North Conway New Hampshire
Touring the White Mountain National Forest aboard the Crawford Notch train
Mountain and valley views in autumn
Absorbing the magnificence of the mountain range
Fall foliage surrounding the covered bridge crossing the Swift River
Diana’s Bath waterfalls along Lucy Brook, fed by the Big Attitash Mountain
Winter adventures atop White Mountain
Summit of Mount Washington, highest peak east of the Mississippi River
Peaceful fall outing in the mountains
- Major Airports:
- Portland (PWM)
- States:
- New Hampshire
A New England resort town with charm for all seasons
Scenic Tours and Attractions
The best way to explore the valley, mountains and forests is by car or train. A popular drive for stunning fall foliage is the 56-kilometer Kancamagus Scenic Byway, which passes through White Mountain National Forest between North Conway and Lincoln. Make stops along the way to see the Albany Covered Bridge, or waterfalls such as Diana’s Baths. Another fun drive is the 13-kilometer Mount Washington Auto Road, which leads straight up to the mountain observatory. If you want to let someone else do the driving, hop on the vintage Conway Scenic Railroad and take a ride past the stunning bluffs, ravines and streams of Crawford Notch.
Outdoor Pursuits
Conway Lake is a popular destination for bass fishing; hire a guide and learn the fundamentals. Hike the trail that loops the lake at Echo Lake State Park. While there, make the challenging hike up to Cathedral Ledge; the breathtaking view from the top is worth it. In the winter months take a sleigh ride, or try snow kiting, where you use a kite to glide across snow and ice. Snowboarding and skiing are also fun pursuits in the winter. During the summer months, you can go whitewater rafting on the nearby Androscoggin River. If you want to combine lodging with outdoor exploration, try one of the multi-day inn-to-inn biking tours.
Entertainment and Shopping
Take in a performance at the Eastern Slope Playhouse or The Mount Washington Valley Theater Company. Take the kids to Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum, or have a grown-up experience at the Conway Historical Society’s Eastman Lord Museum. Shoppers love the brand-name and specialty retail shops at Settlers Green outlet center, as well as the numerous antique shops around town.
Fun Fact
Made by trains: North Conway really became a vacation destination when the first railroad arrived in 1861.