Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Please start your tour at the White Mountains Visitor Center on 200 NH-112, North Woodstock.(200 NH-112, North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA)
Extra fees to be paid on site:A $5 day-use pass is required for parking at most developed day-use areas along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. If you don't already have one, you can purchase it at self-serve kiosks located at fee-based parking areas and trailheads; the pass is valid for all fee sites for the day of purchase. Holders of the America the Beautiful interagency pass are covered at these sites and do not need a separate day-use pass. An optional annual pass for the White Mountain National Forest is also available
Know in advance:This is a self-guided tour; no guide will accompany you, and entrance tickets are not included. The local operator's app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one
After booking, check your email and follow the instructions immediately to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Please don't wait until you are on-site
The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service
Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualise what you cannot see, such as snapshots from different centuries or interior rooms
Please arrange for a vehicle before you take the tour. You only need to book one tour per vehicle, not per person
The audio stories play on their own based on your location. You can start anytime and pause anywhere
This tour has no expiration date. You can use it on any trip, as many times as you like
Works perfectly without cellular or Wi-Fi with offline maps
Driving the Kancamagus Scenic Highway without stops usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. However, to fully enjoy the numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and the immersive experience of a self-driving audio tour, it's highly recommended to allocate 4 to 6 hours, or even a full day. This allows for leisurely stops at scenic viewpoints and short explorations.
The Kancamagus Scenic Highway offers stunning natural beauty, especially renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, but it is beautiful in all seasons. With a self-driving audio tour, you gain deeper insights into the area's history, geology, and ecology. It transforms a simple drive into an educational and immersive journey, highlighting hidden gems and the significance of each vista.
There is no fee to simply drive the Kancamagus Scenic Highway itself. However, if you plan to stop at designated recreation sites, trailheads, or picnic areas within the White Mountain National Forest, a recreation pass is required. This pass can typically be purchased at visitor centers in Lincoln or Conway, or at self-service stations along the route.
The Kancamagus Scenic Highway spans approximately 34.5 miles (55.5 km) through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. Its western terminus is located in the town of Lincoln, and its eastern terminus is in the town of Conway. Both towns offer amenities and serve as excellent gateways to begin your scenic drive.
The most popular time to drive the Kancamagus Scenic Highway is during the fall foliage season, typically late September to mid-October, for breathtaking autumn colors. For fewer crowds and serene views, consider visiting in late spring or early summer. Driving in the early morning or late afternoon can also enhance the experience with softer light and potentially less traffic.
Mobile phone service is generally unreliable and very limited along much of the Kancamagus Scenic Highway, especially in the central sections. It's advisable to download any maps, audio tour content, or important information offline before you begin your journey. Emergency phones may be available at certain points along the route.
Several facilities are available along the Kancamagus Scenic Highway. These include various picnic areas, scenic overlooks, and trailheads which often have vault toilets. Flush restrooms are scarce but can be found in the visitor centers at the ends of the highway in Lincoln and Conway. Plan stops accordingly, especially during off-peak seasons when some facilities might be closed.
Many travelers recommend starting the Kancamagus Scenic Highway from Lincoln (west) and driving eastward towards Conway. This direction often allows for easier access to many of the scenic overlooks and parking areas, which are predominantly on the right side of the road when heading east. It also typically provides a gradual reveal of the more dramatic vistas as you progress through the forest.