After our scenic railroad trip, we drove the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH Route 112). 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 first two scenic stops are the Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.
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. The two stops below are fee areas. On weekends and during peak season for fall colors, this is an extremely popular tourist destination. Be prepared for heavy traffic.
Lower Falls Scenic Area
The Lower Falls is a series of cascades on the Swift River. Your views start just feet from the large parking lot. If you are careful, you can step onto the nearby boulders to get a closer look. In the summer, when the current is calmer and the water is warmer, you can see people swimming and sunbathing.
There is a universally accessible paved path closer to the byway that leads to an excellent viewpoint.
This stop has restrooms and a covered picnic area.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
This stop has water flowing through a narrow gorge carved by glaciers. It’s a 10-foot drop into a chute made by the gorge.
There is a paved path from the parking lot along the Swift River. To your left there is a break in the trees and a few steps down. You can walk onto the rocks which are relatively flat. Still, it is uneven terrain and has drop-offs, so watch your step. The path takes you to a foot bridge across the river.
Facing toward the lot, you get clear shots of the falls. Facing the other way, there are picturesque views of the gorge and the surrounding mountains.
After the foot bridge, there is a higher viewpoint over the cascade. It is hard to get clear shots from here due to the angle and plant life.
Then, if you continue up the trail, you’ll reach Falls Pond. This path is less maintained and may be difficult for anyone with mobility issues.
Restrooms and a picnic area are available here as well. Jumping into the gorge and swimming are not allowed.
A few larger waterfalls are also along the Kanc. If hiking and waterfalls are not your thing, don’t skip out because the byway also offers tons of scenic overlooks!