You won’t find cell reception, restaurants, gas stations, or other amenities along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. Zero. The Kancamagus Highway runs between the small train towns of Lincoln and Conway and in the fall puts on the best show of golden yellow and fiery red foliage in the whole country. Flocks of us descend every year for the fabled autumnal display. But you know what comes with a reputation like that? Crowds. And if crowds aren’t on your “favorites” list, this region has something else to offer. . . so visit this summer.
While leaf peepers are trudging through the snow snapping selfies and balancing lattes behind a backdrop of yellow oaks, you’re going to be cooling off in waterfalls, camping in a national forest, and feeling the warm wind on your face from the seat of your bike until you find exactly the right spot and pull over for an impromptu picnic beneath a shady tree.
LEFT: Conway, NH. Photo by @wickedwitch1989 RIGHT: View from the highway. Photo by @nwmoore19
Carving through the 700,000 acres of protected, pristine trees of the White Mountains, ” the Kanc” has led free-spirited travelers to trails, waterfalls, and overlooks since 1959. This year it’s your turn to be one of them. Find yourself with this 34.5 mile stretch of road under your toes and you’ll have no choice but to surrender to nature, but you’ll be a better person for it. This highway has a lesson to teach, and it’s a class you don’t want to miss. We recommend you show up and bring an apple. (It will be an excellent snack later.)Grab your gear, a buddy, and unplug. Time for a respite from the headlines and maybe even a meal you can enjoy without first posting it on Instagram! Here’s a chance to reconnect with the nature along one of the great American Two Lane roads. Pick up a map at the Ranger Station and let’s go!
NOTE: No matter if you begin in Lincoln or Conway, expect to lose those last few reception bars after the first two miles. Just nature’s way of removing distraction making it easier to focus on the mighty peaks of the White Mountains on your right and the rushing crystal waters of the Swift River on your left.
Hiking
You’re going to want to take your time on this highway. Plenty to see, so you are encouraged to pull off and explore when whenever the spirit moves you. Start off by researching some trails along the way that are appropriate for your skill level. You’ve got 16 trails to choose from and they all snake through the White Mountain National Forest, offering incredible views of mountains, waterfalls, and more mountains. Don’t miss the Albany Covered Bridge and Boulder Loop Trail. Walk across the wood planks of this 1858 bridge and take your fishing pole. . . the Swift River below is full of mature trout and it’s a moderate/easy 2.8-mile round trip hike to get to them and back. Mount Chocorua Piper Trail is another great hike. The UNH Trail sends you up a 2,500-foot mountainside with incredible views, passing stands of specimen hardwoods all the way up. Oh, and poison ivy . . . lots of it . . . so don’t forget: “Leaves of three, leave them be! “
LEFT: Hiking trail in the White Mountains. Photo via @alethiawilliamsphotography. MIDDLE: Mount Chocorua trail header. Photo via @dirtbag_luxury. RIGHT: River view of the Albany Covered Bridge. Photo via @lifeofaspectator.
Need a post-hike refresher? When was the last time you took a swim in a clear mountain pool? We can suggest a few . . .
Waterfalls
If you’re traveling from Conway towards Lincoln, there are many spots within the first 10 miles to pull off and wade into the cool waters of the Lower Falls. Sabbaday Falls, less than a half-mile from the highway, is a great stop, with warm, flat granite rocks perfect for a post-dip sunbath. For a bigger challenge before reaching the prize of a great swim, try hiking up to the 70-foot cascade of Champney Falls. Just give yourself time – it’s good three hours there and back. The Rock Gorge is out there too, but please don’t try to swim in it.
LEFT: Rocky Gorge at sunset. Photo by @tscolors. MIDDLE: The Basin. Photo by @amanda_jane. RIGHT: Champney Falls. Photo by @ajb_.
Toward the end of the day, how about heading for higher ground and watching a mountain sunset?
Overlooks
Should you want to enjoy some food and a view, unpack a picnic at one of the scenic overlooks like Pemigewasset or Hancock and sit among the panoramas of Mount Osceola and the Scar Ridge. And try not to miss the views at the Kancamguas Pass. At 2,860 feet, it’s the highest point of the highway. Raise a glass to the untouched wonder around you. It’s a beautiful thing.
LEFT: Kancamagus Highway at night. Photo by @danspace77. RIGHT: Plenty of places to take in the mountainous views. Photo by @motorcyclingadventures.
If you aren’t ready to head back to civilization just yet, even with nightfall approaching, pull off the highway and pitch a tent at one of the campgrounds inside the White Mountain National Forest. Make a fire, roast some marshmallows, and enjoy the silence. With the closest light source more than 30 miles away, you better believe the stars will be on full display. So this year don’t wait for the fall colors or fight the like-minded hordes . . . travel the Kanc this summer and revive your soul in peace!
What road restored your soul? Share it with us in the comments below.
Stay in the back roads state of mind with our new handmade ceramic Two Lanes mug in Denim Blue. Featuring a square medallion with our Two Lanes logo & motto, “Less People More Life.” Handmade by Deneen Pottery in Saint Paul, Minnesota. SHOP NOW
I use to live in Barre Vermont, and every summer would travel over to N. H. and visit alot of the towns that were mentioned in the article. In Conway N. H. is a great steam and diesel tourist railroad. The station has been restored and it is a great place to introduce kids to what railroading use to be like. Also near by in Mount Washington, and there you will find the world’s first cog railroad. It goes right up the mount to the very top, where there is a weather station.
Near Lincoln N. H. you wiil find Clark’s Trading Post. They use to put on live shows with bears, and everyone enjoyed it. Great place to stop and spend some time. Also don’t forget to track down the “Man in the Mountain”. I now live in the North Woods of Wiscobsin and miss all of these great places.
I live in NH and feel very thankful to live in such an amazingly beautiful place. You are surrounded by nature The end of my road turns into a dirt walking trail/snowmobile trail. There are so many hidden wonders to explore if you just open your eyes and get out to experience the life outside your door. There’s no place I’d rather be (Just came to site to buy my dad a Father’s Day present & saw something about NH, I had to post)
Awesome article of the beauty so many miss. Life goes so very fast and we MUST stop and smell the roses! Got American Pickers on Discovery here in Medford, Or. now. Can watch old shows again and again! Keep on pickin’!
This was my father’s most favorite place in NE. He shared his love of the White Mountains with his family and friends. I love the White Mountains of NH and the Green Mountains of VT. A beautiful ride
Indeed!
I’m originally from Massachusetts and when I was a kid my family would spend many summers in Maine and New Hampshire, what an amazing place. There are too many people who have never experienced what the White Mountains has to offer. Please get out there because you never know what our future for these unique ecosystems.
I always looked forward to the profile of the “Old Man of the Mountain” on the side of the mountain, thank goodness I have a photo. Its now gone, fell. They were smart to put it on their state quarter.
Mike, you and Frank sure have amazing adventures traveling our countryside searching for the right place to pick. Its not just a show of two guys being called to come and pick its also a learning experience. You have so much knowledge in the items you find, if you don’t know you know people who do.
Thanks for everyone to join you on your travels.
American Pickers is an “Awesome show”. I learn about History better than when I was in grammar school. And, also learn new things I never knew before. I also enjoy traveling to new places I’ve never been through the show. The fact that it’s not scripted is an added plus! Because, it’s “Real people and their true stories; makes the show most appealing. This particular post of New Hampshire brings you back to nature, peace, serenity and the good old times. Thanks for the entertaining experience. Keep up the good work! Natalia J.
I am a native New Englander, and have been a picker all of my 60+ years. My grandchildren love coming with us or checking out our new finds when they come over. We traveled the Kancamangus several times when the kids were young and each time there are new wonders to explore. We often travel RT. 119 west into southern NH and the scenery is beautiful on our way to the flea markets, consignment stores and yard sales. I love the area around Lincoln . There is a small downtown near Clark’s trading post with a movie theater and stores. The people in New England are friendly and welcoming in the small towns, around Lake Winnepesaukee and Laconia as well as along Rt. 3 into the White mountains. Each item that we pick up is also a memory of our adventures, and the places we’ve been. Keep on Pickin’ Mike , Frank and the American Pickers Family!
Being a former resident of N.H. it’s great seeing your stories about all the great places to visit, live and work in the granite
state, a while back I sent an E-mail to American Picker about saving the rail ties that are scattered about half way up Mt. Washington, that are changed out on the cog rail bed and left lying along the rail bed and trestle , I would rip them down to (one and one quarter inch.)1.1/4” in thick by random width and length, and make coffee tables, bench,s and coat racks, the history of this wonderful mountain can be saved in the fine furniture and reproductions of items such as the one man Devils sled that the workers made them self,s to get down faster from the Mt. top, when workers started getting killed, so the workers had to stop using the devils sled , there is one on display. If any interest please contact me R.Chappel (401)-439-3787 (401)-828-2264 We can’t make history ! but we can salvage it, with usable products,
I live in Concord NH and love NH Lake Sunnapee and we are 1 hour to the ocean one hour to Kangamangas highway. We are lucky I love your show my wife and I watch the all day ones Mike your brother and Frank Darnell are great it is like we are there with you. Thank you so much for the adventures
This beautiful place, we get to call our back yard! I moved my family here to raise our children in the glory of Mother Nature and a region full of early American heritage. Not far from the Kanc, is another even more remote pilgrimage that I highly recommend. The Sandwhich Notch Road. All dirt, sometimes impassable, but filled with cellar holes, abandoned orchards, secret ponds and sense of truly stepping back in time. Happy to show anyone the way!
I used to live in Rhode Island but now I live in sunny Southern California, and seeing these beautiful pictures makes me homesick. The White Mountains, Rocky Gourge, The Flume, Polar Caves, and other natural wonders, all found on the Kangy. Summers of my youth was a blast!
You should also visit Derry, New Hampshire which brags about their Main Street being the widest in the United States. It is also the home of Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard. As soon as you cross the Massachusetts border into New Hampshire it feels like somebody took five pounds off your lungs, nothing but White Pines and the Atlantic sea air. In the dead of winter I found New Hampshire to be much more hospitable than Maine. Maine in the winter is like venturing into a walk in freezer.
Two of my favorite spots are on the Kanc. If you stop at the Hancock Overlook at sunset, you will not be disappointed. And just a bit further down the road, past the Kancamagus Pass sign, there is another overlook facing east towards Conway. If you can get there for sunrise, the views are unparalleled. Bring a camera and tripod.
I use to live in Barre Vermont, and every summer would travel over to N. H. and visit alot of the towns that were mentioned in the article. In Conway N. H. is a great steam and diesel tourist railroad. The station has been restored and it is a great place to introduce kids to what railroading use to be like. Also near by in Mount Washington, and there you will find the world’s first cog railroad. It goes right up the mount to the very top, where there is a weather station.
Near Lincoln N. H. you wiil find Clark’s Trading Post. They use to put on live shows with bears, and everyone enjoyed it. Great place to stop and spend some time. Also don’t forget to track down the “Man in the Mountain”. I now live in the North Woods of Wiscobsin and miss all of these great places.
I live in NH and feel very thankful to live in such an amazingly beautiful place. You are surrounded by nature The end of my road turns into a dirt walking trail/snowmobile trail. There are so many hidden wonders to explore if you just open your eyes and get out to experience the life outside your door. There’s no place I’d rather be (Just came to site to buy my dad a Father’s Day present & saw something about NH, I had to post)
Awesome article of the beauty so many miss. Life goes so very fast and we MUST stop and smell the roses! Got American Pickers on Discovery here in Medford, Or. now. Can watch old shows again and again! Keep on pickin’!
New England also has the most geologically diverse area in the United States.
Let’s travel the Kanc this summer and revive your soul in peace!
We live nearby. If you want to see the autumn foliage With less tourists, travel it on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Thanks for the tip, Bev! 🙂
This was my father’s most favorite place in NE. He shared his love of the White Mountains with his family and friends. I love the White Mountains of NH and the Green Mountains of VT. A beautiful ride
Indeed!
I’m originally from Massachusetts and when I was a kid my family would spend many summers in Maine and New Hampshire, what an amazing place. There are too many people who have never experienced what the White Mountains has to offer. Please get out there because you never know what our future for these unique ecosystems.
I always looked forward to the profile of the “Old Man of the Mountain” on the side of the mountain, thank goodness I have a photo. Its now gone, fell. They were smart to put it on their state quarter.
Mike, you and Frank sure have amazing adventures traveling our countryside searching for the right place to pick. Its not just a show of two guys being called to come and pick its also a learning experience. You have so much knowledge in the items you find, if you don’t know you know people who do.
Thanks for everyone to join you on your travels.
American Pickers is an “Awesome show”. I learn about History better than when I was in grammar school. And, also learn new things I never knew before. I also enjoy traveling to new places I’ve never been through the show. The fact that it’s not scripted is an added plus! Because, it’s “Real people and their true stories; makes the show most appealing. This particular post of New Hampshire brings you back to nature, peace, serenity and the good old times. Thanks for the entertaining experience. Keep up the good work! Natalia J.
I am a native New Englander, and have been a picker all of my 60+ years. My grandchildren love coming with us or checking out our new finds when they come over. We traveled the Kancamangus several times when the kids were young and each time there are new wonders to explore. We often travel RT. 119 west into southern NH and the scenery is beautiful on our way to the flea markets, consignment stores and yard sales. I love the area around Lincoln . There is a small downtown near Clark’s trading post with a movie theater and stores. The people in New England are friendly and welcoming in the small towns, around Lake Winnepesaukee and Laconia as well as along Rt. 3 into the White mountains. Each item that we pick up is also a memory of our adventures, and the places we’ve been. Keep on Pickin’ Mike , Frank and the American Pickers Family!
Being a former resident of N.H. it’s great seeing your stories about all the great places to visit, live and work in the granite
state, a while back I sent an E-mail to American Picker about saving the rail ties that are scattered about half way up Mt. Washington, that are changed out on the cog rail bed and left lying along the rail bed and trestle , I would rip them down to (one and one quarter inch.)1.1/4” in thick by random width and length, and make coffee tables, bench,s and coat racks, the history of this wonderful mountain can be saved in the fine furniture and reproductions of items such as the one man Devils sled that the workers made them self,s to get down faster from the Mt. top, when workers started getting killed, so the workers had to stop using the devils sled , there is one on display. If any interest please contact me R.Chappel (401)-439-3787 (401)-828-2264 We can’t make history ! but we can salvage it, with usable products,
I live in Concord NH and love NH Lake Sunnapee and we are 1 hour to the ocean one hour to Kangamangas highway. We are lucky I love your show my wife and I watch the all day ones Mike your brother and Frank Darnell are great it is like we are there with you. Thank you so much for the adventures
This beautiful place, we get to call our back yard! I moved my family here to raise our children in the glory of Mother Nature and a region full of early American heritage. Not far from the Kanc, is another even more remote pilgrimage that I highly recommend. The Sandwhich Notch Road. All dirt, sometimes impassable, but filled with cellar holes, abandoned orchards, secret ponds and sense of truly stepping back in time. Happy to show anyone the way!
I used to live in Rhode Island but now I live in sunny Southern California, and seeing these beautiful pictures makes me homesick. The White Mountains, Rocky Gourge, The Flume, Polar Caves, and other natural wonders, all found on the Kangy. Summers of my youth was a blast!
wow, this place is so beautiful, i like this place.
Your topic is very great and useful for us…thank you
You put really very helpful information. Thank you for posting such a great article!
You should also visit Derry, New Hampshire which brags about their Main Street being the widest in the United States. It is also the home of Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard. As soon as you cross the Massachusetts border into New Hampshire it feels like somebody took five pounds off your lungs, nothing but White Pines and the Atlantic sea air. In the dead of winter I found New Hampshire to be much more hospitable than Maine. Maine in the winter is like venturing into a walk in freezer.
Would love to go to some of these places! Gotta love the small towns.
Wow, great, I like the way you express, it’s short and concise.
Two of my favorite spots are on the Kanc. If you stop at the Hancock Overlook at sunset, you will not be disappointed. And just a bit further down the road, past the Kancamagus Pass sign, there is another overlook facing east towards Conway. If you can get there for sunrise, the views are unparalleled. Bring a camera and tripod.