We transitioned from Portland, ME to Jackson, NH today. The purpose of our move is to see Mount Washington and the White Mountains National Forest. There is a popular drive on the Kancamagus Highway between Conway and Lincoln, NH. There are also great locations north of Jackson.

The Kancamagus Highway NH 112 drive is only 35 miles and will only take 48 minutes if you don’t stop, but of course, you will want to stop, a lot. There are two waterfalls, several lakes, and three scenic overlooks. There is a great map online at visitwhitemountains.com.

After driving the “Kanc”, we drove north up NH 16 toward Gorham, along the way are a couple of waterfalls and numerous hiking trails. Make a stop at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center to get a trail map and an orientation to the east side of Mount Washington.

Traveling east to west from Conway to Lincoln, here is why you can see.

The Albany Covered Bridge is not very pretty from the front, but it has a nice red roof. Photograph it from the stream on the east side.

Lower Falls has a nice platform and lots of room on the various rocks to make a photo. In the morning, it is in the shade.

Rocky Gorge is our favorite location with plenty of room to shoot and many cascades in addition to the waterfall. Don’t miss the Falls Pond just a few minutes past the bridge.

The Russell Colbath House Site has some interesting history exhibits, the house, and a newish barn.

The most crowded location on the Kanc is Sabbaday Falls. The first time we drove by it, there were 75 cars in the parking lot and along the side of the road and a tour bus there. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowd.

We enjoyed Lily Pond immensely. By this time there was not much color left in the trees, but looking for little details and “intimate landscapes” was rewarding.

There are four named lookouts as you drive toward Lincoln. Two look north and two look south. Depending on sun direction, they can look great or washed out, or too back lit. They are all worthy of a quick stop.

If you have time, we also recommend driving the Bear Notch Road between the Kanc and the town of Bartlett. This is also a shortcut to Jackson from the west.

You should do this itinerary once going west and once going east, preferably once in the morning and once in the evening.

Tomorrow, off to Lincoln, NH.