By Marty Basch

Next month the Kancamagus Highway turns 50. The winding and sometimes white-knuckling 34-mile scenic roadway between Conway and Lincoln pierces the heart of White Mountain recreation. The roadway, also called Roue 112, is a year-round White Mountain National Forest gateway for outdoor lovers from peak baggers to picnickers. Mountains, waterfalls, streams, rivers, camp sites, wildlife and more are steps from the car.

Kancamagus was the grandson of Chief Passaconaway and the road climbs over Mt. Kancamagus.  The Kanc's origin is traced to around 1790 when settlers lived along the fertile Swift River about 12 miles west of Conway in Passaconaway.  There was a town road to the settlement built in 1837 but it wasn't until about 100 years later that two roads grew to Lincoln and eastward. However, the dirt roads were dead-ends on both sides. In 1959 they were connected.

A day-long celebration is planned for August 14, featuring presentations at various locations along the road  and a 2 p.m. commemoration at the Russell Colbath barn. But why wait? Pack up and go on some of my favorite Kanc excursions.

Easy hike

The easiest hike to some incredible views is along the Forest Discovery Trail. Nearly six miles east of Lincoln, the 1.4-mile circuit is a nice family getaway but shouldn't be bypassed by the peak bagging set either. The wide pathway along the interpretive trail which details area flora and fauna is wheelchair accessible.  Be sure to seek out the benches on a hill with outstanding looks at the jagged Scar Ridge bounded by Mount Osceola in the east and Loon Mountain in the west.

The Covered Bridge Campground is the best of the six campgrounds found along the serpentine roadway. Why? Location. About six miles west of Conway, the 49-site set up is steps from several top notch locales. Fish in the Swift River from the small pier next to the Albany Covered Bridge. Hike the Boulder Loop Trail to outstanding views above the road. Roll out on the mountain bike and ride the classic Lower Nanamacomuck.  Stroll the road outside the campground - Passaconaway Road - and keep an eye out for paths in the woods that lead to swimming holes in the Swift.

Mountain bike

Mountain bikers can pedal  along the Swift River on the seven-mile long Lower Nanamacomuck Trail. The Lower Nan is wild, narrow, rocky, rooty and sometimes muddy making it a White Mountain old school favorites. The route is also a wonderful roller coaster of a forested ride over wooden bridges near the river's edge. There are three access points for the ride  along the Kanc: the Albany Covered Bridge about six miles west of Conway, the Rocky Gorge parking lot about 8 and a half miles west of Conway and Bear Notch Road some 12 miles west.  If you've got two vehicles consider a point-to-point west-to-east spin.

For road cyclists, the Kanc is the quintessential White Mountain challenge.  Not only does it attract day riders, but the road is also part of cross-country routes. So give the thumbs up to any gear-toting cyclist along the narrow shoulder. From the Conway side, it's  roughly 21 miles to the height of land at 2,855-foot Kancamagus Pass while it's nearly 8 miles or so up from Lincoln, a much shorter and steeper climb.

Waterfall

Sabbaday Falls, with its basins and chutes, is a fun short excursion along the Sabbaday Brook Trail about midway between the two towns. It's about a 10 minute or so walk from the picnic area to the falls.

The Lincoln Woods Trail, about 5 miles west of Lincoln, is my favorite multi-use trail. Whether walking, hiking or mountain biking the wide, gentle pathway goes over a suspension bridge and along the rocky East Branch of the Pemigewasset.

There are many moderate and above hikes along the Kanc but a favorite under-the-radar trek of mine is the 4.8 mile loop over  Mount Hedgehog on the UNH Trail because of its wondrous eastern ledges that over superb views from a gateway along a great Granite State roadway.