| Entertainment: Scenic Drives: I-93 and Franconia Notch Parkway. From Woodstock north on I-93 to where the highway becomes the Franconia Notch Parkway (in Lincoln), this stretch of road is amazingly scenic, affording spectacular views of long vistas. The parkway takes you through Franconia Notch State Park, and between the towering peaks of the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges.
The Kancamagus Highway. Undoubtedly the most scenic route in the White Mountains, the Kancamagus (k?an-c?a-mä-g?us) Highway (Rt. 112) stretches from the Pemigewasset River at Lincoln in the west 34 1/2 miles to Conway in the east. The views are dramatic:
Crossing the flank of Mt. Kancamagus, this National Scenic Byway climbs to nearly 3,000 feet. There are numerous scenic outlooks and scenic areas, so plan to stop along the way. The scenic areas, which have been designated by the Forest Service to preserve their outstanding or unique beauty, include the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, right off the highway; Sawyer Pond and Greeley Ponds Scenic Areas, a half day’s hike over Forest trails.
Please note there are no gas stations or other services along this route.
Rt. 112 from North Woodstock to Bath. While the Kancamagus ends in Lincoln, Rt. 112 continues through North Woodstock and Kinsman Notch, and Easton, as well as the Connecticut River Valley. A beautiful route off the beaten path.
Moose Watching: Moose sightings are quite common in Mountain Country. Most common sightings are along Route 118; on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway especially near the Passaconaway Campground; and around Crawford Notch. Moose are often on the move at dawn and dusk, especially in low lying or swampy areas. If you see one - brake! If you want to watch them, pull safely over to the side of the road (watching for other cars), and stay in your car! Best bet: take a moose and wildlife tour with Pemi Valley Excursions, they’ll take you on a scenic tour of the best moose watching areas in the White Mountains. Remember, these animals are wild and can move quickly and unpredictably. Also, by staying in your car, you will be less likely to disturb the moose, and will more likely enjoy a longer period to view this majestic beast.
Waterfalls: Beaver Brook Cascades Long, picturesque cascades .5 miles in next to a very steep section of the Beaver Brook Trail. Trailhead is on Rt. 112 at Kinsman Notch, 6 miles west of Rt. 3, N. Woodstock.
Agassiz Basin A unique series of potholes and cascades on Moosilauke Brook beside Rt. 112, 1.6 miles west of Rt. 3, North Woodstock.
Georgiana Falls These falls on Harvard brook are accessed by an unmarked trail leaving from a parking area off Hanson Farm Rd. in Lincoln. An easy 1.3 mile hike leads to lower falls in a beautiful wooded setting. The Upper, or Harvard Falls, are a steep 0.5 mile farther. |
| Activities Nearby: Hiking: Lincoln Woods Trail Easy walking on an old logging railroad grade beside the East Branch of the Pemigewasset. At 1.6 miles there’s a riverside view of the distant Bond range. At 2.6 miles a 0.8 mile side trail leads to scenic Black Pond. At 2.9 miles another side trail leads 0.4 mile to the ledges and cascades of Franconia Falls (permit required). Beyond, the Wilderness Trail leads into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Trail begins at parking area off Kancamagus Highway 5 miles east of Lincoln.
Mountain Country is Bicycling Country! There are miles of cross-country trails and logging roads for mountain biking, plus scenic roads perfect for on-road biking. Bring your bike, or rent one at one of the many bike shops in the area. Bike rentals are available in Franconia, on the Peabody Slope at Cannon Mountain, at Loon Mountain, and at various spots in Lincoln.
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