RV Guide to Driving the Kancamagus Highway in the Fall

The Kancamagus Highway – also known as Route 112 – is 34 1/2 miles of stunning views and brilliant fall foliage. The New Hampshire highway takes you through the White Mountain National Forest, and it’s part of the White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. It’s also widely known as one of the best scenic drives in the U.S. for viewing fall foliage.

The highway’s beautiful pull-offs, nearby campgrounds, and easy access to hiking trails make it the perfect New Hampshire RV road trip.

You’ll want to plan ahead, because the area has no services, and the road can be winding and a little steep. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know to drive this amazing scenic route through the colorful mountains.

Why Drive the Kancamagus Highway in the Fall

The drive along the Kancamagus Highway, through the White Mountain National Forest, takes you near the Swift River, by sparkling waterfalls, and up 3,000 feet along Kancamagus Pass for some magnificent scenery of the White Mountains. You’ll drive through tunnels of vibrant trees, and then suddenly emerge into an open space with sweeping mountain views.

Be sure to look for pullouts like the Pemigewasset Overlook and Hancock Overlook, where you can stop and see colorful fall panoramas.

Also, be sure to look for wildlife, especially moose. For your best chance at seeing animals, drive early in the morning at sunrise, or at twilight when they tend to forage for food.

The fall season also means you’ll get cooler temperatures for your outdoor activities. There’s plenty of hiking in areas where the highway travels. You’ll want sturdy hiking boots and plenty of layers so you’re comfortable as the day warms up or cools off. There are also lots of camping options, and the cooler weather makes this a great time for a road trip.

The Kanc, as it’s often known, also travels through charming New England towns, and many of these have festivals during the fall season. The New Hampshire Highland Games & Festival takes place at Loon Mountain Resort in Lincoln in mid-September. North Conway holds a Hay Day Fall Fest at Cranmore Mountain Resort with contests, candy-apple decorating, and other festive events. And across the White Mountains towns, you’ll find a variety of farmers markets, live music, theater performances, and more.

RV Travel Tips for the Kancamagus Highway

Because of the popularity of this drive and area, it’s good to know a little more about the drive before you head out.

• Road conditions: The Kanc is 34 1/2 miles of winding mountain road. It’s manageable for RVs, and in fact, it’s a popular drive for many RVers. But you’ll want to be prepared to drive slowly. The highway is a two-lane, paved highway. There are no shoulders in some places, with guardrails by some of the drop-offs.
• No services: There are no gas stations, restaurants, or hookups on the highway. Make sure to fuel up before you begin your drive. You could pack a picnic to eat along the way. At the very least, bring snacks in case the drive takes longer than you anticipated.
• Plan your pull-offs: Some pull-offs are easier to navigate in an RV than others. Some good options are the Hancock Overlook, Sabbaday Falls, and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.
• Best time of day: Because this is a very popular drive, the best time to go is early in the morning on a weekday. You’ll want daylight to best see the road (and the amazing views!), but you’ll also want to be out and about before things get too busy. You can also try later in the afternoon, when crowds die down for the day. Traffic may move slowly along the drive, and pull-offs can get crowded or completely full as well.

Campgrounds and RV Parks Near the Kancamagus Highway

One way to really take time and enjoy the foliage along this highway is by camping along the way. There are several options for camping that are near scenic areas of this drive.

Here are some campgrounds to consider while on your Kancamagus Highway RV trip.

Must-See Stops Along the Kancamagus Highway

There are several things to do near Kancamagus Highway that you won’t want to miss! If you’re driving from Lincoln to Conway – west to east – here are some stops to consider, in order.

1. Hancock Overlook – this overlook shares sweeping views of the Osceola Range and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. It’s one of the most photographed views on the whole highway. There’s a good-sized, paved lot, but it can fill up during peak foliage season so you’ll want to arrive early.
2. Sabbaday Falls – this spot is a great place to stretch your legs, with a 0.3-mile walk to the waterfall. It’s about 15 miles west of Conway, close to the halfway point in the drive. The parking area and trailhead are right off Route 112. The lot is paved and can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers, but it fills quickly during foliage season. The hike is gravel-packed, with an easy, gentle slope. There are a few steps at the falls. Bridges and the path let you see the falls from above, beside, and below, and it’s a popular photo spot. The falls are surrounded by forest, so you’ll see lots of fall color as well. Picnic tables near the parking lot make a good lunch spot.
3. Rocky Gorge Scenic Area – the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area features a picturesque gorge and walking bridge that’s a beautiful spot to explore. It’s about 6 miles west of Conway, near the eastern end of the highway. There’s a well-marked parking lot right off the road. It’s larger than several other pullouts, but it still fills up in the fall. A short, paved path leads you to a pedestrian bridge over the gorge, which was carved by the Swift River. You can look down from the bridge and see the rapids, swirling pools, and cascading water. The walk is less than 0.1 miles, an easy stroll. A short trail continues past the bridge to Falls Pond and adds about 0.5 miles round-trip to your walk. In the fall, the falls are framed by bright red maples and golden birch trees. This is a popular picture-taking area as well.
4. Lower Falls – this makes a great stop, especially for families taking the drive together. The Lower Falls stop is about 7 miles west of Conway, just past the Covered Bridge Campground. There’s a clearly marked parking lot, with picnic tables and restrooms. The Swift River makes shallow pools and small cascades here, and it’s a popular spot for wading and swimming in warm weather. However, when the water is high, it’s unsafe to swim here. It’s also a beautiful photo stop, especially when you can catch the colorful foliage reflected in the pools. There are also restrooms at this stop.
5. Sugar Hill Overlook – the Sugar Hill Overlook is one of the classic pullouts along this highway. It’s a spot where you can take in the scale of the White Mountains. The pullout is 8 miles west of Conway, on the eastern half of the highway. There’s a paved parking area that can accommodate cars, small RVs, and trailers, although it fills up on peak foliage weekends. You’ll get a panoramic view of the Swift River Valley, surrounded by the peaks of the Sandwich Range and the southern White Mountains. The sides of these mountains are awash in reds, golds, and oranges from the trees. In the early morning, you may also get mist rising from the valley, which makes a dramatic photo opportunity.

Hiking Trails for RV Travelers

Hiking along The Kanc is a beautiful way to experience the region’s beauty even more up close. It’s also a nice way to stretch your legs along the drive.

• Easy hikes: The Sabbaday Falls Trail is a flat 0.6-mile round-trip walk to one of the most-photographed waterfalls in the White Mountains. The Lower Falls Recreation Site is just a short walk from the parking lot to the natural swimming holes and cascades along the Swift River. The Rocky Gorge Scenic Area & Falls Pond Loop is a 0.7-mile round-trip walk through a gorge with cascades and past a peaceful pond.
• Moderate hikes: The Boulder Loop Trail is a 3-mile loop, and you’ll see impressive boulders along the way. The Champney Falls Trail is 3.1 miles round-trip to get to the falls, and it has a 600-foot elevation gain. The Sawyer Pond Trail is 4 miles round-trip, and has a 500-foot elevation gain. You’ll hike through the forest to a large, quiet pond.
• Challenging hikes: The Mount Osceola Summit Trail is 5.7 miles long with just over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The Mount Tripyramid Loop is 11 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet. It’s a classic White Mountains trail with several stream crossings and lots of beautiful scenery.

The Lower Falls and Champney Falls trails can be accessed with an RV. The Rocky Gorge and Boulder Loop trails can be accessed by smaller RVs, but it can be hard to park here during peak seasons and you may want to use a towed vehicle. Sabbaday Falls, Sawyer Pond, Mount Osceola, and Mount Tripyramid are all best accessed with a towed vehicle

Nearby State Parks & Attractions

There are lots of state parks near Kancamagus Highway as well. Here are a few of the parks you can see while on your trip.

• Franconia Notch State Park (west of Lincoln): Begin your visit at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center so you can see all of your options at the park. Walk through the Flume Gorge, or admire the foliage from the aerial tramway that leaves from Cannon Mountain. There are several lakes at the park where you can swim and fish. You can also camp at this state park, but there are no hookups.
• Echo Lake State Park (near Conway): Echo Lake State Park is a great spot for serene kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also fish or swim here. The park is also well-known for its leaf peeping. The lake is just 15 acres, making this a nice little park for a few-hour adventure.
• North Conway Village: This classic New England small town has plenty of shopping and dining for visitors. You can also ride the Conway Scenic Railroad, which offers fall foliage tours. Trains depart from the historic 1874 depot, and there are several tour options to choose from.
• Lincoln/Woodstock area: You’ll find several small towns with breweries and shops that serve as gateways to the White Mountains. Loon Mountain Resort features New Hampshire’s longest gondola, climbing walls, ziplining, and skiing and snowboarding in winter. The Granite State Scenic Railway offers vintage train excursions along the Pemigewasset River. The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves have a boardwalk trail that runs through a glacial gorge filled with boulder caves and waterfalls. This area also has sledding and ice castles in winter and live music, swimming, and tons of outdoor activities in summer.

Sample RV Fall Foliage Itinerary (2–3 Days)

• Day 1: Arrive in Lincoln and set up camp at Lafayette Place Campground at Franconia Notch State Park. You could also find a local private campground like the Lincoln/Woodstock KOA or the Country Bumpkins Campground. Explore Franconia Notch State Park and walk the Flume Gorge boardwalk trail. Hike to The Basin and ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Enjoy a campfire at your campsite at the end of the day.
• Day 2: Break camp and head (early!) to the Kancamagus Highway. Stop at Sugar Hill Overlook and Hancock Overlook and take some short hikes at Sabbaday Falls Trail and Rocky Gorge & Falls Pond Loop. Picnic at a roadside area like Lower Falls Recreation Site. Continue east toward Conway and stop at scenic pullouts. Camp that night at Jigger Johnson Campground.
• Day 3: Head to North Conway Village. Stroll the downtown area and see the boutiques and cafes. Take the Conway Scenic Railroad and choose between the 1-hour Valley Train tour or the 4-hour Mountaineer Train through Crawford Notch for amazing mountain views. Enjoy late lunch or early dinner in Conway at a local diner or brewery. Stay at a Conway campground for the night – maybe Eastern Slope Camping Area or Covered Bridge Campground.
• Extra Time: If you have extra time, hike a more moderate trail like Boulder Loop or Champney Falls. Stop at Woodstock to visit the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves or to get a beer at the Woodstock Inn Brewery.

Practical Planning Tips

Keep these tips in mind when you’re planning your Kancamagus Highway RV travel to make sure your trip is smooth and pleasant.

• When to visit: Peak foliage season in the White Mountains is usually anytime from late September through mid-October. The weather each year can affect the exact timing of when the leaves turn. You can check New Hampshire foliage trackers online, like the White Mountains foliage tracker or the NH Peak Foliage Map. To avoid crowds, plan your drive along the highway for early in the morning on a weekday.
• RV size considerations: While it is possible for large rigs to manage the winding drive through the mountains, drivers may find it a challenge to find parking. The drive is easier for small to mid-size RVs. You could also consider driving a tow vehicle that fits into smaller parking spots. Some of the overlooks above do have parking for larger vehicles, but you’ll want to arrive early to get a spot.
• What to pack: The weather in the mountains during the fall can be fickle. You may start out with a chilly morning, but warm up with the sun later during the day. Bring layers for changing temperatures, along with hiking boots for short treks. A packable rain jacket, hat, and gloves for cold mornings and evenings are also a good idea. Bring your camera, tripod, and any other photography equipment you might use. Stock your RV kitchen and plan for snacks and lunch as well – there are no food stops along the highway.
• layers, hiking boots, camera, stocked kitchen (no food stops on route).
• Leave No Trace reminder: The White Mountain National Forest is well-traveled during the fall! Help to keep the forest pristine and to protect the wildlife that lives there by leaving no trace as you travel. Pack or throw out any trash. Use designated fire pits and bathroom facilities at the campgrounds along the drive. Stay on designated hiking trails and roads as you explore the area as well. There is some dispersed camping allowed in the White Mountain National Forest, mostly for backcountry backpackers, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace rules for camping as well.

Traveling the Kancamagus Highway in the fall is a bucket-list RV experience. Few drives are as packed with photographic opportunities and breathtaking views as this one is each autumn. For a truly well-rounded trip, take some time to explore the campgrounds, hikes, small towns, and other attractions as you travel. However, you’ll want to be sure to book campgrounds, train rides, and other experiences as early as you can. Fall foliage season is a very popular time of year, and these places fill up quickly.