Easy Hikes With Great Views Near Kancamagus Highway
The Best Kancamagus Highway Attractions and Hikes
The Kancamagus Highway is the iconic 32-mile scenic byway in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Information technology is known every bit 1 of the about beautiful drives in New England and one of the well-nigh cute leaf drives in the Globe! Not only does information technology accept stunning mountain views, only the Kancamagus Highway attractions include waterfalls, pond holes, and hikes. If you are planning a trip to the White Mountains, the Kancamagus Highway should exist on your bucket list! This guide is going to go over everything you demand to know to visit the Kancamagus Highway, including the all-time Kancamagus Highway attractions, hikes, waterfalls, and campgrounds.
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Mutual Questions Almost the Kancamagus Highway
Before planning a trip to visit the Kancamagus Highway attractions, you lot will need to know all of the details nearly how long it takes to drive, how much time to allocate to exploring it, where it begins and ends, and when the best time to visit is. Here are answers to oft asked questions nigh the Kancamagus Highway that will help you plan the perfect trip!
How long does information technology take to drive the Kancamagus Highway?
Information technology takes about an 60 minutes to drive the entire Kancamagus Highway, although I highly recommend allocating more than fourth dimension to relish the Kancamagus Highway attractions, including beautiful waterfalls, overlooks, and hikes. If you are looking to explore only the Kancamagus Highway attractions that do not require hiking, I recommend allocating a full twenty-four hour period. If you want to add Kancamagus Highway hikes to your itinerary, I recommend allocating at least two-3 days in the area.
Where does the Kancamagus Highway start and finish?
The Kancamagus Highway is a 32-mile scenic byway that runs through the White Mountains, connecting the towns of Lincoln and Conway. The drive can begin either in Lincoln if yous are coming from Interstate 93 or in Conway if you are coming from Road sixteen.
When is the Kancamagus Highway open?
The Kancamagus Highway is open up year-round! Because the scenic byway is plowed in the winter, you tin can bask the cute Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes in any season. You tin find up-to-date route closures and alerts here.
When is the all-time time to visit the Kancamagus Highway?
Since the Kancamagus Highway is open year-round, you can visit in any flavor! Each flavour offers beautiful views and things to do. The spring and summer are perfect times to hike the many trails on the Kancamagus Highway. The fall has incredible foliage, making the Kancamagus Highway one of the best autumn foliage drives in the world. The wintertime offers an opportunity to snowshoe and cross-country ski in the White Mountains.
What is the Kancamagus Highway atmospheric condition?
The Kancamagus Highway has similar weather to the surrounding towns. Notwithstanding, the atmospheric condition tin be unpredictable and change chop-chop in the White Mountains. I always recommend bringing the appropriate layers when visiting the Kancamagus Highway.
Do I have to pay an archway fee for the Kancamagus Highway?
The Kancamagus Highway does non have an entrance fee, only several parking areas require a laissez passer. A daily pass to park at the Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes is $5 and tin can be purchased at the cocky-serve pay stations in the parking lots. If yous are visiting the White Mountains a few times throughout the year, I recommend purchasing an annual laissez passer for $30. You can purchase an annual pass online, at White Mountain National Woods offices, or the White Mount National Forest information heart.
Where to Stay Near the Kancamagus Highway Attractions
The Kancamagus Highway does not have whatever hotels, gas stations, grocery stores, or other businesses along the 32-mile scenic byway. There are six Kancamagus Highway campgrounds that are corking places to stay. All except ane are commencement come up start serve. If you would rather stay in a hotel, yous tin can observe 1 in Lincoln or Conway, where the Kancamagus starts on either side of the White Mountains.
All-time Hotels Near Lincoln:
All-time Kancamagus Highway Campgrounds:
Most of the Kancamagus Highway campgrounds are open up from mid-May through mid-October. Some campgrounds may be open in the winter, with the most common existence Hancock Campground. I highly recommend speaking with a park ranger for wintertime availability.
What to Pack for a Trip to the Kancamagus Highway
The atmospheric condition in the White Mountains is unpredictable, so I always recommend packing the appropriate layers. If you are visiting in the late fall or winter, the Kancamagus Highway will be very common cold, so I recommend packing a warm winter jacket and layers. If you plan on doing some Kancamagus Highway hikes, information technology is crucial to pack reliable hiking gear and layers no affair what flavour you visit.
Hiking Gear
- Hiking Boots: If you lot want comfort and immovability on your trip, even if you do not hike, hiking boots are the go-to. A few of my favorites are the Danner Mountain 600, Columbia Newton Ridge Plus, and Salomon X Ultra three Mid GTX.
- Hiking Socks: Socks are but as important for condolement while exploring. My favorite hiking socks and the only ones I trust are the Darn Tough Hiker Boot Cushion.
- Hiking Backpack: I always pack a hiking backpack for getaways. It makes a huge difference to have it, then I can pack nutrient, clothes, and anything else I need while adventuring. My become-to is the Deuter Trail 28SL Backpack.
- Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, information technology's of import to have plenty water! I e'er pack my Platypus Big Zip EVO Reservoir and CamelBak Chute Mag 1L.
- Jackets: Weather tin be unpredictable in the White Mountains, and so information technology's important to be prepared. My favorite rain jackets are the Columbia Arcadia Two and Marmot PreCip Eco, and my favorite puffy is the Patagonia Downward Sweater Total-Zip Hooded Jacket.
Camping Gear
- Tent: If you lot are camping, it's important to have gear that will exist reliable and comfy. My favorite tent is the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.
- Sleeping Purse: A good sleeping bag volition be everything you lot need and more than! My favorite sleeping set is the NEMO Equipment Inc. Disco fifteen Sleeping Bag, NEMO Equipment Inc. Tensor Sleeping Pad, and Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Pillow. The combination provides the best nighttime'due south slumber.
- Cooking Arrangement: When a campsite doesn't provide a grill, it's important to bring your own cooking arrangement. My go-to is the Jetboil Zip Cooking Organization because it'south efficient, pocket-size, and lightweight. I also never campsite without my Snow Tiptop Titanium Spork.
- Camping Food: You lot want to make sure your nutrient is filling and has the nutrients to fuel your adventures. My go-to food is from Adept To-Get.
Other Items
- Bathing Suit: If yous are visiting the Kancamagus Highway in the summertime, don't forget to pack a bathing suit! Anything from Prana is groovy, especially the Prana Khari Jumpsuit.
- Sandals: After a long hike, information technology is neat to take off your hiking boots and slip on comfortable sandals. My become-to sandals for comfort and durability are the Birkenstock Mayari Sandal. You will non regret a buy from Birkenstock!
All-time Kancamagus Highway Attractions and Hikes
The Kancamagus Highway has so many cute attractions and fun hikes for year-round fun! Although information technology takes nigh an hr to drive along the entire 32-mile breathtaking byway, I highly recommend allocating a few days to explore all of the Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes.
Hither is a map with every campground, attraction, and hike along the Kancamagus Highway! Y'all can download and impress the Kancamagus Highway map from here.
**Always call up to leave no trace . It'southward crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you tin hands throw your trash away. If they don't take trash bins, you can throw your trash abroad at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Kancamagus Highway Overlooks
The Kancamagus Highway has many scenic overlooks, offer stunning views of the White Mountains that should be on everyone's saucepan list. If y'all are non looking to hike merely nonetheless want mountain views, the Kancamagus Highway overlooks are perfect! Each scenic overlook has parking lots simply tin can make full up quickly throughout the day. If you lot are looking for the all-time fourth dimension to take in the cute views, I highly recommend visiting the Kancamagus Highway overlooks during sunrise or sunset. Make certain non to miss these Kancamagus Highway attractions during your visit!
Hither are the breathtaking overlooks along the Kancamagus Highway:
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Hancock Overlook
-
Pemigewasset Overlook
-
CL Graham Wangan Overlook
-
Carbohydrate Hill Scenic Vista
Kancamagus Highway Waterfalls
Did you know at that place are waterfalls along the Kancamagus Highway that require minimal hiking?! At that place are incredible Kancamagus Highway waterfalls that should be on everyone's bucket listing considering they are some of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions. If you lot desire to observe more beautiful waterfalls, yous can read more data near the well-nigh beautiful waterfalls in New Hampshire.
Notation: You can ONLY swim in Lower Falls. Swimming in the other waterfalls is prohibited and strictly enforced.
Sabbaday Falls
Difficulty: Like shooting fish in a barrel
Length: 0.vi miles
Sabbaday Falls is one of the almost popular Kancamagus Highway attractions because it is one of the well-nigh beautiful Kancamagus Highway waterfalls. The stunning waterfall has multiple falls that cascade into an emerald-colored pool. And the all-time function? The hike to Sabbaday Falls is merely 0.six miles circular trip and is very easy.
Because this is ane of the best things to do on the Kancamagus Highway, the parking lot can make full up earlier nine:00 AM. I highly recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Rocky Gorge
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Minimal
Rocky Gorge Breathtaking Area is a stunning Kancamagus Highway allure that has multiple waterfalls cascading into the river. From the parking area, in that location is a small paved path leading to Rocky Gorge. In that location is a footbridge over Rocky Gorge, which is a great identify to take a photo of the gorge.
At that place is also a 1-mile hike that begins on the other side of the footbridge that brings you effectually Falls Pond.
Lower Falls
Difficulty: Like shooting fish in a barrel
Length: Minimal
Lower Falls is 1 of the nearly beautiful Kancamagus Highway waterfalls and a popular swimming expanse. In that location are multiple falls from the Swift River that cascade into a pool. Lower Falls is one of the most popular Kancamagus Highway attractions in the summer because it is one of the best pond holes. The parking lot can fill up up early, and then if yous are looking to spend the solar day pond in Lower Falls, I highly recommend arriving every bit early as yous tin.
Champney Falls
Difficulty: three miles
Length: Easy/Moderate
Champney Falls is a beautiful Kancamagus Highway waterfall that is over seventy feet alpine. The hike to Champney Falls is the longest hike on this list to a waterfall simply is relatively easy and worth every stride. The 3-mile hike follows along Champney Falls Trail and can be hiked longer to the summit of Mount Chocorua (more data on that hike below). Champney Falls is ane of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions!
Kancamagus Highway Hikes
Some of the best Kancamagus Highway attractions are hikes. There are many cute hikes along the Kancamagus Highway for all hiking levels. Here are our favorite Kancamagus Highway hikes!
Discovery Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length:ane.5 miles
The Discovery Trail is one of the best Kancamagus Highway hikes and attractions for all ages. The easy i.4 miles follows along a loop that has interpretive panels with data about the forest ecology. Although the Discovery Trail does not offer mountain views, information technology provides a fun and educational experience to acquire about the Working Woods.
Bedrock Loop
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Length: 2.viii miles
Bedrock Loop is an incredible Kancamagus Highway hike, offering stunning views overlooking the White Mountains, and is many people'south favorite Kancamagus Highway attraction. The trail begins at the beautiful Albany Covered Span and follows along Bedrock Loop Trail for 0.ii miles before coming to the loop'south junction. Many hikers prefer hiking the loop clockwise to have a steeper rising and gradual descent. Afterwards turning left to go on on Boulder Loop Trail, there volition be a spur afterward one mile, which leads to ledges that offer incredible views! Boulder Loop Trail so continues around, connecting back to where you started.
Due south Moat Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: v miles
Due south Moat Mount is function of the Moat Range and offers incredible views. This Kancamagus Highway hike gains over 2,000 feet of elevation, and then there will be many steep sections, but they are worth information technology for the beautiful views. The South Moat Mountain Trail really begins on Passaconaway Route, which runs parallel to the Kancamagus Highway. The beginning mile of the trail gradually ascends through the forest and is a nice warmup for what is to come up. The concluding mile of the hike climbs steeply, and in one case the trail nears the acme, you are rewarded with stunning views of the White Mountains. Hiking South Moat Mount is one of the best Kancamagus Highway Attractions.
If you are looking for a longer hike, you can hike to South Moat Mountain and North Moat Mount for a strenuous 10.4-mile hike.
Northward Hancock and South Hancock
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 9.ane miles
Earlier the Kancamagus Highway was built, North Hancock and South Hancock used to be the most remote mountains in the White Mountains. The summits of N Hancock and South Hancock are mainly wooded merely have pocket-sized clearings with stunning views overlooking the White Mountains.
Hancock Notch Trail begins on the iconic hairpin turn across from the Hancock Overlook. The start two miles are relatively apartment and have a few stream crossings. Over the next i.5 miles, the trail begins to climb steadily until the Hancock Loop Trail junction. You can follow the loop either manner, but many hikers recommend following Hancock Loop Trail to the right to South Hancock first because information technology is a steeper ascension. The Hancock Loop Trail travels to both North Hancock and South Hancock before looping back to the Hancock Notch Trail.
Yous tin read more than about hiking North Hancock and South Hancock via Hancock Notch Trail in my trail review.
Mount Chocorua
Difficulty: Hard
Length: viii.4 miles
Mount Chocorua is a archetype Kancamagus Highway hike that thousands of people hike each yr. Champney Falls Trail begins on the Kancamagus Highway and is one of the "easier" trails to the height. The kickoff mile of Champney Falls Trail is easy and flat and soon passes Champney Falls and Bullpen Falls. Many people will turn around at Champney Falls. Later the waterfalls, the trail begins to climb steadily, gaining peak over a series of switchbacks. Champney Falls Trail then intersects with Piper Trail, which brings y'all to the superlative of Mount Chocorua.
The Bonds
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 20 miles
Hiking the Bonds is a perfect Kancamagus Highway hike for those who are looking for a challenge with incredible views. The xx-mile hike summits 3 peaks - Bond Cliff, Mountain Bond, and West Bond. It is a strenuous mean solar day hike that will push you and advantage you with some of the best views in the White Mountains. It is one of my favorite Kancamagus Highway hikes!
The hike to the Bonds begins at the Lincoln Woods trailhead and follows along Lincoln Wood Trail for four miles until turning left onto Bondcliff Trail. Lincoln Woods is very easy and flat, but it volition feel long. Bondcliff Trail gradually ascends for two,600 feet over four miles until it reaches the ballsy Bail Cliff. Bondcliff Trail follows along the ridge for some other mile to the summit of Mount Bail. From Mount Bail, Bondcliff Trail continues for another 0.7 miles before turning left onto West Bond Spur for 0.3 miles to the summit of West Bond. The hike follows along the aforementioned trails, ending in Lincoln Forest. This hike is long but is worth every step!
You can also hike the Bonds with Zealand Mountain on the Zealand Bonds Traverse, which is another epic twenty-four hour period hike.
This guide has everything you need to know about the Kancamagus Highway, including frequently asked questions and the all-time Kancamagus Highway attractions and Kancamagus Highway hikes. The Kancamagus Highway should be on everyone's New Hampshire bucket list and is the perfect add-on to a New Hampshire getaway twelvemonth-round.
Hey, I'thou Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the abode of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and cute pictures taken along the fashion. I take a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful lite and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, bear witness how cute the earth is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage yous to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what's in your lawn, I hope this web log inspires you to go exterior and detect your adventure!
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