Kancamagus Highway, NH-112

Driving

by Plot Along: Northeast

Thirty-five miles of New Hampshire Route 112 across the White Mountains between Lincoln and Conway, known to everyone who drives it as "the Kanc." There are no gas stations, no restaurants, and no cell service for the entire length. It's just the road, climbing to the 2,855-foot Kancamagus Pass on the shoulder of Mount Kancamagus and dropping along the Swift River through the White Mountain National Forest.

In fall it's one of the busiest foliage drives in the country. Late September into October turns the whole corridor gold and crimson, and the pull-offs fill with leaf-peepers. The rest of the year it's a clean, flowing mountain road past waterfalls, a covered bridge, and granite river gorges.

Open year-round and fully paved, but plowed and not treated in winter, so carry traction in the cold months. Come early on autumn weekends, because the overlooks fill by mid-morning.

Learn more: en.wikipedia.org

Clark's Trading Post
The western gateway in Lincoln, just off I-93, at the longtime roadside attraction known for its trained bears and railroad. NH-112 leaves town and starts climbing east from here, so top off fuel and food before the 35-mile run with no services.
Pemigewasset Overlook
A high south-facing overlook on the climb toward the pass, looking back over the Pemigewasset wilderness and the ridgelines the road has been ascending.
Kancamagus Pass
The 2,855-foot height of land on the shoulder of Mount Kancamagus, the high point of the drive, where the road tips over from the Pemigewasset side to the Swift River side.
Sugar Hill Overlook
An east-facing pull-off on the descent with a long view down the Swift River valley. A prime sunrise and foliage spot.
Sabbaday Falls
A short, easy walk leads to a tiered waterfall that drops through a narrow flume and two plunge pools. The most popular stop on the highway.
Albany Covered Bridge
An 1858 covered bridge over the Swift River near the eastern end, just off the highway. A classic White Mountains photo.
Conway
The eastern terminus, where NH-112 meets NH-16 in the Mount Washington Valley. Services return here after the long run through the forest.

Clark's Trading Post

Pemigewasset Overlook

Kancamagus Pass

Sugar Hill Overlook

Sabbaday Falls

Albany Covered Bridge

Conway