From the time we heard about the Kankamagus Highway, we knew we wanted to drive this scenic highway. Earlier this year our planned drive was thwarted by car trouble. So we returned...only to be driving the Kank on a rainy September day. We started in Lincoln, stocking up with sandwiches, deli salads, chips, and beverages, since there are no places to buy anything along this road. We had a map printed off the Internet; that was very helpful in identifying the scenic turnouts and other sites to visit. At the first couple scenic turnouts, the low-hanging fog was pretty despite obscuring the mountain views, and the trees provided a variety of colors and shapes in the foreground. The best stop was Sabbaday Falls, even in a steady rain (while we carried umbrellas). We passed on several other sites because it was raining too hard to enjoy ourselves.

My wife and I booked a New England Fall Foliage tour through a company we normally use for our guided overseas tours. The “K” highway was our focal point for the entire 9-day trip. As the title of this review mentioned, words alone cannot describe the views in autumn. If you are lucky enough to experience this beautiful 34 mile drive in the peak autumn timeframe, we recommend having a driver (or tour group) so your entire family can enjoy the views!

Well worth a drive to see this amazing area. Lots of stops with parking areas to see the sites. Some do have a parking fee, so keep that in mind. No cell service for a big chunk of the ride so preload your map!! Bring cash as some of the stops pay by putting money in an evelope.

We meandered our way end to end on the Kancamagus Highway on an overcast Thursday during peak season to catch the leaves but avoid the crowds. It was lovely, but candidly this year the foliage is just not great. Some parts of the highway are at peak, though not the usual bright colors overall. Many areas are brown and yet other areas are still green. Just weird... The Kancamangus is a ~ 30 mile highway through the White Mountains with many different pull off areas/stops for seeing rivers, hikes, and camping. The road is very well maintained with mostly forest, very little developed area: no gas and or shopping. On the Conway side, stop at the Ranger Visitor's Center for information, maps, and ask questions. The little highway map highlights key areas for exploring: lower falls, gorge, waterfalls, etc. Fabulous any time of year, though summer and Fall foliage are usually amazing. We were able to see some beautiful foliage and enjoyed the clean, crisp air. Enjoy!

We made the trek from VT for this "must see" highway. We felt the colors this year were dull across the board, but were happy to see they were a little more vibrant in NH. The highway was moving, but there was still just a crush of people so we did about half of the highway and turned around and went back. It was a full day experience for us. I'm not convinced its "must see".

Even though we visited on a rainy Columbus holiday weekend you can’t beat the beauty that Mother Nature provides. Our 35 mile drive through the White Mountain National Forest was very peaceful. We began our route at the Saco Ranger Office. There we found a self-service pay station. A $5.00 per vehicle card can be purchased to be displayed on your dashboard while parking in the area. Despite the drizzle I really enjoyed walking around the lower falls along the Swift River and visiting the Franconia Falls Trail.

Season a little late this year so leaves not peak. Drove to summit and there are 4 parking areas to view distant valleys and mountains. Geologic educational plaques at some of the viewing stops. 25 mile round trip out of Lincoln to see all the stops near summit on good road less than 10% grade. . No gas stations not a problem unless you leave on E. You do have to stop for views as minimal from road while driving. Wouldn’t do it in summer but last weekend in September/first in October usually peak colors depending on weather. Next weekend will probably peak this year.

I / we have driven this highway A LOT over the years, and it is an outstanding drive . . . in the area. read views on twisty roads that go up about 1900' or so I believe. From Conway, NH to Lincoln / Woodstock then down to Littleton (or continue on to Vermont, or over to Concord) the roads will take you wherever you want to go, and none are bad. It is NOT our favorite road like this, that would be Skyline Drive / Blue Ridge Parkway, but this is a close second. This time was just after a 3-5 snow event (they called it a storm . . really?), and the tress were snow covered and simply beautiful. And the roads were well maintained so the drive was easy and not at all nerve racking.

Wow, what a gorgeous drive. Of all the different national scenic byways we have driven this was the easiest to find fun beautiful places to stop and explore. I would suggest stopping at the ranger station and getting the little map so you don’t miss the pullouts. We traveled on a rainy, early summer day so we didn’t get a chance to do any of the longer hikes. But the short ones we did do were wonderful. My teens and our dog loved getting out at various places and exploring the river. Definitely want to go back on a sunny day to get all the views we missed in the clouds.

One of the most scenic drives in the nation. I've driven from coast to coast twice and from the East coast to Arizona twice as well. This twisting stretch of road offers some beautiful views, the chance to see wildlife, moose, deer, and even bear, as well as several rest stupid for a picnic or photography. The highway runs from North Conway to Lincoln and takes about an hour to drive.