Best Stops on Kancamagus Highway in the Fall

Kriszti
Drone photo of Kancamagus Highway in the fall

The Kancamagus Highway, also known as the “Kanc,” is a 34.5-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s a popular destination for leaf peeping in the fall, offering breathtaking views of vibrant fall foliage and stunning mountain vistas.

It was one of my favorite scenic drives during our New England fall road trip, and I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. Here are some of the best stops along the Kancamagus Highway along with my best tips to help you make the most of your experience!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Map of the Best Kancamagus Highway Attractions

Before we dive into the best Kancamagus Highway stops, here’s a map of all the attractions mentioned in this guide. I marked all the key attractions along the Kancamagus Highway with green and I also included some extra nearby attractions in yellow.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Best Stops on the Kancamagus Highway Fall Foliage Drive

Loon Mountain Resort

First up on this list of Kancamagus Highway attractions is the Loon Mountain Resort, which is also one of the best places to stay in Lincoln. It’s known for being home to some of New England’s best skiing and snowboarding trails, featuring three different mountain peaks.

While skiing and snowboarding won’t be happening yet in the fall, it’s still worth visiting this resort!

During the fall season, you can take a scenic gondola ride to the top for stunning views of the fall foliage and surrounding mountains. You can also enjoy zip lining, mountain biking, and hiking trails.

Stunning fall colors along the Kancamagus Highway

Hancock Overlook

As you continue driving along the Kancamagus Highway, make a stop at Hancock Overlook for some of the best views of the surrounding mountains and foliage. I didn’t want to believe my eyes when I saw all the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows!

This is one of the most photographed spots along the highway, so I would recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds. It’s also a great spot for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.

Pemigewasset Overlook

Another must-see stop along the Kancamagus Highway is Pemigewasset Overlook. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Pemigewasset River valley, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains blanketed in fall colors.

It was one of my favorite viewpoints as it’s right near the highest point on the highway, providing stunning views of the landscape.

You can find a covered pavilion with some informational plaques, making it a great spot to take a break and learn more about the area. There are also lots of benches and even a toilet, so it’s a very convenient stop along the way.

CL Graham Wangan Overlook

If you’re looking for the best stops along the Kancamagus Highway for fall foliage photography, then you can’t miss CL Graham Wangan Overlook. It’s very close to the previous viewpoint and offers another stunning vista of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and river.

The parking area is huge, so you can easily pull over and take some time to capture the perfect shot. This spot is especially beautiful during sunset if you happen to be driving along the highway later in the day.

Sugar Hill Scenic Vista

This spot is along halfway through the Kancamagus Highway and offers another fantastic viewpoint for fall foliage. From here you can take in the scenic views of Sugar Hill, Owl Cliff, Bear Mountain, and more.

In addition to enjoying the vibrant fall colors, there is a spot to sit and a gazebo where you can relax. I also recommend reading the informational panels about the surrounding area and its history.

Sabbaday Falls

After all the viewpoints, it’s time for a change of scenery! Sabbaday Falls was my all-time favorite stop along our Kancamagus Highway fall foliage drive. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking!

The best thing is that it’s only a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, making it an easy stop for everyone. The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat, and there are also some picnic tables and toilets.

Swimming in the falls is not allowed (not that you would want to in the fall!) but it’s still a fantastic spot for taking photos and soaking up the scenery.

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area

Rocky Gorge. It’s a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water, smooth rock formations, and plenty of opportunities for photos.

There are also some hiking trails nearby if you want to stretch your legs and explore the area further. If you do, make sure to check out Falls Pond, a serene and picturesque spot that’s just a short walk from the parking area.

Girl at the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area along the Kancamagus Highway

Lower Falls

While many of the spots along Kancamagus Highway with water aren’t open for swimming, the Lower Falls is an area where you can actually cool off! While the weather is cooler in the fall months, it’s still a great spot to dip your toes in if you want to.

This is also arguably one of the most popular and busy spots along the entire drive. It closes in mid-October, and there are spots to picnic, swim, and even cook because there are grills. If you do decide to dip your toes in, keep in mind that the rocks can get pretty slick.

One of the great things about Lower Falls is that it has been very well maintained and was even recently updated with a few renovations. In addition, it’s relatively accessible.

Albany Covered Bridge

Another must-see stop along the Kancamagus Highway is the Albany Covered Bridge. This historic wooden bridge was built in the 1800s and is a beautiful spot to take some photos, especially during the fall when it’s surrounded by colorful foliage.

If the bridge is closed for cars when you happen to visit (it often closes towards the beginning of the winter season), don’t worry, it’s usually still open for pedestrians, allowing you to explore and take photos.

Tips for Your Kancamagus Highway Fall Foliage Drive

  • Although the highway is only 34.5 miles long, budget at least 3-6 hours for your drive to allow for stops and exploring different attractions.
  • The best time to see the fall colors is usually in the first two weeks of October. For more accurate predictions, you can check the New England Fall Foliage Prediction Map.
  • It’s a very popular fall drive, so try to avoid visiting on weekends or holidays (especially Colombus Day weekend).
  • Don’t forget to pack snacks and drinks for your drive, as there are limited options for food and drinks along the highway.
  • Make sure to have a full tank of gas before starting your drive, as there are no gas stations along the highway.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable weather. It can get chilly and rainy in the fall, so bring layers and waterproof gear.
  • Be respectful of nature and follow Leave No Trace principles. Do not litter or damage any natural areas during your visit.
Drone photo of Kancamagus Highway in the fall

Other Great Attractions around Kancamagus Highway

While the Kancamagus Highway is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip to New Hampshire in the fall, there are also plenty of other great attractions and activities in the surrounding areas. Here are some of my favorites!

Flume Gorge

Flume Gorge is located near Franconia Notch State Park and is a must-see attraction in the fall. It’s a beautiful 2-mile loop trail that takes you through the gorge, past waterfalls, and over bridges.

The walk is quite easy, however, there are some uphill sections and lots of stairs so I would recommend wearing proper hiking shoes.

While you can technically buy your tickets on site, they usually sell out really quickly during the fall season so it’s better to book them in advance. We almost missed out on this experience, so don’t make the same mistake, and make sure to arrive with a reservation!

Covered bridge in Flume Gorge, New Hampshire in the fall

Artist’s Bluff Lookout

This was hands down the most rewarding hike I’ve ever done in my life! This trail is located in Franconia Notch State Park and offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and Echo Lake.

The entire hike is only about 0.5 miles but it’s fairly steep though, so having proper shoes is really necessary. Even if you’re not in the best shape, you can still make it to the lookout point in about 15 minutes (it took us like 8 minutes if I remember correctly) and the reward will be worth it!

The view from the top is simply breathtaking! I would also recommend going during sunrise or sunset, as the lighting is just magical.

If you’re up for a more active day, you can turn this into a longer hike by adding on the Bald Mountain trail too. Sadly we didn’t have the time for that, but it’s definitely on my list for the next trip!

Girl sitting at the top of Artist Bluff NH in fall

Echo Lake

Since Echo Lake is located right next to the Artist’s Bluff Lookout, these two can be easily visited on the same day. Echo Lake has a swimming area, picnic spots, and many trails.

While this place is very popular during the summer months for swimming, it truly becomes an oasis in the fall when you’ll mostly just find other leaf-peepers enjoying the beauty.

Swift River Covered Bridge & Saco River Covered Bridge

The Swift River Covered Bridge and Saco River Covered Bridge are located in Conway, New Hampshire, and are a super easy addition to any Kancamagus Highway fall foliage drive.

The covered bridges were built in the 19th century with the purpose of providing an easy way for locals to get from one side of town to the other but they have been restored multiple times over the years due to floods and other river issues over the years.

Luckily, they have been very well protected and maintained and are incredibly picturesque today.

Swift River Covered Bridge, Conway NH

Conway Scenic Railroad

Many people don’t know that there are multiple different train rides throughout New Hampshire, and one of them is at the end of the Kancamagus Highway. If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the fall foliage, then definitely check out Conway Scenic Railroad.

The train leaves from North Conway and offers rides through the beautiful foliage. They even do a fun “Pumpkin Patch Express” in the fall, which can be fun for the entire family.

The railroad has several different trains, ranging from the Sawyer River Excursion to the Conway Valley Train. Each has a different price, and train ride times range between 1 hour to 5.5 hours.

Bartlett Covered Bridge

For another excellent bridge stop when doing this fall road trip, swing by the Bartlett Covered Bridge. As the name suggests, this bridge is located in Bartlett and is one of the beautiful red bridges that the state is home to.

This bridge was built in the 1930s and was rebuilt and renovated quite a few times over the years, but is now waiting to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What makes it so unique is that it’s also now home to a gift shop – how cool is that?

Jackson NH (Pumpkin People & Honeymoon Covered Bridge)

Last but not least is the beautiful town of Jackson, New Hampshire. This town comes to life in the wintertime but is filled with mostly locals in the fall season.

Every year in the fall, Jackson is home to the Pumpkin People. The town puts on an event where you can go on a self-guided tour throughout the town to look for scarecrows and pumpkin heads.

Each is decorated in a charming way, and most can be driven to. They are mostly located outside of local businesses.

Another one of the beautiful places to visit in the fall in Jackson is the Honeymoon Covered Bridge. This bright red bridge is made of wood and crosses the Ellis River.

It’s very beautiful in the fall as it’s surrounded by the colored forest. Plus, it actually has a pedestrian walkway, unlike many other bridges in the state.

Where to stay near Kancamagus Highway

Although you can drive through the highway in a few hours, it’s actually best to spend at least 1-2 nights nearby so you can fully experience the area.

You can stay at either Conway or Lincoln, which are the two main towns near Kancamagus Highway. To be honest I prefer Lincoln over Conway, as it’s closer to many of the attractions and it’s also a bigger town with more accommodation options and restaurants.

If you decide to stay at a hotel in either of the towns, here are a few different great places to spend the night, depending on your budget.

Best places to stay in Lincoln, NH

Best places to stay in North Conway, NH

Planning a trip to New England?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about New England. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

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Kancamagus Highway Fall Foliage Drive
Kancamagus Highway Fall Foliage Drive

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