The Family Will Love New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway

Outsiders must go out of their minds when they come to New England and try to grapple with some of the names of things.

Here on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts alone, there are Acushnet, Assonet and Padanoram to contend with, and what about Tarkiln Hill Road?

One of my favorite tongue twisters is in New Hampshire. It's also one of my favorite childhood memories.

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The Kancamagus Scenic Byway, known to locals as "The Kanc" or Route 112, is designated an American Scenic Byway. The Kanc is a 34.5-mile scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest in Northern New Hampshire. The highway stretches from Lincoln to Conway.

KancamagusHighway.com says the highway offers "breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge." The Kanc climbs to just under 3,000 feet and is perfect for leaf-peeping in the fall.

I remember camping trips off the Kancamagus Highway as a kid. I also remember taking the tramway to the top of Mount Cranmore.

In addition to the many shops, restaurants, cabins, hotels and motels along The Kanc, there are attractions and many natural wonders, including mountains and waterfalls, hiking trails, waterways for kayaking and covered bridges.

Of course, the Kancamagus Highway is a favorite among skiers and winter weather enthusiasts.

It takes about three hours to reach Lincoln, New Hampshire, by car from New Bedford. To enjoy what the Kancamagus Highway offers, you would probably want to spend at least a night.

I have cherished memories of camping in the White Mountain Region as a kid, and I look forward to visiting again this summer.