months when fall foliage has peaked.
Boulder Loop Trailhead
The Boulder Loop Trailhead is close to the Albany Covered Bridge. The trail is a 3.7 mile moderate hike that takes you through a forest and huge boulders to an overlook with views of the Passaconaway Valley. There is an elevation gain of a little over 900 ft.
When you are going up, it is recommended to follow the loop counter-clockwise. This will be the less strenuous path to follow. Once you get to the summit, be sure to take the extra time to continue on 0.2 miles to the “View”, a side trail that gives you some stunning views of the mountains.
The trail is also interpretive, so along the way you will find many signs detailing the history and biology of the White Mountains.
Making Your Trip to The White Mountains Sustainable
- Follow the Leave No Trace Principles
- No littering!
- Don’t take anything from the area (shells, plants, rocks, etc.)
- Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging fragile eco-systems
- Be sure to follow all guidelines for cooking fires (permitted in picnic area grills and approved carry-in grills only)
- Be respectful of wildlife-never feed them!
- Choose sustainable transportation and lodging options when able.
- Avoid single use plastic items and replace them with multi-use items.
- Properly dispose of all waste and recyclables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Kancamagus Highway start and end?
There are two possible starting points for the Kancamagus Highway. The first is in Lincoln, NH on the West side. The second is in Conway on the East. Both are great locations for a base when exploring the White Mountains, but Conway is the more populated one with more attractions.
Which direction is better to drive? West to East or East to West?
Both directions are great and you will experience the same gorgeous views and adventurous hikes. If you are looking for scenic views first, start at the West End. If you are looking for hikes and waterfalls first, start on the East end.
When is peak fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway?
Peak foliage in the White Mountains is typically the last week or two of September to the second week of October.
How much time do I need to drive the Kancamagus Highway?
You can spend as little as an hour or as much as several days exploring the highway. If you are driving straight through, assuming there is no traffic, you can complete the drive in an hour. We assume that if you are visiting the area, you will want to stop! In that case, we recommend at least 3 hours to explore. If you want to hike or swim, plan on spending more time.
Is there a fee to drive on the Kancamagus Highway?
While there is no fee to drive on the hallway, there is a $5 fee if you are planning on stopping in any of the parking areas. You can purchase a pass at the visitor center, at any of the parking areas on a self service machine, or use a pass such as the America is Beautiful pass.
Are there gas stations on the Kancamagus Highway?
No, there are no gas stations on the highway. Fill up ahead of time!
Are there bathrooms on the highway?
Yes, many of the stops have mountain restrooms. However, there is no hand sanitizer and no sinks available, so make sure you bring your own.
***The Navigating Mom (and this post) may contain affiliate links. If you purchase from one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.****
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