One of the best ways to enjoy New Hampshire is by hopping in the car and exploring the nooks and crannies of the back roads. There’s always someplace to visit and a drive is often the easiest way to do it. But sometimes a scenic drive can actually be a lot more. This one on the Kancamagus Highway spans nearly 60 miles of road, offering not only beautiful scenery but some fun attractions along the way. Here are a few of our favorites as you figure out how to drive the Kancamagus in New Hampshire.
- Sabbaday Falls
Shauna Shaw / alltrails.com There’s a beautiful hike leading to this waterfall, which is less than a mile. Sabbaday is one of the most visited waterfalls in the state and once you see it you’ll understand why! Sabbaday Falls, Waterville Valley, NH 03259, USA
- The Albany Covered Bridge
Maurene_K / TripAdvisor New Hampshire is full of covered bridges that make the state feel like the perfect New England destination. This one, located conveniently off The Kanc, is one of our favorites. It was built in 1858 and spans the Swift River. Enjoy the view any time of year. You can learn more about it here. Albany Covered Bridge, Passaconaway Rd, Albany, NH 03818, USA
- Hancock Overlook
Management / TripAdvisor Another great way to see the best of the White Mountains is gazing out from the Hancock Overlook. Your view will include the Osceola Range and you can also find the trailhead to hike to Mt. Hancock here. Hancock Overlook, Kancamagus Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
- Lower Falls
TravelingMerm / TripAdvisor Absolutely stunning in the fall, the Lower Falls Scenic Area can be accessed from right off the road. In the summer it’s a great place to cool off, as this is one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. You can learn more about it here. Lower Falls, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USA
- Rocky Gorge
arielke / TripAdvisor This beautiful area is the result of fascinating geology. A one-mile high sheet of glacial ice covered this area of the White Mountains more than 10,000 years ago years ago and when it melted the rushing water carved out this gorge. It’s gorge-ous (clever!) to see, but you won’t be able to swim here. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USA
- Pemigewasset Overlook
sackton / Flickr Some of the best views in the state can be found along The Kanc and that includes some pretty epic overlooks. This one looks out over the Pemigewasset Wilderness, which was once heavily logged. Today it’s a beautiful reminder of just how special this area is. Pemigewasset Overlook, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USA
What are some of your favorite sights to see along the Kanc? Let us know in the comments! And if you have any favorite roads to explore the landscape of New Hampshire we’d love to hear about those too.
Shauna Shaw / alltrails.com
There’s a beautiful hike leading to this waterfall, which is less than a mile. Sabbaday is one of the most visited waterfalls in the state and once you see it you’ll understand why!
Sabbaday Falls, Waterville Valley, NH 03259, USA
Maurene_K / TripAdvisor
New Hampshire is full of covered bridges that make the state feel like the perfect New England destination. This one, located conveniently off The Kanc, is one of our favorites. It was built in 1858 and spans the Swift River. Enjoy the view any time of year. You can learn more about it here.
Albany Covered Bridge, Passaconaway Rd, Albany, NH 03818, USA
Management / TripAdvisor
Another great way to see the best of the White Mountains is gazing out from the Hancock Overlook. Your view will include the Osceola Range and you can also find the trailhead to hike to Mt. Hancock here.
Hancock Overlook, Kancamagus Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
TravelingMerm / TripAdvisor
Absolutely stunning in the fall, the Lower Falls Scenic Area can be accessed from right off the road. In the summer it’s a great place to cool off, as this is one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. You can learn more about it here.
Lower Falls, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USA
arielke / TripAdvisor
This beautiful area is the result of fascinating geology. A one-mile high sheet of glacial ice covered this area of the White Mountains more than 10,000 years ago years ago and when it melted the rushing water carved out this gorge. It’s gorge-ous (clever!) to see, but you won’t be able to swim here.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USA
sackton / Flickr
Some of the best views in the state can be found along The Kanc and that includes some pretty epic overlooks. This one looks out over the Pemigewasset Wilderness, which was once heavily logged. Today it’s a beautiful reminder of just how special this area is.
Pemigewasset Overlook, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH 03818, USA
If you love the idea of getting out of the car while exploring this beautiful area there are some great ways to stretch your legs. The most scenic road in New Hampshire also happens to be home to 8 of the most beautiful hiking trails.
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Address: Kancamagus Pass, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
