New Hampshire is a beautiful state to explore, no matter the time of year. Whether you’re venturing out to soak in the vibrant fall colors or enjoying a breath of fresh air in the springtime, you’ll find the roads of New Hampshire won’t disappoint. Today’s destination is a case in point. One of the best scenic drives in New Hampshire, the Kancamangus Highway is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Here’s everything you can look forward to when you opt for this beautiful route, one of the best road trips in the USA.

Also known as "The Kanc," the Kancamagus Highway is the perfect place to take a drive.
Jim Pennucci/Flickr
Google Maps
Not from New Hampshire and feeling a little unsure how to pronounce this one? It's simply Kank-ah-mah-gus. Not so bad, right?

To view the actual Google Map pictured above, you can click here!
The scenic drive is particularly popular to take during the fall, but is also the perfect road to travel along during any season.
Steff D./Yelp
Alan Sandercock/Flickr
All along Highway 112 you can discover informational signs that will tell you about the history of the Kancamagus, which dates back to the 1600s. The highway has become a designated American Scenic Byway, and was recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the most scenic drives you can take in America.
The scenic drive will take you across beautiful covered bridges and even bring you right near beautiful waterfalls.
Liza J/TripAdvisor
Dan Mitler/Flickr
Pictured above you can see Sabbaday Falls, just a half-mile hike off the highway that makes for a great place to stop while you're taking this drive. Since the highway runs right through the beautiful White Mountain National Forest, views like these aren't hard to come by!
At the highway's highest point, it reaches an elevation of nearly 3,000 feet and features plenty of lookout points.
David Fulmer/Flickr
Tim Sackton/Flickr
Shown above, you can see the beautiful Pemigewasset Overlook and the amazing view it has. If you click here, you can see exactly where this particular overlook is located on the highway.
So, are you ready to hit the road?
Christoffer Torris Olsen/Flickr
The highway once started off as two small town roads in both Lincoln and Passaconaway, New Hampshire. In 2009, the highway celebrated its 50th anniversary since opening to traffic back in 1959. If you've yet to travel along this road, then now is the time!

Do you agree that this is one of the best scenic drives in New Hampshire? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Looking to experience more of our state’s extraordinary views? Then you’ll absolutely want to read about This Fall Foliage Train That Will Show You New Hampshire’s Colors In An Unforgettable Way!

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More to Explore

best scenic drives in New Hampshire

Beth C. | August 09, 2021

What are some other scenic drives in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire might be relatively small, but it's jam-packed with natural beauty. If you love the idea of loading up the car and embarking on a scenic road trip, you'll find plenty of options in the Granite State. The Connecticut River Byway is a top contender, and as soon as you lay eyes on this gorgeous route, you'll understand why. Meandering through western New Hampshire, this drive yields breathtaking views of the rolling mountains. Other views to look out for include eastern Vermont and the iconic Connecticut River. Equally stunning is the Mount Washington Auto Road, which will take you to the top of the state. Just imagine the views you'll enjoy from this high vantage point. For even more inspiration, check out our list of scenic drives in New Hampshire.

What are the most scenic places in New Hampshire?

Now that you've learned all about the most beautiful drives in New Hampshire, it's time to get out of the car and do some exploring. One of the most scenic places in New Hampshire is known as Sugar Hill in Grafton County. This town may seem modest in size, but trust us when we say it's one of the most charming in the state. Some other beautiful places in New Hampshire include Sabbaday Falls in Waterville Valley, Lake Winnipesaukee (the largest lake in all of New Hampshire), Mount Cardigan Loop Trail in Cardigan Mountain State Park, Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park, Chocorua Lake in Tamworth, and Martingale Wharf in Portsmouth. Learn more about these beautiful New Hampshire destinations.

Where can I go to see fall foliage in New Hampshire?

Visitors and residents alike can agree that fall is the most splendid of New Hampshire's seasons. And in our opinion, it's never too early to start planning a magnificent leaf-peeping adventure in this corner of New England. Some of the top fall destinations in New Hampshire include Mount Kearsarge, Blair Covered Bridge, the Connecticut River Byway, Mt. Monadnock, Emery Farm, Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, and Greenfield State Park.

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Featured Addresses
Kancamagus Highway, Kancamagus Hwy, Albany, NH, USA