The Kancamagus Highway crosses the White Mountain National Forest area of central New Hampshire and is one of New England's most scenic roadways.
Popularly known as "the Kanc", it connects Lincoln NH at its west end to Conway NH at its east end. It crosses a portion of the White Mountains through the Kancamagus Pass - approximate vicinity of "A" on the map below.
The Highway is thirty-four-and-one-half miles long, every inch of it scenic.
The western and upper sections feature spectacular turns and hairpin curves, while the lower stretch of the east end favors wide sweeping curves as it follows alongside the Swift River. The whole package accounts for the wide popularity the Kancamagus enjoys among motorcycle and other recreational vehicle riders.
During high season the Kanc is heavily trafficked and jammed with vacationers crowding into the camping areas and numerous swimming holes along the Swift.
I've gone over the Kank a couple dozen times by now, mostly by bike, but also by car and truck. By far the most enjoyable rides were made during weekdays when traffic is at a minimum.
The first time I drove the Kanc was on my way to Frank's Brit Barn where I first set eyes on my '69 Bonnie. A couple weeks later Bonnie made the trip over the Kanc in the back of Dave's pick-up on the way to her new home.
On one ride during August of 2006 the Highway was so deserted that I coasted down a good portion of the east side at 20-25 mph. It's amazing how much more you can see at 25 mph than you can at 50.
Some of these photos were taken during August 2006 and others during September of 2013.
(Click Photos to Enlarge)
Bonnie prepares to take flight in New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Looks like August.
A ski hill, but I don't know which one. Towards south, I think.
Bonnie in western bars and grab rail.
Looking westward from the east side of the Kankamagus.
Next 4 photos taken at the scenic outlook on the eastern side, just below the summit.
Bob road tests a modern Triumph - Norton Mode.
White Mountains to the northeast unless mistaken. From the scenic outlook, east side.
Pretty clean for a road trip. Nearly all asphalt roads.
A Harley group pulls in.
