Explore Like a Local: The Outdoor Mecca of North Conway, NH

North Conway, New Hampshire, is the perfect launch pad for outdoor activities. Located at the edge of the White Mountains, the town is surrounded by a wealth of natural wonders—from rugged mountains to sheer cliffs to pristine lakes—that provide ample opportunities to get outdoors while, in town, visitors will find an abundance of shopping and dining options.

North Conway Activities

Skiing

More and more people are realizing that North Conway is a fantastic ski town—USA Today ranked it the best ski town in North America. Major ski areas like Wildcat and Attitash are just a short drive from town, and Cramore is just minutes from downtown proper. Also easily accessible are smaller ski areas like Black Mountain and King Pine.

For those who prefer to earn their turns, Mount Washington—home to the epicenter of backcountry in the Northeast, Tuckerman Ravine—is a short jaunt from town. Similarly, a number of the Granite Backcountry Alliance’s glades are also easy to get to from town, including its crown jewel, Maple Villa.

Mountaineering

In addition to iconic backcountry skiing, Mount Washington is also home to one of the Northeast’s classic mountaineering routes, the Winter Lion Head. Reaching the summit of “the Rockpile” is the pinnacle of achievement for many.

Ice Climbing

Ice climbers love North Conway for its proximity to all manner of ice climbs, from the easily accessible routes at the North End of Cathedral Ledge to short, steep routes at destinations like Frankenstein and long alpine climbs like Shoestring Gully and Hitchcock Gully.

Other Winter Activities

Those with an eye for exploration, but who are not looking to push their physical limits, will find a variety of winter activities in and around North Conway to keep busy, including dogsledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, and ice skating. A perpetual favorite is Cranmore’s mountain coaster, a ride that gives visitors the chance to blast around the mountain at speeds up to 25 mph.

Hiking

The White Mountains offer endless hiking opportunities and the nearby Presidential Range, just 30 minutes from the center of North Conway, is a major draw for visitors. For experienced and fit hikers, the Presidential Traverse offers a challenge. The nearly 20-mile hike starts at Mount Madison and ends at Mount Pierce, climbs roughly 9,000 vertical feet, and a significant portion of the route follows the Crawford Path, the oldest man-made trail in the country.

While the Presidential Range steals the spotlight, a wealth of other great hikes are found around North Conway. Other nearby 4,000-footers include the Carters, the Wildcats, and Mount Moriah, all of which can be done individually or together, known as the Carter Range Traverse. Are you looking for a mountaintop view that doesn’t require a full day on the trail? The 3,480-foot Mount Chocorua stands right outside of North Conway and delivers plenty of above-treeline hiking and 360-degree views.

Climbing

North Conway has long been the epicenter of the New England climbing scene, thanks to its proximity to Cathedral Ledge and Whitehorse Ledge. These two iconic cliffs provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to town and are home to a number of uber-classic climbs at difficulties suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. Climbers willing to get off the beaten path will also find a plethora of walls and crags close to town.

Mountain Biking

In recent years, North Conway has become a full-fledged destination for mountain bikers. Hurricane Mountain is a big attraction for hardcore riders looking for high speeds, steep rolls, and air time, while Marshall Conservation Area offers more beginner-friendly trails. Those looking to log miles on a healthy mix of expert, intermediate, and beginner terrain will want to check out both the East Side and West Side Trails. Those looking for lift-served riding will find it right outside of town at Cranmore Mountain.

Trail Running

Many of the hiking trails serve well for trail runs. A particularly appealing option is Boulder Loop Trail, along the Kancamagus. It’s a 3.5-mile loop of moderate difficulty that leads to terrific views of the surrounding mountains. As an added bonus, there’s a historic covered bridge leading to the trailhead.

Paddling

The Saco River runs parallel to White Mountain Highway, which serves as the town’s Main Street, and offers easy access to paddling adventures. Whether you are kayaking, tubing, canoeing, or paddleboarding, the Saco is a terrific option, given its average three-foot depth, meandering path, scenic views, sandy beaches, and rope swings along the way.

EMS Climbing School

If an adventurous activity is on your bucket list, there’s a good chance the EMS Climbing School can help. The EMS Climbing School has been a North Conway staple for decades—it’s the oldest climbing school in the country—and offers everything from guided trips to personalized instruction.

In the winter, EMS School guides are found helping clients shred dreamy backcountry lines, ascend dazzling pinnacles of ice, and brave the region’s peaks, including Mount Washington and its reputation for having the worst weather in the world. In the summer, they’re busy bringing visitors up the sheer walls found just outside of town, including the classic crowd pleasers Thin Air, Upper Refuse, and Standard Route.

General Family Fun

For vacationing families looking to stay busy with outdoor fun, or perhaps to introduce the beautiful White Mountains to their children, North Conway has a plethora of offerings.

In the center of town, one can find the Conway Scenic Railroad, which offers train rides through the White Mountains, the Mount Washington Valley, and Crawford Notch. During the Christmas season, the railroad emulates the Polar Express with hot chocolate and cookies for all passengers, inviting children to ride in their pajamas, as they do in the iconic Christmas tale.

Story Land—located just six miles north of North Conway in Glen—is perfect for families looking to show their children a world of fantasy. The amusement park is geared toward children and offers the chance to meet Cinderella, ride roller coasters, play games, pilot miniature swan boats, and so much more that has made generations of children happy.

Perhaps New Hampshire’s greatest attraction, Mount Washington is known for much more than just hiking and climbing. To find a mountain view without needing to go through the effort of climbing thousands of vertical feet, visitors can look no further than the Mount Washington Cog Railway. The Cog Railway is a train that takes visitors up to the iconic 6,288-foot mark at an average grade of 25 percent. Another option to make it to the summit is the Mount Washington Auto Road, a roadway that was opened in 1861 as a carriage road, but now welcomes family-filled cars.

Lodging

Sure, there’s no shortage of hotels, motels, and lodging in and around North Conway—that said, we highly recommend camping. Fourth Iron Campground is a favorite option. Open year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis, it’s a walk-in tent site near where the Saco meets the Sawyer River. With parking nearby, the campground features eight sites, each with its own bear box.

Another good choice is Barnes Field Group Campsite. As its name implies, this is a larger site well-suited for groups. It’s situated north of town at the foot of Mount Washington and has easy access to hiking and cross-country skiing trails. Keep in mind there’s a fee from mid-May through mid-October, and reservations are recommended. By winter, the site remains open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Dining

There are a ton of choices in and around North Conway for refueling after a long day of skiing, hiking, shopping, walking around town, or just hanging out.

Peach’s Restaurant in the center of town is a popular place to kick off a long, fun day thanks to its renowned breakfast menu. Although the line to be seated is often out the door, this is a testament to the quality of food and experience that Peach’s has to give. Those looking for something more grab-and-go will want to check out one of the best coffee shops in the Whites, Frontside Coffee Roasters.

There’s no shortage of great places to grab dinner or a pint in and around North Conway. The Moat Brewery and Smokehouse is a long-time favorite among hikers and skiers. However, the Red Fox Bar and Grille, Muddy Moose, Tuckerman’s Tavern, Delaney’s Hole in the Wall, Ledge Brewing, and Barley and Salt highlight the long list of dining choices in and around North Conway.

Shopping

A vacation to the mountains doesn’t always require outdoor adventure. While North Conway is known for its outdoor activities outdoors, it’s also a place where a shopaholic can thrive.

Toward the southernmost edge of town (where most tourists drive in from), is Settler’s Green, an outlet village with more than 60 stores, shops, and services. To break up the shopping, visitors can take it easy at the SoakingPot Infusion and Spa—a warm and relaxing foot soak is highly recommended.

Ranked the second-best souvenir shop in the state by Tripadvisor, Zeb’s General Store has been inviting visitors from around the world since 1991. The store is best known for its penny candies, bottled soda, and all things traditional.

Looking to do some shopping for outdoor activity? Solidify your trip to the White Mountains by stopping at the Eastern Mountain Sports store in North Conway for all things outdoors.

Why North Conway?

North Conway is one of New Hampshire’s major tourist destinations for a variety of reasons. The beauty of its surroundings, the outdoor opportunities, and chances for family fun have long attracted, and continue to lure, visitors—whether it’s ice climbing in the winter, skiing Tuckerman Ravine in the spring, hiking in the summer, or leaf peeping in the fall, there’s no end to the list of things to do and places to go in and around North Conway.