Kimberly may be getting ready for her next New Hampshire escape, and this blog has been discontinued. Thanks for visiting and happy travels!

New Hampshire's own National Forest Scenic Byway, the Kancamagus Highway, is an absolute must in the fall foliage season. The 28 miles of twisting, two lane road, runs west to east from North Woodstock to Conway, directly through the White Mountains National Forest. Whether you're early and catch the hues of kelley, pea or moss, right on time with the ochre, cayenne or tangerine, or fashionably late with the naked limbs, the natural beauty of the valley and peaks will entice you to park the car and explore.

This is the kind of trip that needs a locals' rules. Pay attention to the following:

Kim's Top Ten RULES for Driving the Kancamagus Highway

10. Fill Your Tank! {although 28 miles, expect AT LEAST and hour's drive}
9. Get a Parking Pass for $5 at the Forest Station at either end of the Road {I have gotten a ticket for parking - twice!}
8. Powder Your Nose BEFORE Hitting the Road {there are no facilities}
7. Pack Water and Even a Merlot {there is plenty of romance here} and Bring GORP {snacks are vital and Good Ole Raisins and Peanuts is the only partner for nature}
6. Don't Litter Ever and Pick up the Litter You Might See
5. Pack Change of Clothes, Jacket and Shoes {the weather can be unpredictable}
4. Bring a Fishing Pole {I don't care if you haven't fished before}
3. Park and Walk/Hike {be it rambling nature trails or Mt. Osceola, you MUST explore outside the car}
2. Have Camera Ready for Moose and Deer {this is where I saw my first moose!}

and the number 1 Rule for Driving the Kancamagus Highway...
Take 3 deep yoga breaths, in through the nose, out long and slow through the mouth, and carefully note what the air smells like, and how it feels to slow down - and you will surely be back!