Kancamagus Highway

NH 112 between Conway and Lincoln climbs to Kancamagus Pass (about 2,855 ft) through the White Mountain National Forest. There are no services along the road, but you get river pools, short trails, campgrounds and big views. It's one of New England's best foliage drives, so it fills in early October. It suits a half-day trip or part of a longer New Hampshire loop.

The stops

1. Start

   Conway, NH

2. Town

   Conway

   Start with fuel and food; the road has none.

3. Historic

   Russell-Colbath Historic Site

   Old farmhouse and a forest service stop at Passaconaway.

4. Hike

   Rocky Gorge

   Short walk to a narrow river gorge and pond.

5. Viewpoint

   Kancamagus Pass

   Highest point, with overlooks both sides (approx coordinates).

6. Town

   Loon Mountain

   Ski area near Lincoln; gondola rides in summer and fall.

7. Town · Overnight

   Lincoln

   End of the highway and a base for the Franconia Notch loop.

8. Finish

   Lincoln, NH

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Lincoln / North Woodstock

  Lincoln Woods and forest service campgrounds (Passaconaway, Covered Bridge) · Lincoln inns

When to go

Late Sep–mid Oct for foliage; Jun–Aug for river swims

On the road

No fuel, food or cell reliability along the road. A White Mountain National Forest day-use pass is required at many stops. The road stays open in winter but can close briefly for snow clearing.