We just returned from a trip that included exploring the Kancamagus Scenic Highway on Sept 27th, 2008. The Kancamagus (affectionately called the 'Kanc') is a scenic road in the White Mountains National Park. While the foliage color wasn't at its peak - it still was very beautiful and seeing the various waterfalls, rivers, views of mountains, woods, etc. were unbelievable. An added benefit, the woods and trails were uncrowded and the area hotels and B&Bs had vacancies. I'd recommend stopping at the visitor center in Lincoln, NH or the one near Conway, NH (Saco River Ranger Station) or the one located at Lincoln Woods Trail (on the Kanc). At the various visitor centers you can pick up a map and talk to a park ranger about the conditions and he/she will give great recommendations. Here is a link to the trail brochure we picked up at the ranger station:

Kanc Trail Brochure (PDF)

We did several short hikes (mostly easy ones requiring only sneakers and of shorter duration) and stopped at most of the overlooks taking about 6 hours to explore the area. Even if you aren't interested in hikes just stopping at the various scenic overlooks is amazing! Or stopping at the points listed below you can walk a short distance (and skip the longer hikes) to see fabulous waterfalls, views etc.

Here is some comments about what trails we did (when known the length of trail is noted):

- Lincoln Woods Trails - there are two trails here we did. One is a loop trail that takes you over a suspension bridge and then over the highway bridge (0.5 miles) where you can get great photos of the river below, foliage, mtns behind. Another trail (2.9 miles) travels over the suspension bridge to the right along the river and is basically an old railroad line (so it is straight and flat in most places).

- Discovery Forest Trail (1.4 miles) - loop trail with signs to explain the forest ecology. Very interesting and educational on how they manage the wood resources of the forest! Great learning experience for kids.

More info on Discovery Trail

- Sabbaday Falls (0.5 miles) - easy loop trail that goes along the river to see great falls. Beautiful picture opportunities here. Don't miss this one!!!

- Rail N' River Trail (0.5 miles) - easy loop trail that is located at the Russell Colbath historic site. It brings you to a quiet portion of the river. The Russell historic house is free to tour and interesting so if you have time stop by. The bathrooms at this site are flush toilets with running water (bring hand cleaner though many of the others don't have handwashing facilities).

-The Rocky Gorge scenic area and Lower Falls areas. The falls were awesome as it had rained the weeks before. There are some short trails to explore and near Rocky Gorge there is a trail that brings you to a tranquil pond - Lovequist Loop Trail (1 mile).

-Albany Covered Bridge - fun to see a covered bridge!

A day pass $3 or Week pass $5 that you can buy at any parking area is required (put on your dash) if you want to park and walk (if you just pull in to a lot and stay with your car you don't need a pass but then you can't do any hikes).