Getting your bearings
North Conway is the main village of the Mt Washington Valley in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Route 16 runs north–south through it; heading north you reach Intervale, then Glen (where Route 302 splits off toward Bartlett and Crawford Notch), Jackson and Pinkham Notch below Mount Washington.
Staying in Intervale puts you a few minutes north of the village traffic while keeping downtown, the outlets and the ski areas close.
Ski and ride
The valley has several ski areas within a short drive, which makes it easy to mix it up over a long weekend.
- Cranmore Mountain Resort — right in North Conway village
- Attitash Mountain Resort — on Route 302 in Bartlett
- Black Mountain — a classic, laid-back hill in Jackson
- Wildcat Mountain — up Route 16 in Pinkham Notch, facing Mount Washington
- Jackson XC — an extensive cross-country ski trail network around Jackson village
With kids
Story Land in Glen is a summer-and-fall theme park built for younger kids. The Conway Scenic Railroad runs vintage train excursions from its 1874 station in North Conway village. On hot days, Echo Lake State Park under White Horse Ledge has a sandy beach and calm water.
Waterfalls, ledges and easy hikes
Diana's Baths is an easy, family-friendly walk to a series of cascades. Glen Ellis Falls and Arethusa Falls are short drives away. Cathedral Ledge has a road to the top with big views over the valley, and the Mount Washington Auto Road climbs to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak in season.
Scenic drives
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) runs about 34 miles from Conway to Lincoln with overlooks, picnic areas and the Sabbaday and Lower Falls stops. Crawford Notch on Route 302 is another classic, especially in foliage season. There are no gas stations along the Kancamagus, so fill up first.
Rainy-day ideas
New Hampshire has no general sales tax, so the Settlers Green outlets and the shops in North Conway village are a popular indoor plan. Add a train ride, a long lunch in the village, or simply an afternoon of games, sauna and hot tub back at the house.
When to go
Winter brings ski season, summer is for swimming holes and Story Land, and fall foliage (usually late September to mid-October) is one of the busiest times of the year. Spring is quieter and often the best value. In winter, AWD or 4x4 is a smart choice for hill roads.
Hours, seasons and access change — check official sites before you go.