The highway started as two small town roads, one in Lincoln and the other in Conway. In 1937 these roads were expanded to join and form the highway, which follows the route of the skidways and rail beds built by the timber barons. This road was opened to through-traffic in 1959. It was paved in 1964 and winter snowplowing began in 1968.

The “Kanc” as it’s often called runs from Route 93 in Lincoln to Route 16 in North Conway. Along the way there are no gas stations, restaurants, hotels, or stores—only woods, rivers, and mountains. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any attractions. Hiking trails abound and there are multiple campgrounds, both private and National Forest.

From the west the road enters the White Mountain National Forest just east of the town center of Lincoln. It follows the East and Hancock branches of the Pemigewasset River, steadily ascending eastward following a series of hairpin turns and switchbacks. At the height of nearly 3,000 feet the highway begins to descend into the Kancamagus Pass alongside the Swift River.

There are several major scenic overlooks that offer parking, picnic tables and, in some cases, toilets—Hancock, Pemigewasset and Sugar Hill. Other places of interest include several waterfalls and a covered bridge. These places also offer parking, toilets, and picnic tables. Entrance fees are by the honor system with locked donation boxes often referred to as “Iron Rangers.”

Sabadday Falls offers a well-groomed cart road trail that ascends about a third of a mile to a stone staircase and a boardwalk that takes hikers close to a spectacular waterfall and race of rapids.

The Rocky Gorge Scenic Area features a gorge with a ten-foot drop in elevation creating impressive rapids. A footbridge crosses the Swift River and there are hiking trails.

Lower Falls scenic area has an 80-car parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms, and charcoal barbeques. This section of the Swift River is a very popular destination for swimmers when the weather is hot. This section of the river is also popular with anglers and there are numerous places for them to pull off the pavement to park while fishing.

Champney Falls is a hiking trail. People who stop with the intention to visit these falls should be advised it’s a significant hike to access the falls.

The Albany Covered Bridge, originally built in 1858, is another popular stop on the Kanc. The bridge accepts both pedestrians and motor vehicles. Along the way there are six National Forest campgrounds and numerous hiking trails. For more information about the hiking trails go to www.kancamagushighway.info/trailheads. All trailheads require a recreation pass, which can be obtained at the trailhead. For information about camping go to www.kancamagushighway.info/campgrounds.

The scenic highway gets significant traffic throughout the year. Be advised that traffic increases and becomes somewhat stop-and-go during the foliage season, especially on weekends. Tourists will find plenty of opportunities for dining and shopping at either end of the Kanc.