RoadAtlas
Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States — Scenic
North America

Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch

United States

Point-to-point
Conway Franconia Notch State Park

In short: Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch is a 185 km scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 2–3 days, best in Sep–Oct (fall foliage). Highlights: Conway, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Lower Falls.

Distance
185 km
Duration
2–3 days
Best Season
Sep–Oct (fall foliage)
IconicEasyScenicEV-friendly

New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway cuts through the White Mountain National Forest without a single traffic light. In fall, the hardwoods burn crimson and gold, one of the great foliage drives in the world.

Practical notes
The Kancamagus is paved and suitable for any car, but winter brings snow, ice, and occasional temporary closures, especially on the higher pass and at trailheads. Services are sparse between Conway and Lincoln, so fuel up before entering White Mountain National Forest and check weather and road status in fall.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1North Conway and Conway, White Mountains region

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area · Sabbaday Falls · Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.

Day 2Lincoln and Franconia Notch

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves · Flume Gorge · The Common Man

Stops along the route

Conway — City — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
City
Conway
Eastern gateway to the Kancamagus Highway, where Route 112 begins its 56-kilometre crossing through the White Mountains.
Hotels

Things to Do

Rocky Gorge Scenic Area — Nature — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Nature
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
The Swift River squeezes through a narrow granite gorge into a deep emerald pool. A short loop trail crosses the ledges above.
Lower Falls — Nature — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Nature
Lower Falls
Swift River fans over polished granite slabs into clear swimming holes, a favourite autumn stop along the Kanc.
Sabbaday Falls — Nature — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Nature
Sabbaday Falls
A three-tiered waterfall dropping through a flume of sculpted rock, reached by one of the finest short trails in New England.
Kancamagus Pass — Nature — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Nature
Kancamagus Pass
At 884 m the highway's highest point delivers an unobstructed panorama across the fall foliage canopy of the White Mountains.
Franconia Notch State Park — Nature — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Nature
Franconia Notch State Park
Echo Lake, the Flume Gorge, and the aerial tramway up Cannon Mountain fill this glacially carved notch at the highway's end.
Flume Gorge — Hike — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Hike
Flume Gorge
A natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, with wooden walkways and waterfalls.
Show 2 more
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway — Scenic Viewpoint — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Scenic Viewpoint
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
An 80-passenger cable car that ascends to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves — Nature — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Nature
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves
Explore a series of caves and boardwalks through a picturesque gorge.

Where to Eat

Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. — Barbecue — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Barbecue
Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co.
Offers house-brewed beers and hearty barbecue dishes in a rustic setting.
The Common Man — American — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
American
The Common Man
Serves classic American fare with a cozy atmosphere and a fireplace.
Gypsy Café — Eclectic — Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch — United States
Eclectic
Gypsy Café
Features a diverse menu with global flavors and vibrant decor.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch drive?

The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch covers 185 km from start to finish.

How long does the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–3 days on the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch?

The recommended season for the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch is Sep–Oct (fall foliage).

Where does the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch start and end?

The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch runs from Conway to Franconia Notch State Park.

What are the main stops on the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch?

The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch passes through Conway, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Lower Falls.

How difficult is the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch to drive?

The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch in a regular car?

Yes — the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch EV friendly?

Yes — the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch safe to drive?

The Kancamagus is paved and suitable for any car, but winter brings snow, ice, and occasional temporary closures, especially on the higher pass and at trailheads. Services are sparse between Conway and Lincoln, so fuel up before entering White Mountain National Forest and check weather and road status in fall.

What scenic tier is the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch?

The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.