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The Kancamagus - Highway to Leaf Peeper Heaven

© Christina Coruth

Breathtaking panoramic vistas are the norm along the Kancamagus Highway at any time of the year. Autumn's paintbrush turns its lush summer greenery into a flaming red, orange, and gold extravaganza amid the conifers - a feast for the eyes. It's no wonder that the Kanc is one of the most popular places in New England for leaf peeping.

Located mostly in the White Mountain National Forest, this 34 1/2-mile stretch of Rte 112 is sandwiched between Lincoln on the western side of the mountains and Conway on the eastern side. It climbs to an elevation of almost 3,000 feet and provides numerous outlooks that beckon to the traveler - "pull over and bring your camera!"

Origin of Kancamagus In 1627 Chief Passaconaway joined 17 central New England tribesinto a unified group known as the Penacook Confederacy. He and his successor, Chief Wonalancet, tried to maintain good relations with the settlers despite periods of some despicable behavior by the settlers and their leaders. By the time his grandson, Kancamagus (the Fearless One), became chief of the Confederacy during the latter half of the 17th century, it was increasingly difficult to maintain the peace. Kancamagus tried, but it was not to be. After some bloody conflicts the Penacook moved on to northern New Hampshire and Canada.

History of Kancamagus Highway As commerce, especially logging interests, grew in the 19th century, the need for an east/west road to connect the mountains also grew. In 1834 the road that would become the Kancamagus Highway was laid out with a starting point at the eastern end in Passaconaway. At that time, farmers and loggers populated that small community. Construction dragged on for decades as support for the road that cut through the wilderness ebbed and flowed. Finally, in 1959 the dirt road, which followed old logging roads and crossed many old Indian passes, was completed. In 1963 it was paved.

So what will you see on the Kancamagus Highway? Well, first let me tell you what you won't see. Once you begin your journey on the Kancamagus Highway, you will not see gas stations, restaurants, or stores on this pristine stretch of wilderness. There are, however, rest stops along the way.

Access to campgrounds and hiking trails can be found along the Kanc. Picnic areas and outlooks provide havens to stretch your legs and soak in the beauty of the area or perhaps to observe some wildlife. There are 56 species of mammals and 184 species of birds in the area. Peregrine falcons, raised as part of the effort to save the birds, have been released in this area. You may even spot a moose! But treetops and sweeping vistas are the order of any day along the Kancamagus Highway.