North Conway Travel Guide

Plan your trip to North Conway with this comprehensive travel guide, including recommendations for places to visit, hiking and biking routes, accommodations, local food, and more.


Introduction to North Conway

Located in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire, North Conway is a charming town that offers a plethora of cultural, natural, and outdoor activities. Whether you are a hiker, foodie, or history buff, North Conway has something in store for you.

List of Places to Visit in North Conway

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Conway Scenic Railroad: Hop on a vintage train and take a ride through the picturesque White Mountains. The train ride takes you through beautiful forests, rivers, and mountains.
  • Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center: Learn about New England’s harsh weather conditions and how Mount Washington’s station keeps research and analysis to understand these changes.
  • The Museum of White Mountain Art at Jackson: Discover the works of famous White Mountain artists, including Winslow Homer and Albert Bierstadt.

Natural Attractions of North Conway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Here are some of the top natural attractions in North Conway:

  • Mount Washington: This peak offers a challenging hike that offers views of the surrounding white mountains.
  • Echo Lake State Park: A worthy stop, Echo Lake State Park comes with plenty of outdoor activities, with both summer hiking and winter sports and activities available.
  • Saco River: A popular destination for tubing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Conway

North Conway boasts of an extensive network of hiking and biking trails that cater to everyone, from novice hikers to experienced mountaineers. Here are some of the recommended routes:

  • Mount Chocorua: A 7-mile hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Chocorua. It offers stunning mountain views, including Mount Washington.
  • Diana’s Baths: A short family hike nearby, starting with a picturesque waterfall.
  • Mountain Biking Trails: North Conway offers a variety of biking trails, both for amateurs and advanced bikers. Check out the techy terrain of the Cranmore Mountain Resort trail system or the less challenging gravel trails of Rattlesnake Ridge.

Best Things to Do in North Conway: Activities and Tours

  • Ziplining: The Cranmore Adventure Park offers an adrenaline-packed zipline ride through the forest.
  • Skiing and Snowboarding: North Conway is a winter wonderland that offers some of New England’s best skiing and snowboarding slopes. Check out the Attitash Mountain Resort, a family-friendly ski resort in the heart of North Conway.
  • Shopping: Browse the numerous outlets and specialty shops of North Conway Village or hit Settlers Green Outlet Village.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Conway

Day Activity
1 Visit Echo Lake State Park and hike Cathedral Ledge
2 Have a train ride to Bretton Woods
3 Spend the day Fishing in the Saco River
4 Explore the Conway Scenic Railroad and visit the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center
5 Go on a guided hike up Mount Washington
6 Enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Attitash Mountain Resort
7 Visit Diana’s Baths and have a shopping spree in North Conway Village

Food and Drink Scene of North Conway

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster & Clam Bake @ Black Cap Grille: Fresh seafood is a must in New England, and this dish is no exception. This hearty seafood meal comes with fresh side dishes and local beer.
  • Maple Syrup & Pancakes @ Stairway Cafe: A breakfast staple in Northern England is the local maple syrup, served with fluffy pancakes at Stairway Cafe.
  • Pizza @ Flatbread Company: If you’re looking for something more traditional, Flatbread Company offers delicious wood-fired pizzas made with local and organic products

Local Beverages

  • Moat Mountain Brewery: Try their flavorful and refreshing local beers while you enjoy the breathtaking mountain views.
  • White Mountain Cider Company: Make sure to visit White Mountain Cider Company to try their famous cider.

Where to Stay in North Conway: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hotels

  • The White Mountain Hotel and Resort: A charming and sophisticated mountain resort with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding white mountains.
  • Cranmore Mountain Lodge Bed & Breakfast: A cozy and budget-friendly bed and breakfast that offers pet-friendly rooms and a hearty breakfast.

Hostels

  • White Mountains Hostel: A cozy hostel located in downtown North Conway that offers a friendly and communal vibe.
  • Green Granite Inn & Suites: This budget-friendly Inn is situated in the heart of North Conway, offering comfortable rooms, and friendly staff.

What to Buy in North Conway: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of North Conway’s must-buy souvenirs and local products:

  • Maple Syrup: North Conway is known for its high-quality maple syrup, which is perfect for bringing back home as a sweet reminder of your trip.
  • Antiques: Explore the numerous antique shops in North Conway Village, where you can find unique and rare vintage items.
  • Hiking Gear: If you need to stock up on hiking gear, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out Ragged Mountain Equipment or Eastern Mountain Sports for high-quality gear.

Local Culture and Customs of North Conway

North Conway’s culture and customs are heavily influenced by its natural surroundings and have a deep appreciation for outdoor activities and nature. Keep in mind that North Conway is a small town where the locals are friendly and welcoming to new visitors.

Best Time to Visit North Conway

North Conway is an excellent destination for year-round visitation, but the best time to visit is undoubtedly the autumn months (September-November), where you can experience the spectacular fall foliage. Winter is also an ideal time to visit North Conway if you’re into skiing and winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Conway

Do:

  • Do check out local ice cream parlors, such as Sweet Maple Cafe & Homemade Ice Cream.
  • Do remember to pack extra layers as the weather can change dramatically.
  • Do rent a motorcycle through Mount Washington Auto Road Guided Tours.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, as North Conway lies within the beautiful White Mountains.
  • Don’t avoid the Chocorua hike just because it’s difficult — the views are worth the effort.
  • Don’t forget to stop and chat with locals, or you might miss out on learning more about the local culture and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Conway

North Conway is generally considered a very safe town. However, tourists should still exercise caution and avoid hiking alone or at night.

Health in North Conway

While you’re in North Conway during the winter, be sure to take care of yourself by wearing proper clothing, since the cold weather can be dangerous. Additionally, drink plenty of water while hiking during the warmer months.

Getting to North Conway: Transportation Options and Logistics

North Conway is situated approximately two hours north of Boston. Here’s how to get there:

Airports Near North Conway

  • Portland International Jetport Airport (PWM): Located 50 miles from North Conway, Portland International Jetport Airport offers flights from various destinations worldwide.

Bus Stations Near North Conway

  • Concord Coach Lines: Offers a daily service from Boston’s South Station to North Conway’s Mount Washington Valley Theater.

Other Options

  • Driving: North Conway is easily accessible by car. It’s located approximately two hours north of Boston and four hours south of Montreal.
  • Rental Cars: There are plenty of car rental agencies available, making it easy to rent a car and explore North Conway’s surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in North Conway

North Conway is best explored on foot or bicycle. It is a small town that can quickly walk through famous sites. You can also use the public transportation available in the city to get around, from renting a car, hopping on a bus or even hailing a taxi.

Where to Go Next from North Conway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Consider including these nearby destinations and excursions from North Conway in your itinerary:

  • Bethlehem: A small town located approximately an hour from North Conway.
  • Portsmouth: A scenic coastal town located approximately two hours from North Conway.
  • The Lakes Region: A popular destination for families, located approximately an hour from North Conway.

Conclusion

North Conway is a charming town that offers a range of cultural, natural, and outdoor activities. With its exciting food and drink scene, beautiful hiking and biking routes, and a friendly local culture, North Conway is a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and beautiful nature.

North Conway Village North Conway Village View of Echo Lake, and North Conway from Cathedral Ledge View of Echo Lake, and North Conway from Cathedral Ledge