Welcome to the Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Tour
The spectacular autumn leaves of the Kancamagus scenic byway are world-renowned. The Kancamagus Highway runs through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. The vibrant leaves displays make “The Kanc” the ultimate scenic road trip during the fall season – or any season! What causes the vibrant colors? Who was the eponymous Chief Kancamagus? Where can you stop for the best views? What is the connection of great Americans with Kancamagus? Learn all about the Kancamagus as you drive along with this self-guided tour.
About the Tour
Drive the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, beginning in Lincoln’s tiny New Hampshire town. Get a glimpse into the history of the town and the Old Man in the mountain as you start your journey into the beautiful landscape of the White Mountains.
Hear the traditional Pennacook legend of a great celestial bear and the hunt which changes the seasons; then, you’ll stop by Otter Lake and get some helpful tips about moose spotting and birdwatching in this vibrant wilderness.
As you head toward the jaw-dropping views from Hancock Overlook, we’ll fill you in on how these staggering mountains formed in the first place and tell you all about Chief Osceola, a cultural hero around these parts and the namesake for Osceola Mountain.
You’ll get your first good look at the famous Mount Washington shortly after that and learn the significance of this mountain to the Pennacook tribe. Continuing, more overlooks will offer unbeatable views of the mountains and the blazingly beautiful fall foliage if it’s the right time of year.
On your way to the glittering Sabbaday Falls, you’ll hear about the astonishing accomplishment that was the Pennacook Confederacy and the chief who made it all happen. You’ll also pass by the Russell-Colbath House, a perfectly preserved bit of history and the site of a mysterious disappearance.
Next on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway self-guided tour, you’ll stop at the lovely cascading falls within the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area and drive across a 200-year-old wooden bridge that’s just begging to be photographed.
Finally, you’ll get the juicy details on an unlikely war between the Rockefellers and a bunch of beavers, the decline of the Pennacook, and the Saco River Curse. You’ll end up at the Saco Ranger Station in Conway with a carload of new memories and plenty of history!
Starting from White Mountains Visitor Center: 200 NH-112, North Woodstock, NH 03262
Starting from Conway: Saco Ranger Station, 33 Kancamagus Hwy, Conway, NH 03818, USA
What You'll See
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Welcome: White Mountains Visitor Center
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Lincoln & Old Man of the Mountain
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Red, Yellow, and Orange
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A Celestial Bear Hunt
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Moose Spotting & Birdwatching
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Otter Rocks Day Use Area
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White Mountains
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Turn for Hancock Overlook
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Mount Osceola
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Mount Hancock & Mount Washington
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Pemigewasset Overlook
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CL Graham Wangan Overlook
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Pennacook Confederacy
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Chief Kancamagus
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Sabbaday Falls
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Lighting the Lantern
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RussellColbath House
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Chief Chocorua
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Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
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Albany Covered Bridge
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Wigwams
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Saco River Curse
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Beavers vs Astors
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Last of the Pennacook?
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Conclusion: Conway’s Saco Ranger Station
Preview the Tour
Welcome: White Mountains Visitor Center Audio Story
Mount Osceola Audio Story
Sabbaday Falls Audio Story
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area Audio Story
Tour FAQs
The speed limit averages around 45mph, though it goes as high as 55mph on long straightaways and as low as 15mph when rounding sharp curves. Be sure to pay attention to posted signs as you drive!
The Kancamagus Highway starts in North Woodstock, New Hampshire and ends in Conway, New Hampshire. The whole route covers a little over 30 miles.
It takes a little under an hour to drive the Kancamagus Highway if you don’t stop along the way. But you’ll get the most out of your trip if you pause for photos and hikes!
The Kancamagus Highway actually gets its name from a former leader of the powerful Pennacook Confederacy. Chief Kancamagus once controlled this entire region, and his name lives on to this day.
The Kancamagus Highway is open year-round, no matter the season. Some side roads, however, such as Bear Notch Road, close from December to March.
Driving the Kancamagus Highway is totally free! If you choose to park and explore the sights, you’ll need a $5 per day parking pass, but the small fee is well worth it.
The Kancamagus Highway stretches 34.5 miles from beginning to end. It’s important to note that there are no gas stations along the highway, so make sure to fuel up beforehand if you’re low!
If you’re a nature-lover or just enjoy a scenic drive, the Kancamagus Highway is absolutely worth a visit! It’s easy, accessible, and a great way to discover New Hampshire’s natural beauty.
Visiting the Kancamagus Highway during the fall is a must. The leaves start changing in mid-September, but the first two weeks of October are usually the best time to see the autumn colors. The trees will be positively resplendent with reds, oranges, and golds.
Although you might be tempted to say “Kang-kuh-mang-us,” the correct pronunciation is “Kang-kuh-mag-us.” You might hear some locals calling it the “Kang-kuh-maw-gus” as well, so feel free to use whichever pronunciation tickles your fancy!
Many different rivers crisscross the region, but the Swift River is the one you’re most likely to notice. These pristine waters run alongside the highway for about 26 miles—almost the entire length of the roadway!
The best time of year to see moose in Kancamagus is the fall, but they can be seen in any season. Going out in the early morning or around dusk gives you the best chance to spot one of these majestic beasts.
Luckily, dogs are allowed on the Kancamagus Highway! Just make sure to keep them on a leash at all times when they’re outside the car.
The state of New Hampshire built the Kancamagus Highway in 1959, but back then it was just a dirt road! They didn’t pave it until 1964, once it became a popular tourist destination.
The Kancamagus Highway is beautiful in any season, so it really depends on your travel preferences. Fall features gorgeous, fiery foliage, spring and summer are lush and green, and winter really emphasizes why these are called the White Mountains!
Additional Information
Lifetime Validity
Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.
Works Offline
The tour works offline, so you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we suggest you download the tour on WiFi at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc., before heading out for a completely immersive experience.
Not an Entry Ticket
This is not an entry ticket to any of the attractions along the way.
Not a Car Rental
We do not provide car rental services. You must arrange for a car yourself. Our self-guided driving audio tours will work in any car via an aux cable or Bluetooth.
How many tours should I buy?
Since this is a driving tour, we suggest you buy one tour per car for the best experience.
What do we do?
Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book – all in one app! We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. You can experience our driving and walking tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day!
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