New Hampshire's Kancamangus Highway, a stretch of breathtaking road that winds 26.5 miles through the White Mountain National Forest, is known as "the Kanc" to locals.
Sounding more like an infectious disease than the National Scenic Byway it has been deemed by the United States Department of Transportation, it shouldn't be judged on name alone. Pronounced "Kank-ah-MAW-gus," this stretch of N.H. Route 112 is dotted with some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Northeast, including towering mountains, cascading waterfalls and wooded hikes. The name comes from the Native American who ruled over what is now southern New Hampshire during the 17th century. It translates to fearless one.
Seeing the best of the Kanc is as easy renting a car, hitting the road and following the signs along the way marking the scenic areas and places of interest, but there are a few not-to-be-missed spots along the way:
- Sabbaday Falls: Perfect for novice hikers, Sabbaday Falls majestically greets visitors after a quarter-mile hike along a gravel pathway and wooded stairs. The entrance to the falls is just off the highway in Waterville. Dropping 45 feet in three tiers, the falls offer observation decks along the way to the top for easily snapping photos and enjoying the view.
- Rocky Gorge: Like the Lower Falls, the Rocky Gorge is a popular warm-weather destination for locals, but swimming is not allowed in the falls area. Travel just north or south, though, and there are gentle pools for cooling off on a warm day. The falls themselves only drop 15 feet, but a bridge that runs along the waters affords breathtaking views.
- Flume Gorge: A vigorous two-mile walk takes hikers through the Franconia Notch State Park to the Flume Gorge, discovered by 93-year-old "Aunt" Jess Guernsey on a fishing trip in 1808. Cascading 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, the flume is situated between two walls of ascending granite; wooden steps lead visitors up the center of the action.
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--Jonathan Rougeot is based in New York City and is a deal expert at Travelzoo, the online guide to the world's best travel, entertainment and local deals.