After our scenic railroad trip, we drove to the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH Route 112). The proper pronunciation is “kan-kuh-maw-gus.” Nicknamed ‘The Kanc,’ this 34.5-mile highway offers scenic stops in the White Mountain National Forest from Conway to Lincoln. It is known for some of the best fall foliage and has been designated as an American Scenic Byway.
The highway is named after Kancamagus “the Fearless One,” the third and final sagamore (or chief) of the Pennacook Confederacy of Native American tribes. Kancamagus ruled what is now southern New Hampshire.
It is free to drive the highway, but some stops have a $5 daily fee. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, you can use it instead of the fee. On weekends and during peak season for fall colors, this is an extremely popular tourist destination. Be prepared for heavy traffic.
There are no gas stations or convenience stores on the byway, plan accordingly.
Albany Covered Bridge
The Albany Covered Bridge, also called the White Mountain National Forest Bridge, crosses the Swift River. It is 120 feet long with a clear span of 100 feet. Built in 1857, the original bridge was destroyed by a storm in 1858 that flooded the river. It was rebuilt and restored over the years. In 1970, it was renovated to its current state.
It’s the only way to access the Covered Bridge Campground. Vehicles over 7’9” cannot go through. Visitors for the covered bridge and vehicles unable to drive it can park in a lot adjacent to the bridge.
Lower Falls Scenic Area
This is supposedly the most popular stop on the byway. Lower Falls is a series of cascades on the Swift River. This stop has restrooms and a picnic area.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area has a 10-foot cascade that flows into a chute made by the gorge. A paved path takes visitors to a foot bridge over the gorge. Restrooms and a covered picnic area are available here as well.
Sabbaday Falls
After a short 0.3-mile hike through the forest, visitors can enjoy a 45-foot multi-tier waterfall that sharply turns in the middle and then flows through a flume. Stone steps take you up to an elevated walkway next to the falls.
The next few are overlooks. It was a cloudy, foggy day when we visited, and we made the joke “this must be why they are called the White Mountains” more than once.
Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
Here you get views of the surrounding mountains like Mount Tremont, Owl Cliff, Bear Mountain, and Sugar Hill, among others. There is a covered rotunda with information signs identifying the peaks and the area’s history.
C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook
This overlook has vistas of the Swift River Watershed and the mountains to the north and east. There is a covered pavilion with signs describing the vegetation zones and the watershed
Pemigewasset Overlook
Here there are views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, the Osceola Mountains, and the forest. There is a covered rotunda here as well.
Hancock Trailhead
This last stop is famous for its location on a hairpin turn. Here you get views of the Osceola Range and slide scars. There is a covered pavilion with information signs identifying the peaks and the area’s history.
