"Kank-run" Through the White Mountains

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > New Hampshire

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 2 visitors

State: New Hampshire
Date Submitted: October 1, 2001
Submitted by: Anonymous
Motorcycle Road Length: 35 Miles

Written Directions

From Lincoln, NH, simply take route 112 east to the town of Conway.

Scenery

About 60 miles north of Concord you will find a kick-butt route off of Interstate 93 that travels through the White Mountains. The road is officially called the Kancamagus Highway (pronounced Can-cuh-mog-us) but it is more often referred to as the 'Kanc.'

This route drives through one of the most scenic areas in beautiful New Hampshire - the White Mountain National Forest. Its views are spectacular from the many lookout points and the area is stunning in the fall. The path takes you through a mountain pass and a covered bridge. You'll also get to see some great river views because the route follows a river called the Swift.

Road Quality

Overall a great motorcycle road with plenty of twisties and climbs to keep your throttle wrist happy. If you are wondering about driving conditions call the Appalachian Mountain Club (603-466-2725).

Roadside Amenities

There are 6 public campgrounds along the route. The Jigger Johnson has the most campsites (75) but the others are all fair size as well. They all include restrooms and drinking water but no electricity.

There is a New Hampshire Visitor's Center at the start of the route on 112.

Make sure you pull over at the Sabbaday Falls Picnic Area and take the short little hike (about Ω mile) to see a cool waterfall.

The Passaconaway Historic Site is named after a great Indian leader who gathered a bunch of Indian tribes together and created a confederacy to fight with the intruding 'pale-faces' (white-men). There is a really neat house at this historical site called the Russell-Colbath Historic Homestead (they say it's the only one ever built here) where there is a legend of a husband that left home one day to go for a walk. Apparently he never returned and for 39 years his wife lit a lantern and left it on the porch to help him find his way back. He showed up 3 years later after she died. You can tour the house and here more about the legend. There is also a nice little short trail that starts out at the house and goes along a little river.

Another cool place to see is the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. Here you'll see some waterfalls and a pretty cool looking gorge.

Keep driving up (east) on 112 and stop at the Boulder Loop Trail that starts by the covered bridge. At the end of this trail you'll see some pretty awesome looking scenery that was created by huge glaciers plowing back to the north.

You can also find arts, crafts and antique shops near this route in New Hampshire.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - New Hampshire Travel Guide - Local Bed & Breakfasts - White Mountains

Nickname (optional) Anonymous

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Reviewed by Trapper on November 28, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: David Haynes
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Yamaha "Raider" V-Twin, 119 c.i./1900 c.c.
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Rode Hwy 112 east from Vermont into Maine August 10, 2009. Very nice ride.
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Reviewed by Guest on December 19, 2007 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Vale Rossi
motorcycle_year: 2004
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: yup, that road sure is beautiful. Been there & will come back fo' sure
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