Vivid Color on the Kancamagus Highway

Vivid Color Displays on Kancamagus Highway (NH) [1]

Often referred to as the best fall foliage trip in the U.S., the Kancamagus Highway offers splendid vistas, vivid color, and all of the glory of Mother Nature. Between mid-September and mid-October, thousands of motorists travel the byway to catch a glimpse of the display. See for yourself why so many people travel the byway by scheduling your own spectacular fall foliage trip. For weekend travel during the peak fall foliage season, make your plans far in advance. But don’t let the high traffic deter you from experiencing the vivid displays of color – you’ll have an excuse to drive slow and soak in the majestic displays of fall.

Reflections of Fall in Campton Pond (NH) [2]

Start your foliage-filled journey at the western end of the byway in Lincoln, New Hampshire. First, visit the White Mountain Gateway Visitor Center located at the entrance of the byway. At the visitor center, you can get maps of the byway, see US Forest Service exhibits, and purchase a USFS recreational pass. Want suggestions about where to see the best fall foliage? Just ask one of the staff members at the visitor center and learn about some of the best-kept secrets of the road. From the visitor center, drive about two miles east on the byway to Loon Mountain Ski Resort for limitless fun. For a breathtaking aerial view of autumn’s elegance, take the Loon Mountain Gondola Skyride and soar amidst orange, scarlet, and gold trees. At the top of the mountain, explore caves or climb to the top of the observation tower. If your ride of choice is upon horseback, then visit the Equestrian Center at the east side of the resort. You can take different trails, depending on the size and skill level of your group. Take a group for an hour-long ride, or schedule a two-hour private ride. Have the kids in tow? They’ll love taking a 10-minute pony ride.

A Row of Red-Gold Trees Near Country Village (NH) [3]

From Loon Mountain, take the scenic back roads to get back to the byway and enjoy the season’s brilliant color along the road. Wind through a mixed forest of birches, maples, and beech trees and keep your eyes peeled-- you just might see wildlife peeking through the leaves! As the road twists and turns through the White Mountain National Forest and up over Kancamagus Pass, stop by one of the scenic overlooks and take in the amazing views in the crisp fall air.

View of Flume Gorge (NH) [4]

Want to come closer to the wonders of fall? Drive seven miles east on the byway from Loon Mountain to the Greeley Ponds Trail. Enjoy a relatively easy hike, accessible right off the byway, and see mountain streams framed by dazzling fall foliage. Haven’t had your fill of hiking amidst autumn’s glory? Then drive 12.5 miles east on the byway and take the Potash Mountain Trail, where you’ll see the best views of Swift Valley and a fantastic fall color display in the surrounding peaks. Drive a mile farther east on the byway and see one of Kancamagus’ best-hidden secrets, Sabbaday Falls. Take this short hike along rushing water framed by shimmering leaves and see what the thousands of tourists pass by.

A View of Flume Covered Bridge (NH) [5]

Drive a little more than four miles east on the byway until you reach the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. Spend some time marveling at this gorge, which was carved by the Swift River. Take the Lovequist Loop Trail and enjoy a brisk autumn walk around Falls Pond. If you have time, cast your fishing line and reel in one of the last catches of the season. Drive approximately four miles to visit one of the best spots for fall foliage – Lower Falls. Here you’ll get to see the beautiful leaves’ reflections blurred by the cascading water. For a picturesque fall scene, drive two miles on the byway to the Albany Covered Bridge. While this rustic bridge is scenic any time of year, the splendor of fall provides the perfect background.

While the byway ends in Conway, your autumn adventure doesn’t have to. Travel just 10 miles north off of the byway to Conway Scenic Railroad. Here you can take a train, and let someone else do the driving as you take in lush fall scenery. Take a ride on the Valley Train, where you can see wonders of Swift Valley, or take the Notch Train through the rugged, autumn-abundant mountainsides of Crawford Notch.

Scarlet Maple on Baker River (NH) [6]

Travel the Kancamagus Highway and see some of New England’s famous autumn exhibits. Whether you want to take in the season’s splendor from a ski lift, from the top of a mountain, or from the passenger seat of a train, you’ll have the perfect fall journey as you wind through the brilliant colors of the Kancamagus Highway.