Kancamagus Highway

Conway to Lincoln

White Mountains · New Hampshire · United States

Key measurements

Distance

33.9 miles

Elevation gain

2,570 ft

Elevation loss

2,160 ft

High point

2,864 ft

Low point

463 ft

Net change

408 ft (474 ft to 882 ft)

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

This 33.9-mile traverse across the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest follows New Hampshire Route 112—known regionally as the Kancamagus Highway. Starting in the lowlands of Conway at an elevation of 463 feet, the route follows the Swift River deep into an undeveloped granite and northern hardwood wilderness before climbing to its peak at Kancamagus Pass (2,864 feet) near mile 21.9. From the crest, the highway drops along the East Branch of the Pemigewasset River basin, terminating in the mountain valley town of Lincoln.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

Kancamagus Mountain Pass — Miles 0.0–33.9

Leaving Conway, NH-112 enters the national forest almost immediately, tracking the floor of the Swift River valley through dense stands of maple, birch, and hemlock. The lower eastern miles run gently beside the river before the terrain steepens significantly west of mile 15. The road then executes a steep, winding climb up the eastern flank of Mt. Kancamagus. The crest at Kancamagus Pass marks the drainage divide between the Saco River and Pemigewasset River watersheds. The western descent features tight mountain switchbacks and sweeping drop-offs before flattening out through the glacial river corridor approaching Lincoln.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

Elevation changes of more than 2,400 feet create noticeable temperature microclimates between the valley floors and the summit pass. Early morning frost and lingering dampness in shaded mountain turns are common from early autumn through late spring.

Autumn brings heavy peak-foliage tourism from late September through October, resulting in dense traffic and slow-moving recreational vehicles. Wildlife, particularly moose and white-tailed deer, frequently cross the roadway along the river corridors near dawn and dusk.

Logistics & Services

The roughly 34-mile stretch of NH-112 between Conway and Lincoln is a protected national scenic byway with zero commercial development. There are no gas stations, retail stores, or roadside services along the highway itself. Fuel up and secure supplies in Conway or Lincoln prior to entering the corridor. Cellular service is spotty to non-existent throughout the interior mountain section between miles 5 and 28.

Important Considerations

Expect slow-moving traffic, tour buses, and rubbernecking drivers around scenic pull-offs, particularly during summer weekends and the autumn foliage season. * Winter frost-heave cycles regularly leave pavement breaks, dips, and tar-strips across the higher elevations that persist into early summer.