Family-Friendly Stops Along The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire
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The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is one of the most popular scenic drives in New England. In the fall, people travel from all over to experience the White Mountains. While there are definitely some moderate to challenging hikes along the byway, there are also plenty of family-friendly spots to stop at as you make your way through the mountains.
Sabbaday Falls
Sabbaday Falls is one of my favorite stops to make along the Kancamagus Highway. The hike to the waterfall is very short without a lot of elevation gain. This spot can get packed, but if you can find a parking spot, it’s worth doing the short hike to the waterfall.
Learn more about visiting this waterfall: Discover The Enchanting Beauty Of Sabbaday Falls
Albany Covered Bridge
The Albany Covered Bridge in Albany, New Hampshire was first constructed in 1858. You can drive over this bridge and there’s a fairly large parking lot at the bridge to make visiting easy. It’s a beautiful spot to visit year-round.
Lower Falls
Lower Falls is a great roadside waterfall located along the Kancamagus Highway. You’ll find great mountain views, river views, and cascades along the river. This is one of the most popular spots to stop along the byway.
Russell-Colbath House
The Russell-Colbath Homestead is a wood frame house that was built in the early 1830’s by Thomas Russell and his son Amzi Russell. The homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and you can go inside during the season. There’s also a cemetery at the property and the The Rail N’ River, which is a half mile ADA trail that winds through the forest to the Swift River and back.
Rocky Gorge Scenic Area
Rocky Gorge is a scenic narrow gorge where water is almost always rushing through, even during droughts. This gorge was carved by glaciers. From the parking lot, it is a very short walk to the bridge over the river. From the bridge, you’ll get views of a ten-foot waterfall and rapids through the gorge as well as some mountain views.
Pemigewasset Overlook
This is a beautiful stop along the byway that does not require a hike. This spot offers a stunning view of the Osceola Mountains. There’s a nice gazebo with signs that describe what you’re looking at as well as benches to sit at.
CL Graham Wangan Overlook
This scenic spot is a great roadside overlook along the byway. It offers views of the Swift River Watershed as well as mountains to the north and the east. There are interpretive signs at this overlook that give you great information about the area and the views.
Panoramic Overlook
This quick scenic pull-off offers panoramic views, as the name suggests. There isn’t an actual parking lot here, but it’s worth pulling off if you see space! Be careful backing out of this area when you’re ready to continue your drive down the Kancamagus Highway.
Hancock Overlook
This scenic overlook offers great views without a hike, although this is also where the trailhead for Mount Hancock is. The views from the lot are beautiful, offering great views of the Osceola Mountains.
Sugar Hill Scenic Vista
This quick stop offers some great views. The overlook offers visitors great views of Mount Tremont, Owl Cliff, Bear Mountain, and Sugar Hill. It’s definitely worth a stop to enjoy the mountain views and to stretch your legs a bit!
