the Kancamagus Highway
(click on the map for a Really BIG printable image of it)
Recently dedicated by the US Forest Service as a Scenic Byway for its recreation opportunities and aesthetic, cultural,
and historic values, the Kancamagus Highway stretches from the Pemigewasset River at Lincoln 34-1/2 miles to the Saco River
at Conway, NH. The route climbs to nearly 3000' as it traverses the flank of Mt. Kancmagus near Lincoln.
It is open year-round, weather permitting.
If you plan on leaving your vehicle, for hiking or picnicing while on the highway, check to see if you need a to pick up a Parking Pass
at the Lincoln Visitor Center, the Ranger Station in Conway or other designated vendors.
For more info on the White Mountain Parking Pass program see: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/white/recreation/fee_demo/index.html
History:
The mountains here perpetuate the names of New Hampshire's most legendary Indians;
Passaconaway (Child of the Bear) was a peace-loving chief who, in 1627, united over 17 Indian tribes of Central New England
into the Panacook Confederacy. As the first "Sagamon," he ruled wisely until his death in 1669.
Kancamagus (The Fearless One), grandson of Passaconaway, succeeded his uncle, Wonalancet, around 1684 as third and final
Sagamon of the Penacook Confederacy. Kancamagus tried to keep peace between the Indians and the pioneering whites, until
aggravated English harassments brought war and bloodshed. The confederacy's tribes scattered after 1691, and Kancamagus
and his followers moved north to upper New Hampshire or into Canada.
About 1725, Paugus (The Oak), was Chief of the Pequawket Tribe along the Saco River. Later, around 1760, Chocorua, brave
and perhaps a chief of the Ossipee Tribe, lived near today's Conway or Albany. Legends agree that Chocorua died on the
summit of the mountain which now bears his name.
Settlers:
Passaconaway, or Albany Intervale, the fertile land on the Swift River, 12 miles from Conway, was first settled by white
men around 1790. The Russell Colbath House, located here, was built in the early 1800's, and today is used as a Forest
Service Historic Site and Information Center. (Open daily in season). Early settlers eked out a living in this isolated
valley for over a century by farming, taking in the summer boarders, and logging, which was at its peak around 1900.
The Highway:
A town road to Passaconaway was completed in 1837. One hundred years later the route was extended eastward and westward
from Passaconaway and from Lincoln. The two sections were at last completed and opened to thru traffic in 1959.
In addition to the Russell Colbath House, the Saco Ranger District Office and Information Center is located at the east
end of the Kancamagus Highway. This center provides visitor information about hte highway, related facilities,
and forest management activities. A Visitor's Information Center is located at the west end of the highway in Lincoln.
Recreational Acivities:
The US Forest Service provides many convieniences along and near the Kancamagus Highway. Picnic sites have tables,
drinking water and sanitary facilities; campgrounds offer family units with parking, tenting spaces, an open fireplace
and table, drinking water and sanitary staions. Trailers are permitted; no hook-ups. Campsites are available on a
first-come basis; limited reservations are accepted at some campgrounds. Pets are allowed on leash.
Camping fees are posted at each area's entrance. No camping or fires are permitted within 1/2 mile of the highway,
except in designated campgrounds. A new regulation for 'permits' or 'passports' are required if you plan on stopping any where
along the highway for anything more than just a breather.
Scenic Areas:
Through the ages, the Swift River has worn a narrow cleft in solid rock, today designated as the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area.
Enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of Falls Pond, a short walk over the Gorge and rustic footbridge which leads to a
scenic path around the pond. Sawyer Ponds and Greeley Ponds Scenic Areas are reached by 1/2-day hikes over Forest Trails.
No overnight camping is allowed at Greeley Pond and only on platforms and in the shelter at Sawyer Pond.
Overlooks:
These provide awe-inspiring alpine and valley panaramas. Sabbaday Falls are particularly breath-taking and can be viewed
after a brief walk along the Sabbaday Brook Trail.
Trails:
Nature's lessons, land forms and multiple uses of the White Mountain National Forest are explained by lables or by
numbered stakes on the self-quided trails. Rail 'N River Trail, at the Passaconaway Historic Site is an easy walk
taking about 30 minutes.
Boulder Loop Trail at the Covered Bridge Campground is about 2.5 miles. Other trails starting at the highway offer
pleasent hikes of from 1/2-hour to several days. Detailed trail maps may be purchased at the Saco River Ranger
Station Visitor Center, Conway or at the Information Center, Lincoln.
The White Mountains Visitors Bureau's phone number is 603.745.8720, or call White Mountain Attraction
at 888.WhiteMtn.
Help keep the Kancamagus Highway clean.
Please do NOT litter.
"Take only photographs; leave only footprints."
This map and description were reproduced from a piece of literature that was picked up at a local Town Hall.
Credit can't be given as it is unsigned. Any corrections for errors can be forwarded to me at the email address
provided and I can correct this sites copy.
The following is the 'Yankee Cruisah' observation of the 'Kanc'.
This is a must for any biker that travels to N.H.
Any time you go over the 'Kanc' you will see many bikes enjoying the twists, turns, and oh yeah UPs and DOWNS.
Personal preference is to go west to east starting in Lincoln. This gets you going up the twisties on the gas
rather than down the twisties on the brakes. There aren't any service stations along the major portion of the
highway so fill up before you enter. It is only 34 miles but play it safe and be sure to have enough gas as it
can be a long push up the mountain.
the "Yankee Cruisah" website: http://www.YankeeCruisah.com
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