Here's a few photo ideas I trust you’ll find helpful while planning a trip to New Hampshire.
I should note that I have not lived in New Hampshire since 1987, and have considered discontinuing this article. However, I continue to get positive feedback. Please send any
updates, and I’ll be happy to credit you, if you wish.
KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY (Rt. 112)
Start in Conway on the east side of the state. (Drive east to west for the best views.) The Kancamagus starts about one mile north of Conway Center on Route 16. It winds
westward through mountain passes and over a mountain ridge, ending about 35 miles west in Lincoln. Most of the highway is in the White Mountain National Forest, and therefore, is protected from
development. Be sure to have a full tank of gas, and bring food and drink, since services are not available along the highway.
I'll point out a few highlights along the highway, but it is nowhere near an exhaustive list. There are lots of trails waiting to be explored. All are posted describing the
attraction, the length of the walk to the attraction, and sometimes an indication of how rugged the hike is. The attactions I'll list are all short, easy walks.
KANCAMAGUS - ALBANY COVERED BRIDGE
About six miles west of Conway, look for a road leading to a red covered bridge a few hundred yards in on the north Mid morning and mid afternoon light works here, depending on which side of the bridge you choose to shoot.
KANCAMAGUS - LOWER FALLS
Next, you'll find Lower Falls on the right. Parking is on the far (west) side of the area, but walk to the east end for the wildest water. There is not a large vertical
drop, but water rips through narrow channels, around huge granite boulders, and sometime flows in lazy ribbons over flat rocks. During the summer, bathers enjoy the natural water slides, but by foliage
season, only the extremely hardy or extremely crazy will brave the cold Swift River waters.
KANCAMAGUS - ROCKY GORGE
A few miles further west, you'll find Rocky Gorge on the right. Here there is a moderate vertical drop in Swift River. A timber footbridge crosses the river about 10 feet
above the falls. Climbing down the rocks below the falls, you may be able to include the falls and bridge in an effective composition. Also note the water ripping around rocks above the
falls. This is easy to walk to. If the sun is overhead, look for colorful abstract reflections of the backlit foliage in the dark current of the river.
KANCANAGUS - SABBADAY FALLS
Although I don't remember the exact location in relation to the other attractions, somewhere on the east end of the highway is Sabbaday Falls on the left. The falls are a
gentle 15 minute walk into the forest, and well worth it. A boardwalk allows a superb view of the falls. I suspect midday light would be best, since the area is heavily wooded. An overcast
day would be best here, to avoid the exposure problems presented by light dappled by the thick foliage. A tripod is strongly recommended, although a clamp-pod attached to the rail along the boardwalk
may suffice.
KANCAMAGUS - OVERLOOKS
Check the scenic overlooks along the western end of the highway. These will provide an opportunity to shoot panoramas.
KANCAMAGUS - LOON
After coming off the mountain ridge, just east of Lincoln, note the entrance to the Loon ski resoRt. There is a bridge lined with colorful pennants crossing a river to your
left. A steam locomotive is parked near the entrance.
Rt. 3 - INDIAN HEAD
Look for the Indian Head tourist trap a few miles north of Lincoln. There is a rock outcropping on the mountainside that is moderately intesting. (At least it impressed me
when I was a young boy, I haven't stopped since.) I believe it is best seen from their tower, which, they will be happy to let you use, for a small admittance fee.
THE FLUME
About 5-10 miles north of Lincoln on Rt. 3 is The Flume. It's a long series of impressive cascades tumbling thru granite gorges. The state department of natural resourses
maintain the site, and provide a bus ride up to the foot of the cascade (nominal fee). From there, boardwalks take you up thru the gorge, overlooking the cascades. At the top of the cascades, a
gentle wooded trail leads you back to the bus stop.
As with Sabbaday Falls, a hazy or lightly overcast day works best, or exposure extremes become a problem.
I recommend that you stop at The Flume.
OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN
Just south of the Rt 3 - 93 intersection watch for signs to the "Old Man Of The Mountain," the state's trademark. It's either in
Franconia Notch State Park. The "Old Man" is an outcropping of rock on the side of a mountain west of the highway. It strongly resembles the profile of an old man. It's worth stopping
to see. Although I haven't tried it, you may be able to find a relection of the "Old Man" in Profile Lake beside the rest area.
Sadly, the “Old Man Of The Mountain” collapsed early in May 2003.
CANNON MOUNTAIN
Also near Franconia Notch. The tramway at the Cannon Mountain ski area runs year-round. At the top of the mountain, look for the cliff with a breathtaking view of the entire
Presidential Range.
Rt. 302
In Twin Mountain, turn east onto Rt. 302. This highway winds through a gorge with nearly vertical walls.
Rt. 302 - BRETTON WOODS
East of Twin Mountain, look for the Bretton Woods area. The Mount Washington Hotel will be on the left. A late afternoon shot of the hotel is worthwhile. The 6000+
foot Mount Washington rises in the background. Late afternoon sun is very effective from this angle, and the mountain could be snow-capped at this time (October 1).
MOUNT WASHINGTON
Mount Washington has some of the world's most dramatic weather. The world record wind speed was recorded at the weather station on top of the mountain. The weather
station and television transmitter are manned year-round. Tuckerman's Ravine on the mountain is a hardy spring skier's haven. You must hike about four miles up to it. There you will find a
bowl with slopes of up to 50 degrees. There are no lifts, you must climb to the top of the slopes... or at least as high as you dare. Snow blows off the mountaintops all winter, leaving
snow in the ravine often into August.
Rt. 302 - RAILROAD TRACKS
While driving Route 302, note the railroad track winding along the southern wall of the notch, about halfway up the wall.
Rt. 302 - ALPINE SLIDE
For some fun, you may want to ride the Alpine Slide at Attitash Ski Resort in Bartlett. You ride a chair lift up the mountain, then ride down sitting on a plastic sled rolling
on a winding concrete track. You control your speed with a hand lever. You can take a leisurely cruise, or blast along with the wind in your face. Great fun, either way!
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB HEADQUARTERS
About fifteen miles north of Barlett, on Rt. 16 in Jackson, is the Appalachian Mountain Club headquarters, nestled in Pinkham Notch. Very inexpensive food and domitory style
lodging is available at the headquarters. It is primarily lodging for hikers, but all are welcomed. Reservations are STRONGLY recommended. If you expect to sleep-in late, go elsewhere. At
sunrise, a staff member will run through the hallway ringing a brass bell. You'll be able to get an early start on your day's photography. Meals are hardy, all-you-can-eat family style, but don't be
late or you'll go hungry. They will pack a box lunch if you expect to be away at noontime. Every Saturday evening, there is a lecture on some aspect of backwoodsing, pioneering, or environmental
issues. A fire roars in the lobby, and a library is open for study and contemplation. The trail to Tuckerman's Ravine and the Mount Washington peak starts here, if you feel ambitious.
MOUNT WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD
A few miles further north on Rt. 16 is the Mount Washington Auto Road. If your car is in good shape, you may wish to drive to the top of Mt. Washington. There is a hefty
charge for using the road. However, the weather at this time of year may well be the biggest deterent. The weather is seldom clear at the top of the mountain, so it's probably not worthwhile as a
chance photographic destination.
NORTH CONWAY
For more civilization than I care for, there is North Conway. At one time, North Conway was a picturesque little ski village. Now it is an overgrown tourist trap. But,
if you look hard, you can still turn up pockets of quaintness among the factory outlet stores. Note the brightly painted storefronts lining the main street through North Conway.
NORTH CONWAY - SCENIC RAILROAD
You may wish to ride the North Conway Scenic Railroad, drawn behind a steam locomotive. It may be worthwhile to photograph the train pulling into the brightly painted
station.
NORTH CONWAY - Mt. CRANMORE
The Skimobile climbs Mt. Cranmore, about one mile east of North Conway. The Skimobiles is an endless stream of red and green carts traveling on a green wooden track up the side of
the mountain. This in itself is picturesque. At the top of the mountain is a good vantage point for panoramas, focusing on Mt. Washington. Hang gliders frequently launch from a cliff near the
snack shop atop Mt. Cranmore.
NORTH CONWAY - FACTORY OUTLETS
On the south side of North Conway is a strip of factory outlet stores. Bus tours are arranged for shopping expeditions to this area. Check it out, if you are so
inclined. But watch the prices carefully, they are not always bargains. Not at all photogenic...
CONWAY - Mt. WASHINGTON OVERLOOK
Look for the scenic overlook of a valley with Mt. Washington on the west side of Rt. 16 just south of Conway. A late afternoon shot of Washington is effective from here.
Mt. CHOCORUA
Between Ossipee (OSS-i-pee) and Conway is the village of Chocorua (CHOC-OR-u-a) and Chocorua Lake. On the south side of the lake is a road to the right. Just off Rt. 16 down
this road is a view of Mt. Chocorua with the lake in the foreground. Use the trees around you to frame your composition. This works best in the early to mid morning, since the mountain is northwest
of the lake.
On the opposite side of this small road is a small pond with a boathouse. You may want to try photographing this. I've seen it effectively done on a foggy morning.
About 1/2 mile south in the village is a yellow house across a river on the right. The light on the house can be dramatic at mid-morning.
Do you have any New Hampshire photoscenics to recommend? Send me e-mail with your descriptions. I'll include it here, crediting you for the contribution!
