We arrived in North Conway after dark, so we altered our driving plans this morning as we wanted to make sure to see and experience the Kancamagus Highway. Built in 1959, it connects Conway and Lincoln. Our first stop on this 34.5 mile road was the Albany Covered Bridge; 120 feet long and built in 1858 over the Swift River. When we arrived, the area had a few scattered people here and there, but by the time we left, a tour bus had arrived and it was swarming with folks. I was able to get down to the riverbank pretty easily and was pleased with our luck in timing regarding the morning sun.
A bit further down the road, we came upon the Rocky Gorge, "a powerful narrow gorge where water is almost always rushing through, even during droughts. Carved by glaciers, it offers a 10 foot drop and rapids through the gorge."
A right turn onto the Bear Notch Road took us onto a less-traveled detour and we were rewarded with an amazing overlook. "More than a century ago, the Bartlett and Albany Railroad brought supplies to a logging camp and departed with goods from the sawmill in Bartlett. The railroad is long gone, but the road passes through the unspoiled forest that reclaimed the land."
The Sugar Hill Scenic Vista was up next. "Roughly in the middle of the Kancamagus, it provided beautiful views of Mount Tremont, Owl Cliff, Bear Mountain, and Sugar Hill." There was even an artist doing some plein air painting.
We enjoyed a picnic in Lincoln along the Pemigewasset River before heading north to Highway 302 and Bretton Woods. The Zealand Campground was resplendent with color around the Ammonoosuc River.
After viewing the Mount Washington Hotel, we got back on the highway and made the turn towards Maine. We were soon passing through Berlin and nearing Errol, NH. At the Mollidgewock State Park the western sun allowed the trees to reflect perfectly along the slow-moving Androscoggin River.
After crossing into Maine, we crossed the Magalloway River near the Azischohos Dam. This is known as a prime moose-spotting area of the state, but unfortunately, we didn't see any.
Our final stop of the day was Rangley Lake in northwest Maine. I had planned to go to the state park here, but we found it was gated and closed. A quick detour took us up the hill to the Shelton Noyes Overlook. Again our timing was perfect as we were treated to an amazing sunset.
With just enough time, we got to the east side of the lake and watched the sun slip below the horizon at the Whipwillow Farm Overlook. We enjoyed an amazing dinner at the Loon Lodge and then scooted our way into central Maine and Waterville. Tomorrow, we see the Atlantic for the first time on this trip!
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