Fall foliage from North Conway: the Kancamagus, Bear Notch Road and covered bridges
From Kerri Rents
Fall is the valley's busiest season for a reason. Color usually peaks from late September into mid-October, a little earlier up high and a little later down in the valley, and the drives between North Conway and Lincoln are some of the best in New England.
The Kancamagus Highway
Route 112, the Kancamagus, runs more than 30 miles through the White Mountain National Forest between Conway and Lincoln, climbing over Kancamagus Pass with overlooks along the way. There are no gas stations or stores on it, so fill up before you start. Good stops:
- Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge, both a short walk from the road.
- Sabbaday Falls, about a third of a mile on an easy trail.
- The signed scenic overlooks near the pass. Forest Service sites charge a small day-use parking fee.
Staying at both ends works well: start at the Loon View Home one day and from North Conway the next.
Bear Notch Road and Jackson
Bear Notch Road connects Bartlett to the middle of the Kancamagus and makes a good loop. It isn't plowed in winter, so it's a spring-to-fall road. North of the village, the red covered bridge into Jackson is one of the most photographed spots in New Hampshire.
Where to stay
The Country Stay is tucked into the woods in Intervale, with a sunroom made for foliage-season mornings. In the village, the Historic Village Home puts you two minutes from Main Street for dinner after a day of driving.
