Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide
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Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide

Active
(176 reviews)
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the designated starting point.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

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

Available options

Kancamagus Scenic Byway Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour Guide

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!

Detailed itinerary

1

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: The tour is over 35+ miles long, with more than 40+ audio stories, and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

2

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.

3

An optional detour will take us to Hancock Overlook, our first really excellent glimpse of the majestic mountains.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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!

11

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.

12

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 not included

Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Available languages

Audio guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4
51 reviews
5★
38
4★
6
3★
2
2★
1
1★
4
Tripadvisor 4.3
125 reviews
5★
90
4★
14
3★
7
2★
2
1★
12

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
How to start touring: 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 No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car's stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
A Day-use pass is required for parking at most developed day-use areas along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. If you don’t already have one, you can purchase it at self-serve kiosks located at fee-based parking areas and trailheads; the pass is valid for all fee sites for the day of purchase. Holders of the America the Beautiful interagency pass are covered at these sites and do not need a separate Day-use pass. An optional annual pass for the White Mountain National Forest is also available.

Meeting point

You can also begin the tour from Saco Ranger Station, 33 Kancamagus Hwy, Conway, NH 03818, USA. The tour works in both directions, so you can begin in Lincoln and end in Conway, or vice versa.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for "Action Tour Guide"
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have WiFi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don't wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• For the best audio experience, connect to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or AUX, or listen through your phone's speaker.
• CarPlay and Android Auto aren't supported yet.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-508-213-9111
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

About White Mountains

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a breathtaking range known for their rugged beauty, diverse ecosystems, and outdoor recreation opportunities. This region is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts, offering a mix of challenging trails, scenic drives, and charming mountain towns.

Top Attractions

Mount Washington

The highest peak in the Northeast, offering stunning views, challenging hikes, and the iconic Mount Washington Cog Railway.

Nature Half-day to full day Moderate to Expensive (Cog Railway tickets around $80-$100)

Flume Gorge

A stunning natural gorge with waterfalls, covered bridges, and scenic walking trails.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate ($23 for adults, $12 for children)

Franconia Notch State Park

A beautiful state park featuring hiking trails, the Old Man of the Mountain historic site, and the Flume Gorge.

Nature Half-day to full day Free to enter, some attractions have fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Maple Syrup

Locally produced maple syrup, often used in desserts and breakfast dishes.

Dessert Vegetarian

Lobster Roll

A classic New England dish featuring lobster meat served on a buttered, toasted bun.

Lunch Contains shellfish

Apple Cider Donut

A sweet, cinnamon-dusted donut made with fresh apple cider.

Snack Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Mountain biking Scenic drives Spa visits Picnicking Historic tours Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to October

Summer and early fall offer the best hiking conditions, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant fall foliage in September and October.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: Spanish, French
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The White Mountains are generally safe for travelers, but outdoor activities can pose risks. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and follow safety guidelines for hiking, skiing, and other activities.

Important Precautions:
  • • Carry a map and compass, and know how to use them.
  • • Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out.
  • • Dress in layers and bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities.

Getting there

By air
  • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport • 100 miles (160 km) from the White Mountains
  • Boston Logan International Airport • 150 miles (240 km) from the White Mountains
By bus

Boston, MA, Manchester, NH

Getting around

Public transport

Public transport is limited and not the most efficient way to explore the White Mountains. Buses are available in larger towns but do not cover all areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

North Conway Bretton Woods Jackson

Day trips

Portsmouth, NH
100 miles (160 km) • Full day

A charming coastal city with historic sites, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant dining scene.

Bethel, ME
50 miles (80 km) • Half day

A scenic town known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and golfing.

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH
80 miles (130 km) • Full day

A beautiful lake offering a variety of water activities, scenic views, and charming towns.

Festivals

North Conway Outdoors Expo • Spring Jackson Winter Carnival • February North Conway Clam Festival • Summer

Pro tips

  • Visit the Mount Washington Observatory for a unique experience and stunning views.
  • Explore the scenic Kancamagus Highway for breathtaking fall foliage.
  • Try local maple syrup and apple cider donuts at farm stands and markets.
  • Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Pack layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 4
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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