Our drive down the famously scenic Kancamagus Highway begins at the White Mountain Visitor Center. Get ready to see all the best sights the majestic White Mountains have to offer, and hear about the land’s history, the Native American tribes who lived here, and the legends about how this mountain range formed. We’ll start by hearing about the famous Old Man of the Mountain, the story behind the highway’s fabulous fall colors, and the legend of the celestial bear who created the Milky Way galaxy! Next, we’ll get some tips about moose-spotting and bird-watching.

Note: This 35+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Kancamagus Scenic Byway in 2-3 hours.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Our drive takes us next to some broad, flat rocks that aren’t just great picnic spots–they’re also a favorite hangout of otters! Otters love to lounge on these rocks after the sun has baked them, so keep your eye out and you just might spot one.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

An optional detour will take us to Hancock Overlook, our first really excellent glimpse of the majestic mountains.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

We’ll continue driving until we spot Mount Osceola. This isn’t just a picturesque mountain, but has plenty of history behind the name. We’ll hear all about Osceola, the famous tribal leader and hero, who fought off colonial encroachment and resisted the government’s attempts to strip away his tribal lands.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Another optional detour will take us to the Pemigewasset Overlook, which offers a stunning view of the sparkling Pemigewasset River. Here, we’ll learn about the importance this lifegiving river once had to the tribes who lived here.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The next detour on our route brings us to the CL Graham Wangan Overlook, known to the local tribes as “The Wangan Ground” or “meeting place.” At this beautiful overlook, we’ll hear about the Native tribes of this area lived. We’ll also get a close look at the famous Chief Passaconaway, who aimed to unite all 18 of New Hampshire’s disparate tribes! Then, we’ll hear the tale of Chief Kancamagus, Passaconaway’s successor who found himself locked in a desperate struggle against the European colonists.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Our drive continues to the Sabbaday Falls, a series of picturesque cascades in a narrow flume. But you’ll find more than just the falls enthralling here! Depending on the season, the pools below can take on a deep, enchanting emerald color.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

As we resume our trip up the highway, we’ll encounter to Russell-Colbath House and hear the spooky story of the family who once lived there. The husband, Thomas, simply went out on an errand one night and was never seen again. Rumors abound about what happened to him, but no one knows for sure.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The next stop on our drive is Mount Chocorua, another of the White Mountains’ most awe-inspiring peaks. We’ll learn not just about the mountain itself, but also about the chief for whom it is named, and the mystery which surrounds him.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

We’ll continue driving until we reach the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, which features a beautiful, 15-foot waterfall tumbling into a gorge. While we’re here, we’ll hear the shocking, impossible true story about a young woman who vanished in the rapids, her friends’ efforts to rescue her, and the totally unexpected outcome of all of it!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Our penultimate stop will be at Albany Covered Bridge, a humble piece of architecture that nonetheless proved invaluable to the settlers of the 1800s. We’ll learn about how such a small structure can make a huge difference in the wilderness. Next, we’ll get the truth about Wigwams and the revenge-driven Saco River Curse. Then, we’ll hear the unlikely feud between one of America’s richest families and a bunch of beavers, as well as the story of the last member of the Pennacook tribe.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

We’ll finally arrive in the Saco Ranger Station, which oversees an abundance of recreational activities to take your trip to the next level! The area features fantastic hiking, camping, biking, fishing, skiing, and much more. This is where our tour officially concludes, leaving you free to embark on whatever adventure awaits you next!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free