The Most Scenic Road In New Hampshire Is Home To 8 Of The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails
By Michelle|Published June 03, 2020
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Michelle
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Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
You don’t have to be a New Hampshire native to know that the Kancamagus Highway, or simply “The Kanc,” is one of the most scenic drives in the state. In fact, folks come from all over the country to drive the 56-miles of beauty offered by this roadway. The route is beautiful, but it’s easy to forget that there are tons of hiking trails located all along it. The next time you make the journey, consider taking some extra time to enjoy one of these beautiful trails.
The Kancamagus Highway offers some of the best views New Hampshire has to offer. But, hidden beyond the roadway is an entire world of forest to explore!
This nearly 10-mile trail is fairly busy, despite being among the longest routes on this list. While challenging, this out and back trail will lead you past Diana's Baths. The route leads to Red Ridge and connects to both the Red Ridge Trail and the Attitash Trail.
On this hike, you get a fun hiking trail plus access to a lovely New Hampshire covered bridge. To access the trail park at the Albany Covered Bridge Parking Lot. The looped route is about 2.5-miles and will take you through areas with lots of boulders and through a beautiful green forest.
If you choose to do this entire trail, you'll be looking at about 10-miles. But, nonetheless this is one of the most popular routes along the Kanc. It leads right to Sabbaday Falls which makes this hike a great thing to add to your already beautiful day of driving.
This nearly 10-mile out-and-back trail is a great one if you love to be surrounded by forest. It's also a great one for spotting wildflowers. As will all of these trails, you don't need to overwhelm yourself by doing the entire route. Simply hike as far as you'd like and then turn around and head back!
This 3-mile route leads to (you guessed it!) Sawyer Pond, but you'll also have access to the Passaconaway Historic Site. The route is almost entirely shaded, which makes this a great option on hot days.
This beautiful trail is one of those spots that make you glad to live in New Hampshire. The trail is just under 9-miles and leads along the brook. The views are lovely, but the quiet is even better!
This 9-mile loop is one of the best for use during the winter. In fact, cross-country skiing is a common practice here. For those looking for something even longer take the trail to the Middle Sister Trail. From here you can get to Three Sisters and Blue Mountain.
At 1.5-miles, this is the shortest and simplest trail on the list. Located on the west side of the highway, this educational trail includes a self-guided tour through 85 acres of the White Mountain National Forest. At the trailhead there are maps with more information. Take one, but be sure to return it once you've finished the hike.
