Your Kancamagus Highway Day Trip at a Glance
For those who want the essential details fast, here’s a quick overview of your epic fall foliage adventure. This scannable guide gives you everything you need to know to start planning your 2025 trip.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112) |
| Total Distance | 34.5 miles (55.5 km) |
| Recommended Duration | 4-6 hours (with stops) |
| Estimated Cost | $50 – $105 per person |
| Best Time to Go | Late Sept – Mid-Oct 2025 (Weekdays are best!) |
| Key Stops | Sabbaday Falls, Sugar Hill Overlook, Lower Falls |
How to Get to the Kancamagus Scenic Byway
The Kancamagus Highway is the quintessential American road trip experience, and a personal vehicle is essential to explore its wonders. You can start your journey from two main points: the town of Lincoln on the western end or Conway on the eastern end. We highly recommend starting your day early (before 9 AM) to beat the infamous “leaf peeper” traffic.
CRITICAL WARNING: There are no gas stations, restaurants, or hotels along the entire 34.5-mile scenic portion of the highway. More importantly, there is virtually no cell phone service. Fill your tank completely in Lincoln or Conway, pack your food and drinks, and download your maps offline before you begin!
Driving Times from Major Cities
Planning your drive is the first step. Here’s how long it will take to reach the starting points of the Kancamagus from major nearby cities.
| Starting From | Drive Time to Lincoln (West End) | Drive Time to Conway (East End) |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | ~2 hours | ~2.5 hours |
| Portland, ME | ~2.5 hours | ~1.5 hours |
| Manchester, NH | ~1.5 hours | ~2 hours |
Top 7 Must-See Stops on Your Kancamagus Fall Foliage Tour
The beauty of the “Kanc” is the journey itself, but certain spots demand you pull over, get out of the car, and soak in the views. Here is our can’t-miss checklist for the ultimate 2025 fall foliage tour, presented in order from west to east (Lincoln to Conway).
-
Lincoln Woods Visitor Center (Mile 0, West End)
This is your official starting point. It’s the perfect place to use the restrooms, speak with a ranger, grab a physical map, and purchase your required $5 White Mountain National Forest Recreation Pass. The beautiful suspension bridge over the Pemigewasset River here is a worthy photo op in itself.
-
Pemigewasset Overlook
Get your camera ready for the first major “wow” moment of the drive. This large, easily accessible overlook provides an expansive, west-facing vista of the Osceola Mountains. If you start your drive in the morning, the light here is absolutely perfect for capturing the layers of rolling, color-drenched hills.
-
Sabbaday Falls
Arguably the most popular stop on the highway, and for good reason. An easy, 0.6-mile round-trip walk on a well-maintained gravel path leads you to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall cascading through a narrow, mossy gorge. Wooden railings and platforms allow for safe, incredible views of the falls. It’s an absolute highlight of the trip.
-
Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
This is it—the classic postcard shot you’ve seen in magazines. As one of the highest points on the highway (2,855 ft elevation), Sugar Hill offers breathtaking, sweeping views down into the Swift River Valley. On a clear day, the uninterrupted panorama of fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and golden yellows is simply unforgettable.
-
Lower Falls Scenic Area
A fantastic spot to stretch your legs and have a picnic. Here, the Swift River tumbles over wide, flat granite rocks, creating a series of small waterfalls and shallow pools. It’s a photographer’s dream for capturing silky water motion against the vibrant backdrop of autumn leaves. The main viewing area is highly accessible.
-
Albany Covered Bridge
No New England trip is complete without a covered bridge photo! A short, well-marked detour off the main highway leads you to this historic gem, built in 1858. You can walk or drive through this charming piece of history, which spans the Swift River in a truly picturesque setting.
-
Saco Ranger Station (Mile 34.5, East End)
Congratulations, you’ve completed the scenic byway! The Saco Ranger Station marks the official eastern end of the Kancamagus Highway. It’s a great place to get information for further exploration around the Conway and North Conway area, use the facilities, and reflect on the incredible journey.
Sample One-Day Kancamagus Itinerary for 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Here is a sample schedule to help you visualize your day and make the most of your time. This itinerary assumes a start from the Lincoln (west) side.
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Arrive in Lincoln, NH | Fill up on gas, grab coffee & bagels. Purchase your $5 Recreation Pass. |
| 10:00 AM | Begin the drive East | Make your first photo stop at the breathtaking Pemigewasset Overlook. |
| 11:00 AM | Hike to Sabbaday Falls | Enjoy the easy 30-45 minute walk and the stunning waterfall views. |
| 12:30 PM | Picnic Lunch | Find a scenic spot at Rocky Gorge or C.L. Graham Wangan Ground. |
| 2:00 PM | Photography Stops | Hit Sugar Hill Vista for the iconic panoramic shot and Lower Falls for river views. |
| 3:30 PM | Albany Covered Bridge | Take the short detour for that classic New England photo. |
| 4:30 PM | Arrive in North Conway | Explore the charming town, do some tax-free outlet shopping, or find a spot for dinner. |
Where to Eat: Fueling Your Fall Adventure
Remember, there are no dining options on the highway itself. You’ll need to grab food before you start or after you finish. Here are some fantastic local spots at either end.
Pre-Drive Bites in Lincoln
- White Mountain Bagel Co. ($): The perfect spot for a quick, delicious, and hearty breakfast or a sandwich to pack for a picnic lunch. A local favorite!
- Woodstock Inn Brewery ($$): A classic New Hampshire stop for satisfying pub food, a lively atmosphere, and an excellent selection of local craft beers.
Post-Drive Dinner in North Conway
- Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. ($$): After a long day of driving, nothing beats their delicious BBQ, wood-fired pizzas, and award-winning beer in a fun, bustling setting.
- Tuckerman’s Restaurant & Tavern ($$): For a cozier vibe, head to Tuckerman’s for reliable American classics, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Fall Foliage Trip
A little insider knowledge goes a long way. Follow these tips to make your Kancamagus experience smoother and more memorable.
- Go on a Weekday: If you can, avoid Saturdays and Sundays. A weekday trip means significantly less traffic, easier parking, and a much more peaceful drive.
- Start Early: We can’t stress this enough. Parking lots for popular spots like Sabbaday Falls and Lower Falls can be completely full by 10 AM on peak days. An early start is key.
- Drive West to East: For the best photos, start in Lincoln and drive east. In the afternoon, the sun will be behind you, beautifully illuminating the foliage ahead.
- Check the Foliage Report: New England’s peak foliage changes yearly based on weather. Use an online tracker like NewEngland.com’s foliage map to time your 2025 trip perfectly.
- Pack a Picnic: With no services on the highway, packing your own lunch is a smart move. It saves time and allows you to eat with an unbeatable mountain view.
- Download Offline Maps: Your GPS and cell phone will not work. Download the entire route on Google Maps or bring a reliable paper map with you.
What to Pack Checklist
The weather in the White Mountains can change in an instant. Dressing in layers is the key to comfort. Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
- [ ] Layers (fleece, light waterproof jacket, t-shirt)
- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- [ ] Camera and extra batteries/memory card
- [ ] Reusable water bottle and plenty of snacks
- [ ] Cash for the $5 Recreation Pass (some stations are self-pay)
- [ ] Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun can be bright!)
- [ ] A downloaded offline map or a paper map
Estimated Day Trip Budget Breakdown
A day trip to the Kancamagus is one of the most affordable and high-value adventures you can have. Here’s a rough breakdown to help you plan your finances.
| Item | Estimated Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Gas | $15 – $25 |
| Recreation Pass | $5 (per car) |
| Food & Drinks | $20 – $50 |
| Souvenirs/Extras | $10 – $25 |
| TOTAL | $50 – $105 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the best place to see fall foliage in New England?
While we believe the Kancamagus Highway is a top contender for its dramatic mountain scenery, New England is full of incredible options! For quaint villages and rolling hills, Route 100 in Stowe, Vermont is iconic. The Berkshires in Western Massachusetts offer a wonderful mix of culture and color, while Acadia National Park in Maine provides a unique coastal foliage experience.
Is New Hampshire or Vermont better for fall foliage?
This is the classic debate! It’s not about which is better, but which “flavor” of fall you prefer. New Hampshire, especially the White Mountains, offers rugged, dramatic, and vast mountain vistas. Vermont provides gentler rolling hills, charming dairy farms, picturesque villages, and those iconic white church steeples against a backdrop of color. You can’t go wrong with either!
What’s the best time to visit New England in the fall?
The colors move from north to south. Northern Maine, New Hampshire (like the Kanc!), and Vermont typically peak first, from the last week of September through the second week of October. The “sweet spot” for most fall foliage tours in New England for 2025 will be around this time. Southern states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island peak later, from mid-to-late October.
Where is the best fall foliage road trip on the East Coast?
The Kancamagus Highway is consistently ranked as one of the best fall foliage drives not just on the East Coast, but in the entire United States. Other world-class contenders include Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches through Virginia and North Carolina.
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to the Kancamagus
In a hurry? Here are the absolute must-knows for an amazing trip:
- The drive is 34.5 miles between Lincoln and Conway, NH. Plan for 4-6 hours with stops.
- NO cell service, gas, or food on the highway. Prepare in advance.
- You need a $5 daily Recreation Pass to park at overlooks and trailheads.
- Best time to go is late September to mid-October, on a weekday, starting early in the morning.
- Don’t miss stops: Sabbaday Falls (easy walk, beautiful waterfall) and Sugar Hill Vista (best panoramic view).
- Download your maps offline before you leave!
