Kancamagus Highway - New Hampshire's Finest View for Fall Foliage

It is the beginning of September, which means that my very favorite time of the year is just around the corner.

I live in New Hampshire, and if you live in one of the New England states, and do not consider Autumn to be your favorite time of the year, there is something seriously wrong with you. The air is brisk, it seems as if the scent of cinnamon is in the air wherever you go, and the colors ... Mother Nature is at her absolute best in the fall months.

When I first moved to this fine state in August of 2000, I could not wait for Autumn to begin. All my life I had seen pictures of New England in the fall, and I could not wait to experience it firsthand. I certainly did experience it, and I have to tell you that the beautiful photographs that are taken of fall in New England do not do the scenery justice.

My very first fall daytrip was along the Kancamagus Highway - or 'the Kanc', according to the locals - which is also Route 112 between Conway and Lincoln. I do not remember the exact date that we took this daytrip, but I do know that I now consider anytime in the first two weeks of October to generally be the best time to leaf-peep. Of course, it is always a good idea to check the foliage reports, and I begin doing this in the third week of September so that I don't miss out on anything. The Kancamagus Highway is a 34-mile road that goes east/west through the White Mountain National Forest. At the peak of Mount Kancamagus, you will find yourself at nearly 3,000 feet in elevation.

For beginners, the Saco Ranger station - located just west of Conway - has maps available that show all of the scenic overlooks, picnic areas, hiking trails and historic sights along the highway. If you plan to stop along the way - and you probably will, just to take in the spectacular views - you will need to purchase a parking pass. If you intend to make the trip from the opposite direction, there is a visitor information center in Lincoln.

When you enter White Mountain National Forest, you will see that there is a beautiful river that runs along the highway. This is the Swift River, and the reflection of the leaves in the calmer parts of this river is just awesome.