Kancamagus Scenic Byway: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Experience the stunning autumn leaves of the Kancamagus Scenic Byway with a self-guided audio tour. Learn about the history and landscape as you drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • White Mountains Visitor Center - 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.

  • Otter Rocks Day Use Area - 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.
  • Hancock Overlook - An optional detour will take us to Hancock Overlook, our first really excellent glimpse of the majestic mountains.
  • Mount Osceola - 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.
  • Pemigewasset Overlook - 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.
  • CL Graham Wangan Overlook - 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.
  • Sabbaday Falls - 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.
  • Russell-Colbath House - 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.
  • Mount Chocorua - 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.
  • Rocky Gorge Scenic Area - 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!
  • Albany Covered Bridge - 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.
  • Saco Ranger Station - 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!
What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Enjoy the spectacular autumn leaves of the Kancamagus Scenic Byway with a self-guided audio tour! This scenic highway runs through New Hampshire’s world-renowned White Mountain National Forest. The leaves’ vibrant displays makes “The Kanc” the ultimate scenic roadtrip during the fall colors season - or any season! Learn all about the Kancamagus, the landscape, and it’s history as you drive along with this self-guided audio tour.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
White Mountains Visitor Center
New Hampshire 112
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(107 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
A3537vljuanf
Jul 22, 2024
Great idea well worth it for first time visitors. - At first didn’t know how it would work. But it worked great pin pointed the best spots to stop and mixed in some history. The app made for a more detailed and wonderful trip on the Canc.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon
Jul 15, 2024
Wonderful audio tour - Wonderful relaxing drive with numerous stops to see and experience what we learned about on audio tour. We learned a lot about the areas early history
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bettymwilliams
Jul 14, 2024
Learn as you drive - Great history, so nice to know what is coming up and where to stop. Occasionally we outpaced the audio GPS area and could not listen to everything he said.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katebj5941ik
Jul 8, 2024
Exceeded expectations!!! - We were pleasantly surprised to hear about the extent of Native history captured in the tour. We honestly had low expectations going in but were actually blown away, especially considering we've both driven the highway plenty of times without learning about the interesting natural and social history covered in the audio tour. Highly recommend! The narrator is a sweetie pie too
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susangeri
Jul 3, 2024
Kancamagus Audio Tour- Loved it! - We are so glad that we took this Kancamagus audio tour! It helped us navigate where and when to stop and gave us some great historic and back stories pertaining to the area. We were amazed that the GPS feature would allow us to stop or detour and pick up exactly where we needed to be when we came back to the route. Additionally, the audio tour prepped us to know what we could expect at each stop prior to getting out. I’ve already recommended to friends, just in case they make the trip to New Hampshire.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip32957822384
May 31, 2024
Worth It!! - Everything was great and went smoothly. Do remember to download and activate the tour before you get there or you are toast. One funny thing the narrator mispronounced Kancamagus a couple of times, but he got right the rest of way. :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathleen_s
May 26, 2024
Enjoying the stories, people and trails! - Walking up to the Waterfalls Chatting with people along the way Listening to the recording Were the top three!
Review provided by Viator
Patrice_m
Apr 16, 2024
Driving Tour of the Kangamagus Highway Brought the drive to LIFE! - The rich stories shared along our way we will remember! We learned a lot and had the views along the drive enhanced greatly because of the narration. We will remember Sabaday Falls, Swift River and the Albany Covered Bridge forever! In the first days of the shut down of Ski Season, many tourist sites are closed, but we had a wonderful time in the White Mountains for these few days! The narrated tour along the Kangamagus Scenic Highway made a big difference in our ability to understand what we were seeing as we drove, and to be guided at good places to stop to take in the views or to hike to Sabaday Falls — a most memorable hike! The sound of the rushing water and the glory of the fast-moving water were so refreshing and he Falls were just inspiring! We were very grateful for the inexpensive help at driving the scenic highway and connecting to nature more perfectly with the help of the narration. It was easy to purchase and to use and so, so helpful and well done! The White Mountains are one of Nature's breathtaking gifts t us all!
Review provided by Viator
Rhonda
Jul 20, 2024
FAMILY FUN! - We enjoyed all the history of the surroundings. The highway is incredible. The app needs a little tweeking to allow time to enter each point.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erene_b
Jun 11, 2024
Unable to access on phone. Wasted $16.00 - Waste of money. Would not load on phone. Save your $16.00. Bummer. Would have been interesting. Good luck.
Review provided by Viator
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