Kancamagus Highway at Kancamagus Pass
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire · 2,854 ft
Typical peak
Sep 26 – Oct 4
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
NH Route 112 crosses its height of land at 2,855 feet between the Pemigewasset Wilderness and the Hancock ridges, with no buildings, wires, or services along 34 miles of road. The paved overlooks within two miles of the pass look down on unbroken hardwood slopes.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
extreme
Expect heavy peak-weekend traffic; consider a weekday or arrive before dawn.
Getting there
Drive NH Route 112 east from Lincoln about 9 miles to the pass, where the Pemigewasset and Hancock overlooks have paved pullouts on either side.
What turns here
- sugar maple
- paper birch
- american beech
- red maple
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 30Typical color progression for Kancamagus Highway at Kancamagus Pass. No change from Aug 23 to Sep 9. First color from Sep 9 to Sep 18. Approaching peak from Sep 18 to Sep 26. Peak from Sep 26 to Oct 4. Past peak from Oct 4 to Oct 14. Bare from Oct 14 to Oct 28.
Leaves are typically down on Nov 1, 2026. Color starts around Sep 9.
This season so far
First frost
Oct 6
14 nights at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
51°F / 28°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Kancamagus Highway at Kancamagus Pass on September 30, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:13 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 93° | 6:42 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:20 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:36 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 5:51 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 267° | 6:29 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:58 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 11h 47m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.
Nearby locations
Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.