Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire - August 19

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire - August 19


Today we drove the scenic byway of Kancamagus Highway which is a road cut through the White Mountain National Forest with beautiful views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. Its highest point is an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass on the flank of Mt. Kancamagus near Lincoln, NH.

We started on New Hampshire Route 112 which is a 56.39-mile-long east–west state highway in northern New Hampshire. The highway winds across the state, connecting Bath to Conway through the heart of the scenic and mountainous White Mountain National Forest. The scenic byway is a 34.5 mile route that is part of route 112.

 Swiftwater 1819 - Covered Bridge #29

 charming house near the bridge

I’m sure it’s most beautiful during the fall for some fantastic leaf peeping. We could see a few small areas of some of the golds and reds starting to come on. There were several pull-outs for some great views along the route. There are also many hiking trails of all levels along the route. 


We first stopped at the scenic Beaver Pond. There were lots of Cedar Waxwings and a Song Sparrow. The Appalachian Trail connects through here as well.

 parking lot for the Beaver Pond

 stickers on a truck in the parking lot

 Great Blue Heron in "flashing pose"

 Song Sparrow

 Cedar Waxwings

We stopped for lunch at Black Mtn Burger Co. I had the Thai Chili Burger which was Thai chili pepper glazed burger and topped with Peanut Asian Slaw and Greg had the Mushroom Swiss burger. Both were excellent. 

After lunch we went on an easy 1.5 mile hike. We did see an adorable Ovenbird.

 easy hiking trail

 Ovenbird

 Greg on the path

We stopped at several of the viewpoints.

Our next stop was another short hike to Sabbaday Falls. It was a pretty one that had several drops making it an interesting one. 

 the creek leading to the falls along the trail

We continued on the drive and it started to rain. We passed by Lower Falls in hopes that on our return the rain would be done. We drove on to Conway and got some gas and stopped for ice cream. It poured rain while we were eating. A family came in with 3 very large dogs. Yep, inside the restaurant. (it was just a DQ) Nothing like the smell of wet dogs to help you enjoy your ice cream. We drove through this covered bridge going for ice cream.

Saco River Covered Bridge in Conway

As we drove back to get on the byway it did stop raining and it was sunny when we got back to Lower Falls. The locals were enjoying the water. Going over the small rapids in tubes and swimming. Way too cold for me to be in cold water. Yikes! 

We finished the byway and stopped for groceries on the way back to the hotel and had a late dinner. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YTP4nw299bdahBX98


Tomorrow, we are taking the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the summit.