Cruising Kancamagus

It was just plain the kind of day when, despite the price of gas, you thought the best thing you could possibly do was take a ride in the country. The early Fall air was crisp and the sky was blue-bird blue. Leaves were just beginning to find an identity other than green and the streams, rivers and creeks were all running swift and clear even after some heavier than normal rain sessions. So we jumped in the van and headed out of North Conway, New Hampshire, to hook up with the renowned Kancamagus Trail. One of America's most touted scenic drives it has one panoramic vista, flowing stream, hiking trail and waterfall after another- so many in fact that you have to pick and choose where to stop and what to see. Much of it is available just by pulling over to the side of the road. Some of the special places are a short hike in. Here's what we found on the adventure du jour....