Day 5 — Kancamagus Highway and Loon Mountain — October 3, 2022

 The Kancamagus Highway, also known as “The Kanc” was voted one of the most scenic highways in the world. We were able to experience it at one of the peak times during the year, the turning of the leaves in the Fall. Our step-on guide told us about the history of the area and guided us to all the hot spots for viewing the scenic area. Pictures don’t really show all the beauty we enjoyed seeing. We drove by several covered bridges and were able to stop and walk around at one of them. Most of us hiked to the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park.  

In the quaint resort village of North Conway we could shop and dine or just look around. Heading back to Lincoln, we soared on New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola sky ride at 1.3 miles to the summit of Loon Mountain. The view of all the fall colors was amazing over the area. We made a quick stop at the visitor center where we could learn more about the area. Before we relaxed in our hotel room, the group was served a delicious meal at the Woodstock Brewery.

Waterville Valley located in the heart of the White Mountains, New Hampshire

Doug, our guide of the area

Rocky Gorge in Bartlett

Bridge over Rocky Gorge, Bartlett, NH

Arlen is down there, can you see him?

I see two eyes, do you?

Arlen hiked up to the pond

Albany covered bridge still used for vehicle traffic today.

Red mushrooms

Swift River Bridge in Conway is closed to vehicles.

Outside a North Conway shop I needed a rest and a bear hug.

North Conway General Store

Not every day you see a cow on top of a car

North Conway 

Glen Covered Bridge was converted to a gift shop

Carroll

The reflection on the bus was stunning

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Group picture

Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

The Basin in Franconia Notch State Park

New Hampshire’s gondola ride to the summit of Loon Mountain

The 12-minute gondola ride was fun.

View from above

Loon Mountain observation deck

White quartz rock outside the visitor center. The White Mountains get their color from this rock.