Fall Drive on the "Kanc"

Recently, we took a Sunday drive along the Kancamagus Highway or Kancamagus Scenic Byway. This 34.5-mile scenic drive along Route 112 in Northern NH is considered one of the best fall foliage viewing areas in the country. The route has been designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture.

The roadway is named for Chief Kancamagus, The Fearless One. who was the last leader of the Penacook Confederacy, a union of more than 17 central New England Indian tribes, first forged by Kancamagus' grandfather, Passaconaway. In 1627. Kancamagus tried to maintain peace between his people and encroaching English settlers, but war and bloodshed forced the tribes to scatter and most retreated to northern NH and Canada.

While the Kancamagus Highway is famed, it’s a relatively new road as New England scenic byways go. Some old logging and town roads edged into the rugged National Forest, which was set aside for conservation by the federal government in 1911, but a connection between Conway and Lincoln was not completed until 1959. The road was paved in 1964, and in 1968 it was plowed for the first time, allowing for year-round traffic.

The highway is referred  to "The Kanc." The name is misspelled and/or mis-pronounced as Kangamangus Highway, Kangumangus Hiway or Kancamangus Highway. The correct way pronnunciation is "Kank-ah-mah-gus."

In addition to being labelled New England’s prettiest drive, the Kancamagus Highway is also one of the easiest driving tours on Route 112 west from Conway to Lincoln, NH or vice versa. It cuts an east-west path through New Hampshire’s 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest with views of the White Mountains. The highway climbs to nearly 3,000 feet at its highest point at Kancamagus Pass on the flank of Mt. Kancamagus near Lincoln, NH. 

Rain or shine leaf peepers, like us, annually drive the Kancamagus Highway to view the brilliant foliage. The drive through this forested area offers no comforts of the modern-day world.

You won't find any gas stations, restaurants, hotels or other businesses along the Kancamagus Highway route. And you won't miss seeing any  power/utility lines, but you might miss using your phone as there is no cell service as well. Those luxuries are left behind at both ends of the scenic byway. 

Our weekend drive was a bit late in the season. Recent rain and windstorms had blown leaves off many trees. Our destination was a stop in Jackson, NH to see the Return of the Pumpkin People. We drove and walked on the Jackson "Honeymoon Bridge" (not sure why it's called that). The covered bridge was originally built by Charles Austin Broughton and his son in the mid-1870s; it's a popular stop for visitors.

The bridge spans the Ellis River and is located along Rte 16. Originally, the trusses were more exposed than now. The sidewalk was added in 1930. It's another popular stop.

Despite the colors not being as vibrant late in the season, there were some very colorful spots along the river banks.

We found another nearby covered bridge with great fall colors and this scenic view was on a local golf course.

We had a great time day tripping along "The Kanc" and then in Jackson, NH. Flossie's Emporium was located within walking distance of the Honeymoon Bridge and it was a fun place to explore and shop.

We're expecting another rainy weekend so we won't be going on another day trip, but we have one planned later this month. We're setting clocks ⏰🕰⏱⌚️back an hour since Daylight Savings Time (DST) ends on Sunday, Nov. 4. (Yes, we have many wall clocks in our aptly named Clocktower apt).

          🍂 Enjoy Your weekend, Everyone 🍁