October 3, 2021

Isn’t being pleasantly surprised such a lovely thing? (Key word there is “pleasantly.”) It is this possibility that makes traveling so alluring, with each adventure promising unforgettable experiences and new memories to be cherished.

New Hampshire. It was not on my bucket list, other than to cross it off as one of the last remaining states we hadn’t visited, but oh, did it surprise me. As one of the smallest states, measuring only 68 miles wide by 190 miles long, what could it possibly contain that would captivate and enchant? But don’t be fooled, because within those 9,349 sq miles lies scenic byways, splashes of color, cascading waterfalls, and moss-laden gorges. In fact, over the next few months, I found myself returning to New Hampshire to soak up the views and basks in its charms every chance I got.

Our first visit to the Granite State, where flags with the motto ”Live Free or Die” fly proudly off the back of pick-up trucks, was in early October…fall foliage season. I had been leaf-stalking for the past couple of weeks: watching the weather, checking the “peak leaf” forecasts, and carefully stressing…I mean planning… our weekend getaway. With a few days off work, we piled the Cunningham Crew into our SUV and headed north. (The wonderful thing about New England is everything is close by and nothing is far away.) Within a few short hours, we were twisting and turning through the heart of White Mountain National Forest.

Leaving the RV behind, I reserved unique accommodations, booking an authentic old caboose that had been repurposed into lodging at Twin Mountain/Mt. Washington KOA Holiday. Upon arriving, we found Claude’s Caboose tucked beneath tall whispering trees with fallen autumn leaves scattered haphazardly about. As we unloaded our bags, the yellow marker lanterns hanging near the entrance beckoned us inside with a warm welcoming glow.

Though long and narrow, the caboose was surprisingly spacious with twin beds framing the walls and a high ceiling clearance. Mind you, it lacked bathrooms and a kitchen, but for only two nights, it was a fun place to lay our heads down after long days of exploring. Besides when else am I ever going to sleep in a caboose?

The next morning we set out on our first of many New Hampshire adventures, driving the Kancamagus (Kank-ah-mah-gus) Highway. And don’t worry if you can’t pronounce Kan..?cam.?.a..?mag???us?😵‍💫. You’re not alone; most people prefer its nickname, The Kanc. See how much easier that was? 😉 Designated an official American Scenic Byway, Kancamagus is well known for being one of the best viewing areas of New Hampshire’s infamous yearly fall foliage display.

“The Kanc,” nestled between the quaint towns of Conway and Lincoln, also taught me a new lesson about perspective. If you have scoured the internet or read any blogs before enjoying this two-lane stretch of black and yellow, then you have certainly came across the warning, ”NO SERVICES FOR 34.5 MILES, PLAN ACCORDINGLY!!” While this is true, I couldn’t help but chuckle. When we drove across Canada/Alaska, there weren’t any services (or even a soul around for that matter) for HUNDREDS of MILES! If you’ve ever drove west through New Mexico, Arizona, Utah…gas stations are few and far between. Obviously, it is important to be prepared with a full tank of gas, etc., but still, the warnings seem a little…over-emphasized. But again, all about perspective.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast of pancakes, blueberry waffles, bacon, eggs, and hot chocolate (complete with sprinkles) at a nearby establishment, Polly’s Pancakes. Outside the gray sky, overcast by a blanket of low-lying clouds, sputtered and misted, adding to the feeling of fall clinging in the air. As we headed onto the rolling and winding road, there was no doubt, New Hampshire is the birthplace of the quintessential autumn day.

We chose to drive The Kanc west to east, starting in Lincoln. ***Due to the previous advisory of no services, I made sure to stock up on supplies and stop at Dunkin Donuts for my caramel latte before heading out for the next 35 miles. Gotta be prepared!😉*** With numerous trails, covered bridges, and overlooks along the route, we carefully picked and chose which ones made the itinerary. Our first stop was Otter Rocks, a perfect place to picnic with views overlooking the cascading Swift River.

Like a slithering snake, we twisted and turned, traveling higher in elevation until eventually reaching the summit. Shortly afterwards, we arrived at Sugar Hill Overlook, boasting sweeping views of the forest floor, which appeared as though a confetti cannon had been shot across its bow, dotting the green carpet with specks of red, yellow, and orange.

However, the absolute Do-Not-Miss-Stop-Of-The-Day was (drum roll, please)…Sabbaday Falls – one of the most visited waterfalls in the state of New Hampshire, and the most popular stop along The Kancamagus Highway. Upon arriving, we were able to quickly find a parking spot, which is no easy feat apparently. The 0.3 mile hike, or better term would be leisurely stroll, escorted us under towering trees where sunshine scattered across the dirt path as it playfully flickered between the autumn leaves. Fractured granite cliffs, clothed in green-velvet moss formed nature’s gutters as crisp, tumbling waters poured out across the rock face. The highlight of the trail was when we crossed over the spray-soaked bridge with endless gallons cascading and crashing below us.

After reluctantly saying our goodbyes to Sabbaday Falls, we hit a few other highlights as the miles of The Kanc quickly dwindled. The kids scrambled up cragged boulders and jumped across smooth-flowing riverbanks. Meanwhile, Dave and I breathed in the relaxing views of picturesque covered bridges not to be outdone by splashes of vibrant colors sprinkled along the rocky banks.

New Hampshire…you surprised me….