In the last couple of weeks, I’ve written about Bear Notch Road, Cathedral Ledge Auto Road and Hurricane Mountain Road. All three roads are tight, twisting and turning, with ups and downs. You will love them! You will love the Kancamagus Highway as well. Also called the “Kanc” for those who don’t want to try to pronounce it or me who doesn’t want to keep typing it. The Kanc is a larger road with defined center lines and faster speed limits.
We have three rides that use a portion of the Kanc. The first is the Self-Guided Cathedral Ledge Drive. You will come out of Bear notch Road and turn left toward the Albany Covered Bridge. On the way you’ll go by the Lower Falls parking area. The Lower Falls are a great place to dip your feet in the cool mountain water as it rushes by.
On Friday, the Gimmick rally will come out of Bear Notch Road and turn right onto the Kanc heading toward Lincoln. You may want to stop at the Sugar Hill Overlook on the way. The Franconia Notch drive, also on Friday will return to the hotel from the Lincoln end of the Kanc. There is a White Mountains visitor Center in Lincoln if you’re looking for a restroom. There are limited restroom facilities along the highway if you need them. A $5.00-day, parking pass is required if you plan to park and hike or swim. Day pass, pay stations are on site and self-serve. If you are just stopping at an overlook to take in the view and move on, it is free.
The Kanc is a National Scenic Byway and the most famous highway in New Hampshire.
The highway is named after the last “Sagamon” of the Penacook Confederacy, Kancamagus (The Fearless One).
The Kanc is 34.5 miles long stretching between Lincoln and Conway. You will want to check your fuel gauge because there are no fuel facilities. You may want to pick up some snacks as well.
The Kanc is in the White Mountain National Forest, it has a number of overlooks with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. During foliage season you have to pick your times carefully because everyone wants to cross the Kanc and enjoy the views. Even if you don’t stop at any of the overlooks (You’d be missing out.) the views of the Swift River along the wayside are beautiful.
The Kanc boasts a hair pin turn. Note the Hancock Overlook parking area on the right as you come out of the turn.
My favorite overlook is the Pemigewasset. I like to stop there, maybe have a snack and enjoy the amazing view of the Osceola Mountains from the gazebo. You will also find informational plaques identifying the view. I enjoy matching the view with the information on the plaques.
Overall, the Kanc is a beautiful drive. The Kanc isn’t as technical as some of the smaller roads you will encounter but with the higher speeds, curving up and down (2855’ at its peak) between the mountains, the Swift River running alongside and the great views, you will be smiling all the way.
I’ve attached a link to New Hampshire Way for more details on Kanc activities. There’re some great photos.