The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire has a 32 mile section of NH Route 112 called the Kancamagus Highway. It is a premier three season travel destination and the ultimate short New England road trip. You can enter the highway either from the Conway / North Conway side or the Loon Mountain / Lincoln side.
The highway is perfect for cool weather hiking in the spring and fall, swimming in the summer and fall foliage in the autumn. If you are planning on stopping at any of the attractions along the highway you should stop at a ranger station for information and to pay a fee.
There are also fee stations at the various stops along the route.
When coming from the Conway side of the highway the first thing you will come across is the Albany Covered Bridge. This is wonderfull any time of year but is spectacular in the autumn when the colors are in full bloom.
Boulder Loop trail is a moderate level hike nearby. As you proceed up the highway you will be running parallel to the Swift River with numerous opportunities to stop and wade or just admire the scenery.
Lower Falls is the prime swimming hole on the river. Many a summer day was spent growing up sitting under the waterfalls and floating down the rapids in this area. There is a picnic facililty and restrooms available.
Sabbaday Falls lays at the end of a short hike,
and Rocky Gorge is where you used to be able to jump off the short cliffs into the gorge below (no longer allowed).
There is also a short walk over the small bridge which leads to a picturesque small New England monutain pond.
At the top of the mountain there is an observation deck and some nice views of the surrounding mountainside.
All along the entire route there are numerous trailheads of varying difficulties and lenghts and several campgrounds some of which are open all year. A great road trip any time of the year.
