The Best Kancamagus Highway Attractions and Hikes
The Kancamagus Highway is the iconic 32-mile scenic byway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and it is known as one of the most beautiful drives in New England and one of the most beautiful foliage drives in the WORLD! Not only does it have stunning mountain views, but the Kancamagus Highway attractions include waterfalls, swimming holes, and hikes.
I have been exploring and hiking on the Kancamagus Highway since I was a kid. I will never get over the stunning views from the various overlooks and hikes. It is also my favorite scenic drive in the winter!
If you are planning a trip to the White Mountains, the Kancamagus Highway should be on your bucket list! This guide is going to go over everything you need to know to visit the Kancamagus Highway, including the best Kancamagus Highway attractions, hikes, waterfalls, and campgrounds.
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Common Questions About the Kancamagus Highway
Before planning a trip to visit the Kancamagus Highway attractions, you will need to know all of the details about how long it takes to drive, how much time to allocate to exploring it, where it begins and ends, and when the best time to visit is. Since I have been visiting the Kancamagus Highway since I was a kid, I have all the answers to frequently asked questions about the Kancamagus Highway that will help you plan the perfect trip!
How long does it take to drive the Kancamagus Highway?
It takes about an hour to drive the entire Kancamagus Highway, although I highly recommend allocating more time to enjoy the Kancamagus Highway attractions, including beautiful waterfalls, overlooks, and hikes.
If you are looking to explore only the Kancamagus Highway attractions that do not require hiking, I recommend allocating a full day. If you want to add Kancamagus Highway hikes to your itinerary, I recommend allocating at least 2-3 days in the area.
Where does the Kancamagus Highway start and end?
The Kancamagus Highway is a 32-mile scenic byway that runs through the White Mountains, connecting the towns of Lincoln and Conway. The drive can begin either in Lincoln if you are coming from Interstate 93 or in Conway if you are coming from Route 16.
When is the Kancamagus Highway open?
The Kancamagus Highway is open year-round! Because the scenic byway is plowed in the winter, you can enjoy the beautiful Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes in any season. You can find up-to-date road closures and alerts here.
When is the best time to visit the Kancamagus Highway?
Since the Kancamagus Highway is open year-round, you can visit in any season! Each season offers beautiful views and things to do. The spring and summer are perfect times to hike the many trails on the Kancamagus Highway.
The fall has incredible foliage, making the Kancamagus Highway one of the best fall foliage drives in the world. The winter offers an opportunity to snowshoe and cross-country ski in the White Mountains.
What is the Kancamagus Highway weather?
The Kancamagus Highway has similar weather to the surrounding towns. However, the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly in the White Mountains. I always recommend bringing the appropriate layers when visiting the Kancamagus Highway.
Do I have to pay an entrance fee for the Kancamagus Highway?
The Kancamagus Highway does not have an entrance fee, but several parking areas require a pass. A daily pass to park at the Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes is $5 and can be purchased at the self-serve pay stations in the parking lots.
If you are visiting the White Mountains a few times throughout the year, I recommend purchasing an annual pass for $30. You can purchase an annual pass online, at White Mountain National Forest offices, or the White Mountain National Forest information center.
Where to Stay Near the Kancamagus Highway Attractions
The Kancamagus Highway does not have any hotels, gas stations, grocery stores, or other businesses along the 32-mile scenic byway. There are six Kancamagus Highway campgrounds that are great places to stay. All except one are first come first serve.
If you would rather stay in a hotel, you can find one in Lincoln or Conway, where the Kancamagus starts on either side of the White Mountains. Both of these towns are among my favorites in the White Mountains!
Best Hotels Near Lincoln:
Best Hotels Near Conway:
Best Kancamagus Highway Campgrounds:
What to Pack for a Trip to the Kancamagus Highway
The weather in the White Mountains is unpredictable, so I always recommend packing the appropriate layers. If you are visiting in the late fall or winter, the Kancamagus Highway will be very cold, and I recommend packing a warm winter jacket and layers. If you plan on doing some Kancamagus Highway hikes, it is crucial to pack proper hiking gear and layers no matter what season you visit.
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
Best Kancamagus Highway Attractions and Hikes
The Kancamagus Highway has so many beautiful attractions and fun hikes for year-round fun! Although it takes about an hour to drive along the entire 32-mile scenic byway, I highly recommend allocating a few days to explore all of the Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes.
Below is a map with every campground, attraction, and hike along the Kancamagus Highway! You can download and print the Kancamagus Highway map from here.
**Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Map from kancamagushighway.com
Kancamagus Highway Overlooks
The Kancamagus Highway has many scenic overlooks, offering stunning views of the White Mountains that should be on everyone’s bucket list. If you are not looking to hike but still want mountain views, the Kancamagus Highway overlooks are perfect!
Each scenic overlook has parking lots but can fill up quickly throughout the day. If you are looking for the best time to take in the beautiful views, I highly recommend visiting the Kancamagus Highway overlooks during sunrise or sunset. Make sure not to miss these Kancamagus Highway attractions during your visit!
Here are the scenic overlooks along the Kancamagus Highway:
Hancock Overlook
Pemigewasset Overlook
CL Graham Wangan Overlook
Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
Kancamagus Highway Waterfalls
Did you know there are waterfalls along the Kancamagus Highway that require minimal hiking?! There are incredible Kancamagus Highway waterfalls that should be on everyone’s bucket list because they are some of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions. If you want to find more beautiful waterfalls, you can read more information about the most beautiful waterfalls in New Hampshire.
Sabbaday Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.6 miles
Sabbaday Falls is one of the most popular Kancamagus Highway attractions because it is one of the most beautiful Kancamagus Highway waterfalls. The stunning waterfall has multiple falls that cascade into an emerald-colored pool. And the best part? The hike to Sabbaday Falls is only 0.6 miles round trip and is very easy.
Because this is one of the best things to do on the Kancamagus Highway, the parking lot can fill up before 9:00 AM. I highly recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Rocky Gorge
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Minimal
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area is a stunning Kancamagus Highway attraction that has multiple waterfalls cascading into the river. From the parking area, there is a small paved path leading to Rocky Gorge. There is a footbridge over Rocky Gorge, which is a great place to take a photo of the gorge.
The Rocky Gorge is one of my favorite areas on the Kancamagus Highway! The waterfall is stunning year-round. And if you want to hike, you can enjoy a 1-mile hike on the other side of the footbridge that brings you around Falls Pond.
Lower Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Minimal
Lower Falls is one of the most beautiful Kancamagus Highway waterfalls and a popular swimming area. There are multiple falls from the Swift River that cascade into a pool.
Lower Falls is one of the most popular Kancamagus Highway attractions in the summer because it is one of the best swimming holes. The parking lot can fill up early, so if you are looking to spend the day swimming in Lower Falls, I highly recommend arriving as early as you can.
Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls
Difficulty: 3 miles
Length: Easy/Moderate
Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls are beautiful Kancamagus Highway waterfalls. The hike to Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls is the longest waterfall hike on this list but is worth every step.
The 3-mile hike follows along Champney Falls Trail and can be hiked longer to the summit of Mount Chocorua (more information on that hike below). Champney Falls is one of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions!
Kancamagus Highway Hikes
Some of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions are hikes. There are many beautiful hikes along the Kancamagus Highway for all hiking levels, and each one is stunning. Hiking is one of my favorite things to do on the Kancamagus Highway!
Discovery Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length:1.5 miles
The Discovery Trail is one of the best Kancamagus Highway hikes and attractions for all ages. The easy 1.4 miles follows along a loop that has interpretive panels with information about the forest ecology. Although the Discovery Trail does not offer mountain views, it provides a fun and educational experience to learn about the Working Forest.
Boulder Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.8 miles
Boulder Loop is an incredible Kancamagus Highway hike, offering stunning views overlooking the White Mountains, and is many people’s favorite Kancamagus Highway attraction.
The trail begins at the beautiful Albany Covered Bridge and follows along Boulder Loop Trail for 0.2 miles before coming to the loop’s junction. Many hikers prefer hiking the loop clockwise to have a steeper ascent and gradual descent.
After turning left to continue on Boulder Loop Trail, there will be a spur after one mile, which leads to ledges that offer incredible views! I love hiking this trail year-round.
North Hancock and South Hancock
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 9.1 miles
Before the Kancamagus Highway was built, North Hancock and South Hancock used to be the most remote mountains in the White Mountains. But now you can access them from the Kancamagus Highway! Although the summits of North Hancock and South Hancock are mainly wooded, they have small clearings with stunning views overlooking the White Mountains.
Hancock Notch Trail begins on the iconic hairpin turn across from the Hancock Overlook. The first two miles are relatively flat and have a few stream crossings. Over the next 1.5 miles, the trail begins to climb steadily until the Hancock Loop Trail junction.
You can follow the loop either way, but many hikers recommend following Hancock Loop Trail to the right to South Hancock first because it is a steeper ascent. The Hancock Loop Trail travels to both North Hancock and South Hancock before looping back to the Hancock Notch Trail.
Mount Chocorua
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 8.4 miles
Mount Chocorua is a classic Kancamagus Highway hike that thousands of people hike each year. Champney Falls Trail begins on the Kancamagus Highway and is the most popular trail.
The first mile of Champney Falls Trail is easy and flat and soon passes Champney Falls and Pitcher Falls. Many people will turn around at Champney Falls.
After the waterfalls, the trail begins to climb steadily, gaining elevation over a series of switchbacks. Champney Falls Trail then intersects with Piper Trail, which brings you to the summit of Mount Chocorua.
The views from Mount Chocorua are among my favorites along the Kancamagus Highway. Although the trail is strenuous, the views make the effort worth it.
Hedgehog Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5 miles
Hedgehog Mountain is one of my favorite hikes on the Kancamagus Highway because the views are beautiful! It is the shortest mountain on the 52 With a View List but has some of the best views.
The UNH Trail offers beautiful views on the summit and nearby ledges, overlooking Mount Passaconaway and the Sandwich Wilderness. Although it is the shortest mountain on the list, the trail has a few steep sections and consistently gains elevation as the trail climbs to the summit.
But Hedgehog Mountain will become one of your favorite hikes on the Kancamagus Highway and will leave you in awe of the stunning views.
Potash Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.2 miles
Potash Mountain is next to Hedgehog Mountain but offers different views looking north in the White Mountains. Although it is one of the smaller mountains in the area, it does not lack beautiful views! Potash Mountain offers views of Mount Passaconaway, the Tripyramids, and the northern section of the White Mountains.
Don’t let the short mileage fool you though! The trail is a constant climb to the summit without many breaks and has a river crossing at the beginning of the trail that is difficult to pass when the water is high. But the effort is worth it for the stunning views!
The Bonds
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 20 miles
Hiking the Bonds is a perfect Kancamagus Highway hike for those who are looking for a challenge with incredible views. The 20-mile hike summits three peaks - Bond Cliff, Mount Bond, and West Bond. It is a strenuous day hike that will push you and reward you with some of the best views in the White Mountains. It is one of my favorite Kancamagus Highway hikes!
The hike to the Bonds begins at the Lincoln Woods trailhead and follows along Lincoln Woods Trail for four miles until turning left onto Bondcliff Trail. Lincoln Woods is very easy and flat, but it will feel long. Bondcliff Trail gradually ascends for 2,600 feet over four miles until it reaches the epic Bond Cliff.
Bondcliff Trail follows along the ridge for another mile to the summit of Mount Bond. From Mount Bond, Bondcliff Trail continues for another 0.7 miles before turning left onto West Bond Spur for 0.3 miles to the summit of West Bond. The hike follows along the same trails, ending in Lincoln Woods. This hike is long but is worth every step! It is easily my favorite hike in the White Mountains.
This guide has everything you need to know about the Kancamagus Highway, including frequently asked questions and the best Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes. The Kancamagus Highway should be on everyone’s New Hampshire bucket list and is the perfect addition to a New Hampshire getaway year-round.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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