Things to Do in North Conway NH
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Travel to North Conway, New Hampshire for four-season fun. Nestled in the Mt. Washington Valley, the town is a top destination for outdoor adventure, outlet shopping, family attractions, and brewery-hopping. Our post will highlight the 15 best things to do in North Conway, NH.
Bordered by the White Mountains and Saco River, North Conway makes a great New England travel destination. In the summer enjoy hiking, tubing, rock-climbing, and alpine slides. In autumn go leaf-peeping, shop the sales at Settlers Green, or find a festival. In winter, celebrate all things snow. Read on to learn about 15 amazing places to go and things to do in North Conway, NH.
NORTH CONWAY WEATHER
January is the coldest month in North Conway with an average high of 29’ F and low of 8’ F. Winter brings frequent snow and ice. July is the warmest month with an average high of 81’F and low of 57’ F. Summers are hot and humid.
If you don’t like mud and mosquitoes, avoid visiting during the months of March and April. Many people think September and October are the best months to visit North Conway when the weather is pleasant and fall foliage is at its peak.
HOTELS IN NORTH CONWAY, NH
There is a wide range of accommodations in North Conway. Here are some of our favorite places to stay in the area:
In addition, click here if you need to rent a car in New Hampshire.
THINGS TO DO IN NORTH CONWAY NH
Conway Scenic Railroad
Enjoy a scenic ride on vintage train cars. The Conway Scenic Railroad has been offering rail excursions out of its Victorian Station since 1874. Routes travel through the Mount Washington Valley, Crawford Notch, and along the shores of the Saco River. The train station is located in downtown North Conway.
Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway, aka “The Kanc,” runs for 34.5 miles from North Conway to Lincoln through the White Mountain National Forest. Along the scenic byway discover covered bridges, waterfalls, rocky gorges, and scenic overlooks. Once you begin the drive there are no gas stations or stores, so fuel up before leaving town. Once in Lincoln, retrace your route. Or loop around through Franconia Notch, Twin Mountain, and Crawford Notch.
Cathedral Ledges & Echo Lake State Park
Cathedral Ledges are sheer granite cliffs that can be seen from town. The cliffs are a well-known rock climbing destination. You can ride to the top of the ledges via an auto road, or hike a 1.7 mile trail for excellent views of Echo Lake and the Mount Washington Valley. At the base of ledges, Echo Lake State Park is a great location for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.
North Conway Skiing & Winter Sports
The Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire is a world class destination for winter sports. Within 30 minutes of North Conway there are 7 Alpine and 6 Nordic ski areas including the popular Cranmore, Wildcat, and Attitash resorts. Other popular winter activities include snow tubing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice fishing, and winter camping.
North Conway Summer Sports
The fun does not end in the mountains when the snow melts. At local ski resorts visitors will find adventure parks with alpine slides, zip lines, rope courses, scenic gondola rides, hiking, mountain biking, and disc golf. On the Saco River, outfits offer tubing, kayak, and canoe excursions. And, the White Mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking and rock climbing.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON NEW ENGLAND TOURS
Settlers Green Outlet Village
Visitors flock to North Conway’s Settlers Green Outlet Village for bargain prices at brand name stores. New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping, combined with coupon books and outlet prices, make the 70+ Settlers Green stores a sought-after destination. When you have had enough retail therapy, Settlers Green has many restaurants, outdoor games, and play spaces with mountain views to pass the time.
Main Street Shopping
Explore North Conway’s main street for an authentic New England shopping experience. Along the main drag there are many locally owned store including country stores (Zeb’s General Store and the North Conway Five & Ten Store), gift shops (The Penguin Gallery and Poppy & Vale), antique stores, book stores, and bakeries. Just outside of town look for the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and Bavarian Chocolate Haus.
Mt Washington Auto Road
Mt. Washington is the highest peak in the northeastern United States at 6,288 feet. The Mt. Washington Auto Road is a 7.6 mile paved road that winds to the top of the mountain from the valley below. For a fee, you can drive to the top for stunning panoramas. Check the forecast before leaving (the weather is notoriously erratic at the summit).
Mt. Washington Cog Railroad
Ride a vintage steam or biodiesel train to the top of Mt. Washington via the Cog Railroad. At the summit find a visitor center with a museum, rest rooms, gift shop, and large observation deck. On a clear day, take in views of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Quebec, Vermont, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Kahuna Laguna Indoor Water Park
North Conway is home to the largest indoor water park in New Hampshire. The Kahuna Laguna, located at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, has over 40,000 square feet of water attractions. The water park features high-speed tubes, a wave pool, water cannons, and an array of play structures. Also, onsite are a cafeteria and arcade.
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Story Land NH
Just up the road from North Conway, in Glen NH, find Story Land NH. The amusement park features over 50 rides and attractions that are designed around classic children’s stories. If you have kids in your party between the ages of 4 and 12, don’t miss this attraction.
North Conway Scenic Drives
The Kancamagus Highway is not the only scenic byway in the North Conway area. Other pretty routes include Route 302 to Crawford Notch, and Route 16 through the town of Jackson to Pinkham Notch. Begin or end your day with a visit to North Conway’s covered bridges; the Swift River Covered Bridge and the Saco River Covered Bridge.
Hiking in the White Mountains
Hiking is a major pastime in the White Mountains. Here are three popular day hike suggestions: 1) The 2.4 mile Black Cap Hiking Trail is a North Conway loop that is considered moderately challenging. 2) Located in Bartlett, Diana’s Baths is a 1.1 mile out and back trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole. 3) Off the Kancamagus highway, try the Rocky Gorge, Sabbaday Falls, or the Lincoln Woods Trails.
Breweries in North Conway
For local craft beer, hearty pub food, and live music head to one of North Conway’s brew pubs or distilleries. In town you will find Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co., Tuckerman Brewing, Sea Dog Brewing Company, and Cathedral Ledge Distillery. Enjoy!
Helicopter Joy Ride North
What better way to enjoy the forests, mountains, and lakes of the White Mountains than from the air. Helicopter Joy Ride North offers sightseeing tours of the North Conway area beginning with a 30 minute joy ride. Cost estimates can be calculated online. Revel in the journey as much as the destination.
We hope you enjoy all that North Conway has to offer, Laura and Randy
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