Kancamagus Highway is a scenic drive in New Hampshire during the fall foliage season
Usa, north-america
56 km
874 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for the Kancamagus Highway, a seriously stunning drive in New Hampshire's Grafton County! Locals just call it "The Kanc,” and trust me, it lives up to the hype, especially when those fall colors start popping.
Named after Chief Kancamagus from way back in the 1600s, this 35-mile stretch of Route 112 winds its way through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway. It's an easy shot off I-93 or Route 16, making it super accessible.
The road can get a bit steep in places, with gradients hitting 7% as you navigate some hairpin turns on your way to Kancamagus Pass – the highest point on the drive. It’s tempting to gawk at the incredible scenery, but keep your eyes on the road! Also, watch out for wildlife – deer and moose love to hang out nearby.
Allow about an hour to drive it straight through, but realistically, you'll want at least three to soak it all in. You’ll be climbing to 2,867 feet above sea level, and the views are insane. Pull over to check out the spot where the watersheds divide, with rivers flowing east to the Saco and west to the Pemigewasset. There are no services, just pure, unadulterated nature. Be prepared for some serious traffic during peak leaf-peeping season!
While the Kanc is generally open year-round, winter brings heavy snow, so check conditions before you go. Closures are possible, but the road is well-maintained, offering tons of winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
Where is it?
Kancamagus Highway is a scenic drive in New Hampshire during the fall foliage season is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.2612, -97.2271
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 56 km
- Max Elevation
- 874 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.2612, -97.2271
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhat is at the summit of Chisos Mountains?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Big Bend National Park in Texas? You've GOT to check out Chisos Basin Road! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience through one of America's best-kept secrets. Picture this: you're winding your way up, up, up on a totally paved road, with killer views unfolding around every bend. Think sharp curves, switchbacks, and vistas for days! As you climb, you're talking about over 2,000 feet above the desert floor – get ready for incredible views of the mountain peaks and the unique basin area carved out by erosion. This road is like a backstage pass to see the cool transition from desert to those refreshing mountain habitats. At the summit of Chisos Mountains, you'll find a restaurant, campground, lodging, and plenty of parking. The road itself stretches about 6 miles, taking you north-south from somewhere along the main park road straight to the Chisos Mountains parking area, reaching a whopping elevation. Word to the wise: if you're hauling a trailer, keep it under 24 feet! Those curves are no joke, and the grades can get pretty steep (up to 8%). But trust me, it's worth it. As you gain elevation, keep an eye out for wildlife – you might spot a black bear, and the birdwatching is unreal! Don't forget to admire the cool red-barked Texas madrone trees along the way. Seriously, this road is a feast for the senses – get ready to make some memories!
hardWhere is Targhee Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna straddle two states at once? Then cruise up Targhee Pass! This super scenic spot sits right on the Idaho-Montana border, clocking in at 7,089 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled on the Continental Divide, linking southeastern Idaho with southwestern Montana. It's named after a Bannack Indian chief, which is pretty cool. The whole route is paved—we're talking U.S. Highway 20, also known as Targhee Pass Highway. Keep an eye out for those little white markers, though. They're there to remind you to drive carefully. The drive stretches for 28 miles, connecting West Yellowstone, Montana, to Island Park, Idaho. Most of it is nice and flat, but be ready for some ramps with up to an 8% grade. Good news for winter adventurers: Targhee Pass stays open! They plow and sand it regularly. Only a major blizzard could shut it down. Tucked away in the Caribou–Targhee National Forest, it'll take you about 30 minutes to drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. This area is a major migration route for elk, deer, moose, and bears. Plus, it's the quickest way to Yellowstone Park from southern Idaho!
hardGallinas Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road thrill in New Mexico, Gallinas Peak is calling your name. Nestled in Lincoln County, within the Cibola National Forest, this beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 8,645 feet. The road to the summit, Forest Road 99, is a wild ride – think gravel, rocks, and sections that will test your driving skills (and your vehicle's suspension). A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. Keep a close eye on the weather because things can turn south in a heartbeat. But here's the payoff: at the top, you'll find a historic lookout tower, built in 1933, offering killer panoramic views. Just make sure to tackle this road when it's dry; otherwise, you might be in for a world of trouble. Gallinas Peak isn't for the faint of heart, but the views are 100% worth the challenge.
extremeDriving the 9 steepest paved mountain passes of Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Colorado, nestled in the Rockies, boasts some seriously intense high-altitude roads. Forget gentle slopes; we're talking extreme terrain that'll push your driving skills and your vehicle to the limit. Think stunning views mixed with nail-biting descents – a true test of both you and your ride! First up, Slumgullion Pass in Hinsdale County. This beast is the steepest paved primary road in Colorado, with a relentless 9-10% grade on its north side. Get ready for some serious engine braking! Plus, it winds through the active Slumgullion Slide, where the earth itself is constantly shifting. Talk about a dynamic landscape! Then there's Red Mountain Pass. While not the absolute steepest at 8%, many consider it the most treacherous. Why? Minimal guardrails and sheer exposure will definitely get your heart pumping. Add steep grades and some serious "shelf-road" engineering, and you've got a recipe for a tense drive, especially in winter storms. Don't underestimate Wolf Creek Pass, despite its 7% grade. Long, sustained descents and hairpin turns have claimed their fair share of heavy vehicles. It's a major route, but notorious for sudden white-out conditions that'll test your visibility and composure. The key to conquering these passes? Ditch your everyday driving habits. To avoid brake fade (when your brakes overheat and lose power), use "snub braking" and downshift. And those "Runaway Truck Ramp" signs? They're not just for decoration – heed them! Gravity is your constant opponent here. Colorado's steep passes are a must-do for any true driving enthusiast. From the dizzying heights of Slumgullion to the exposed edges of Red Mountain Pass, these roads are about the raw connection between machine and mountain. Prep your vehicle, keep an eye on those gauges, and get ready to experience the unmatched verticality of the American West!