Kancamagus Highway.. my first holiday with Veer Arvind Dadawala

 This year, my trip to America was a special one. My husband and I traveled to Boston to welcome our grandchild. He was born on the month of July. A rush of new emotions filled our senses- pride, wonderment, and happiness as we looked into the new generation of our lineage. It was our life's most profound joy to hold the little one. A beautiful new chapter filled with love, warmth, and excitement unfolded in the next few months. Along with the excitement, there were sleepless nights, dealing with colic nights, and trying to get into a routine that seemed nowhere in sight.

Veer and Bala 

Traveling as a family has been a tradition with us. It is a rewarding way to bond and create lifelong memories. By the end of three months after the baby's birth, my daughter sensed my need for a break in our established routine. Taking the baby step of a staycation for her son that coincided nicely with the fall season, she arranged a trip to Conway in New Hamshire. It was the month of October, and the fall colors of New England were at their peak. 

A road trip with a newborn required extra planning. We prioritized their comfort and well-being throughout the trip and kept the plans flexible for delays and changes. A relaxed mindset and seeing few attractions were the motto for this trip. Starting from Boston City, we headed north on Interstate 93, leaving the urban landscape behind to enter the world of rolling hills and dense forests. I imagined a stairway to heaven with steps covered by oak and maple leaves in various shades of red, orange, and yellow as far as the eyes could see. It was spectacular, stunning, dazzling—a kaleidoscope of fall colors. The lack of adequate sunlight and a higher altitude led to this beautiful phenomenon, a feast for the mind.

We reached the town of Conway. Our Airbnb was tucked in a quiet lane surrounded by the mountains. 

Quiet solitude amidst the mountains

Landscape around us

For the evening, we chose to travel by the Conway railroad. Driving to the railway station, we were astounded to discover hoards of Indians, all set for the small ride. Exchanging the online tickets for physical receipts, we entered the cabin, grabbing any seat as the train chugged its way across, offering a vista of views of the ever-changing landscape.

The following day, we drove from Conway to Lincoln on the famous Kancagamus Highway, which is officially part of New Hampshire Route 112. This 34-mile stretch runs through the White Mountain National Forest and showcases a stunning landscape during the fall season when the foliage is at its peak. The sights are breathtaking along the entire length of the highway. The towering maples, birches, and oaks display their brightest colors with sunlight dancing on them. 

The Swift River flows along the length of the highway; one can hear the rush of the river cascading over the rocks, with colorful nature along its side. There are innumerable scenic stops on the journey. We managed to cover a few of them. Each stop invites you to breathe fresh mountain air and savor the landscape with all your senses. Every turn of the highway was spectacular.

Carpet of orange

C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook is a perfect spot for panoramic fall foliage shots. The grand scale of mountains painted in fall colors is a sight.

Albany Covered Bridge. This covered bridge, which spans 120 feet and was constructed in 1858, flows over the Swift River. There is a parking place within walking distance of the bridge. We stopped here to walk across the bridge to the other side. Both sides of the river had hiking paths that we had tick-marked for our next visit. 

Albany covered bridge

There were plenty of other attractions, but we limited it to two with the newborn and headed back to Boston. The drive offers the perfect combination of scenic beauty and fresh mountain air in the New England charm. We returned home rejuvenated and ready for our next travel.