
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
hardWhere is Route de l'Île d'Anticosti?
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on the Route de l'Île d'Anticosti (also known as Henri-Menier Road or Transanticostienne Road)! This is Anticosti Island's main artery, a super scenic, mostly unpaved path carving its way across this incredible Canadian island. You'll find this gem on Anticosti Island, a massive landmass (over 200 km long and 50 km wide!) nestled in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec, right where the Saint Lawrence River spills into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. This road stretches for 204 km (126 miles), connecting Port-Menier, a quaint fishing village on the western edge, to various aerodromes and outfitters sprinkled throughout Anticosti National Park, all the way to the eastern coast. Heads up: most of the road is unpaved, so while a car *can* handle it, a truck is definitely your best bet. And pro tip? Bring at least TWO spare tires – you'll thank me later! You can rent vehicles on the island, and some packages even include them. Also, this route has seasonal closures in winter. Plan for about 5-6 hours of driving *without* stops. Keep an eye out for timber trucks and deer, stick to the speed limits, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. For your vehicle, pack extra fuel, motor oil, wiper fluid, a tire jack and tools, emergency flares, and a radio. Always let someone know your travel plans (destination, return time). If you get stuck, stay with your vehicle. It's remote out there, with just two information centers (that also sell fuel) outside Port-Menier.
moderateTravel Guide to Tiara Peak
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: You're in Alberta, Canada, surrounded by the majestic front ranges of Kananaskis Country. You spot Tiara Peak, beckoning you closer. An unpaved road winds its way up the eastern flank of this beauty, climbing to a lofty 1,885 meters (that's 6,184 feet for my imperial friends!). Forget the pavement; this is a true off-road adventure. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! And timing is everything: this route is really only accessible in the summer months. Expect snow to linger well into June, sometimes even July! The climb itself? Just under 3 kilometers (or about 2 miles), but every meter is packed with incredible Rocky Mountain scenery. Get ready for a ride!
moderateBrown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views. Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip. The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.
moderateWhere is Mammoth Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mammoth Mountain in California is calling your name! Perched way up in Madera County, smack-dab in the Inyo National Forest at a whopping 11,036 feet, this peak boasts one of California’s highest roads. Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking totally unpaved, folks! Think rugged, bumpy, and an absolute blast for anyone with a 4x4. This isn't your everyday scenic drive. This road mainly exists to service the ski lifts and lodges, and that final stretch? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. The good news? When the snow melts and ski season's over, the trail opens up, rewarding you with incredible views and bragging rights. Plus, you can grab a bite at Eleven53, a cafe that claims to be California's highest. Who can resist that?