"Kancamagus Scenic Byway"
The Kancamagus Highway, also known as "The Kanc," is often misspelled and mis-pronounced Kangamangus Highway, Kangumangus Hiway or Kancamangus Highway. The correct way pronounce Kancamagus is "Kank-ah-mah-gus."
The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH's Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture.
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway takes you through a path cut through the White Mountain National Forest with breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge. The Kanc takes you to an elevation of just under 3,000 feet at its highest point at Kancamagus Pass on the flank of Mt. Kancamagus near Lincoln, NH.
Every year, rain or shine leaf peepers show up in full force to drive the Kancamagus Highway just to get a glimpse of the brilliant colored NH Fall Foliage. Visitors are also greeted with the deep forest smells of the pines and changing leaves, especially on a warm Fall day. Even the rain can offer a unique experience on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.
The drive along the Kancamagus Highway takes you back in time as you drive through a forest that offers no comforts of the modern day world; no gas stations, no restaurants, hotels or other businesses have pierced their way into the heart of the Kancamagus Highway. Those luxuries are left behind at both ends of the scenic byway but well within reach when needed.
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