New England Fall Foliage Tour
All Drives
New Hampshire / New Englandmoderate

New England Fall Foliage Tour

The White Mountains ablaze in autumn. America's finest fall drive

3-4 Days 120 Miles 4 Rally Points Late September - Mid October
5.0(2)
The Route

New England Fall Foliage Tour

The Kancamagus Highway. 'the Kanc' to locals. is a 34-mile stretch of NH Route 112 that crosses the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway. It is widely regarded as the finest fall foliage drive in New England, and during peak color in early October, the display is nothing short of extraordinary.

Unlike many scenic roads, the Kancamagus has no commercial development along its entire length. no gas stations, no restaurants, no hotels. It is pure, uninterrupted mountain wilderness. The road climbs to 2,855 feet at Kancamagus Pass, winding through dense hardwood forests that transform into a cathedral of color each autumn.

This route pack extends the experience beyond the Kanc itself, incorporating the covered bridges of the Swift River valley, the charming town of North Conway, the cog railway up Mount Washington, and the grand hotels of Bretton Woods. It is the quintessential New England road trip. maple syrup, covered bridges, mountain vistas, and the kind of fall color that has inspired artists for centuries.

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. β€” Albert Camus"

The Stable

Quick Facts

Duration
3-4 Days
Total Distance
120 Miles
Rally Points
4 Segments
Difficulty
moderate
Best Season
Late September - Mid October
Road Type
Mountain Forest Road
From $9.95/mo
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New England Fall Foliage Tour atmosphere
120
Miles
4
Rally Points
9
Curated Stops
The Route

120 Miles, 4 Rally Points

A curated driving experience through some of the most beautiful roads in the region.

New England Fall Foliage Tour route region

Discover the New England Fall Foliage Tour Route

This route pack includes 4 expertly curated rally points across 120 miles of stunning driving roads. Become a member to unlock the full interactive route map and detailed driving notes.

4 Rally Points
9 Curated Stops
Route Preview

See What's Inside

Explore a sample of the New England Fall Foliage Tour route pack. The first 2 Rally Points are fully visible β€” become a member to unlock all 4 segments plus insider tips for every stop.

4
Rally Points
Curated driving segments
5
Food & Wine
Restaurants & wineries
4
Places to Stay
Handpicked accommodation
120 mi
3-4 Days of driving

What You Get

4 curated Rally Points with detailed driving notes
Suggested timing and pacing for each segment
Road character details β€” surface, curves, and conditions
Restaurant picks with what to order and parking tips
Winery & tasting room recommendations
Handpicked hotels with insider valet & check-in tips
Link Hub β€” tap-to-navigate from your phone
Downloadable PDF roadbook for offline use
Lifetime updates as routes evolve
Before You Go

Trip Planning Essentials

Route-specific logistics to help you plan ahead. Fuel stops, cell coverage, reservation requirements, and recommended apps for this drive.

Fuel Stops

Fuel up in Conway or Lincoln before starting the Kancamagus Highway. There are no gas stations for the entire 34.5-mile stretch of the scenic byway.

Cell Coverage

Cell service is unreliable to non-existent on most of the Kancamagus Highway and in Franconia Notch. Download maps and any necessary information before you go.

Book Ahead

During peak fall foliage season (late September to mid-October), accommodations and popular restaurants like The 1785 Inn and the Omni Mount Washington Resort book up months in advance. Reservations are essential.

Recreation Pass

A White Mountain National Forest recreation pass is required for parking at most trailheads and scenic areas along the Kancamagus Highway. Passes can be purchased at the Saco Ranger Station or at self-service pay stations at the trailheads.

Download Offline Maps

Given the spotty cell service, it's highly recommended to download offline maps of the White Mountains area using an app like Google Maps or Gaia GPS before you begin your drive.

Previewing 2 of 4 Rally Points2 more with membership
1Day 1

North Conway & The Swift River Valley

Covered bridges and outlet shopping in a mountain village

Preview

Arrive in North Conway, a classic New England mountain town with covered bridges, outlet shopping, and views of Mount Washington. Drive the scenic Swift River valley to Albany Covered Bridge and the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. Check into your mountain inn and enjoy dinner at one of North Conway's farm-to-table restaurants.

Suggested Timing

Arrive in North Conway by early afternoon to allow time for exploring the town's shops and covered bridges before checking into your inn. Aim for a late afternoon drive along the Swift River to catch the golden hour light on the foliage.

Road Character

The approach to North Conway on Route 16 is a well-maintained two-lane highway with moderate traffic, especially during peak foliage season. The drive along the Swift River is on a paved, winding road with gentle curves and scenic pull-offs. Expect slow-moving traffic and pedestrians near popular spots like the Albany Covered Bridge.

25 miles Half day
2Day 2

The Kancamagus Highway

34 miles through America's finest fall color

Preview

The main event. Drive the full length of the Kancamagus Highway from Conway to Lincoln, stopping at every overlook. Key stops include Sabbaday Falls (a short trail to a stunning waterfall), the Pemigewasset Overlook, and Kancamagus Pass at 2,855 feet. The road winds through dense hardwood forest β€” in peak season, the canopy is an unbroken tunnel of crimson, gold, and amber. Plan for multiple photo stops.

Suggested Timing

Depart from Conway by 9:00 AM to enjoy the full scenic drive with plenty of time for stops. The drive itself is about an hour without stops, but you'll want at least 4-5 hours to explore the overlooks and trails.

Road Character

The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a 34.5-mile National Scenic Byway. It's a two-lane road with numerous switchbacks, hairpin turns, and significant elevation changes, climbing to nearly 3,000 feet at Kancamagus Pass. The road surface is smooth asphalt, but be aware of steep drop-offs and limited guardrails in some sections. Traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends in the fall.

34 miles 5-6 hours with stops
Segment 3

Route Segment Locked

Detailed driving directions included

This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.

Included Included
Rally Point 3 β€” Membership required
Segment 4

Route Segment Locked

Detailed driving directions included

This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.

Included Included
Rally Point 4 β€” Membership required
What's Included

Unlock the Complete New England Fall Foliage Tour

Get the full route pack with all 4 Rally Points, detailed driving notes, plus 9 curated stops with insider tips, parking notes, and reservation guidance.

4 Rally PointsGPS FilesRestaurant picksHotel suggestionsWinery accessLink Hub accessLifetime updates
$9.95/mo
membership access
Curated Stops

Food, Wine & Experiences

Previewing 1 of 5 stops4 more with membership
Pub$$

Delaney's Hole in the Wall

North Conway institution serving craft beer and hearty pub fare since 1987

Don't Miss: The 'Hole in the Wall' Burger or their famous sushi.

Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during peak season.

Large, free parking lot available on-site.

Fine Dining

Curated Stop

Location included in route pack

Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.

Membership required
Heritage

Curated Stop

Location included in route pack

Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.

Membership required
Fine Dining

Curated Stop

Location included in route pack

Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.

Membership required
Brewpub

Curated Stop

Location included in route pack

Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.

Membership required
Where to Stay

Accommodation

Previewing 1 of 4 stays3 more with membership
Luxury$$$$

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Night 3 β€” Bretton Woods

Grand 1902 hotel at Bretton Woods β€” the crown jewel of White Mountain hospitality

Valet parking is available for a fee; self-parking is also available in designated lots.

Mid-range

Handpicked Stay

Location included in route pack

Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.

Membership required
Mid-range

Handpicked Stay

Location included in route pack

Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.

Membership required
Luxury

Handpicked Stay

Location included in route pack

Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.

Membership required

Unlock the full New England Fall Foliage Tour

$9.95/mo
Driver Feedback

Reviews & Ratings

5.0

2 reviews

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RM
Rebecca M.Verified Purchase1 months ago

Fall foliage like a painting

Every turn revealed another impossibly beautiful vista of red, orange, and gold. The rally points were perfectly chosen for the best colour displays. The suggested cider mill stop was a highlight. Pure New England charm.

2024 Audi RS6 AvantOctober 2025
TF
Timothy F.Verified Purchase1 months ago

New England autumn perfection

We timed this for peak foliage and it was absolutely magical. The Stable's route extends well beyond the Kancamagus Highway into covered bridge country and charming New England towns. The inn recommendations were wonderful.

2023 Porsche Taycan 4SOctober 2025
What You Get

Everything You Need

Downloadable Roadbook

Offline-ready PDF with route notes, maps, and curated stops for use without signal.

Link Hub Access

Mobile-first navigation with tap-to-drive Rally Points, designed for in-car use.

Restaurant Recommendations

Curated dining with parking notes, reservation tips, and what to order.

Hotel Suggestions

Car-forward accommodations with valet, secure parking, and character.

Winery & Experience Access

Tasting room details with appointment guidance and parking notes.

Ongoing Updates

Routes are continuously updated with new stops, seasonal tips, and community feedback.

Membership
$9.95/mo
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Founders Rate Available

$99/year for Global access β€” only 100 of 100 spots left

Pre-Drive Checklist

Get your car, gear, and documents ready with a checklist tailored to this route.

View Checklist

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New England Fall Foliage Tour landscape

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. β€” Albert Camus"

The Stable