Nestled in the Mount Washington Valley, with more than 700,000 acres of protected White Mountain National Forest as a backdrop, North Conway, New Hampshire, is a jumping-off point for every kind of outdoor recreation. Not only is it one of the top rock-climbing areas in the country, but it’s also a top ski town in the United States. There is so much to do on a three-day North Conway weekend.
There are tons of hiking trails — not to mention the tallest peak in the Northeast a short drive away — and there’s plenty to do, even if you’re not looking for a rigorous outdoor adventure.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Take in the Views at the Cliffs
Start the day off with an espresso and bagel at Frontside Coffee Roasters, a chill downtown café founded in 1998 that roasts its own beans.
Once you’re caffeinated, choose your outdoor adventure. Since you’re in one of the top rock-climbing areas in the country, consider visiting Cathedral Ledge or Whitehorse Ledge. You don’t have to don a harness and helmet to enjoy the views from these impressive cliffs — though there are several guide companies in the area if you seek to climb around.
Instead, you can hike one or both, killing two views with one trail if you so choose. First, start at Echo Lake (a scenic destination in its own right) and veer at a fork on the trail to make your way up to the top of the 700-foot Cathedral Ledge.
From here you can either head back down (it’s about 2 miles round-trip) or retrace your steps a bit to the fork, this time going the other direction for the Whitehorse Ledge Loop (about 2.4 miles).
If you prefer something that requires little physical exertion, you can always just drive to the top of Cathedral on the auto road. While you’re in the area, pop over to Diana’s Baths Waterfalls in Bartlett to see the cascading falls (some are 75 feet high), swim in the pools (if weather permits), and check out the many rock ledges.
Reward yourself with some treats from the family-owned Old Village Bakery on Seavey Street. Then explore all the unique shops scattered along the main street (White Mountain Highway).
The nostalgia-inspiring Zeb’s General Store is a particular favorite among visitors, with its old-fashioned candy counter and a massive collection of New England–made specialty foods. During popular times of the year, there is often a line out the door, so plan accordingly.
You’ll want to get dinner at Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co., which is not only located in one of North Conway’s most historic buildings, but also boasts local beers and locally sourced food. End the first night of your North Conway weekend with some ice cream at Tricks & Treats (next to the Christmas Loft shop), and take in some views from the outdoor picnic tables.
Saturday: Take a Ride on the Wild Side
Start a day grounded in your surroundings with some farm-to-table fare at The Local Grocer, a deli that focuses on local produce, meats, dairy, and eggs. They also offer a broad variety of delicious espresso and tea drinks, a juice bar, and an in-house bakery. Just next door, find their market for local culinary delights and their eco gift shop selling sustainable jewelry, bags, toys, and household goods.
One of the best ways to take in the surrounding views is by train.
If you want to stay local, check out the Conway Scenic Railroad, which offers excursions of varying lengths. If you’re with family, take in local sights on the hourlong rural Conway Valley Train. To experience the wider region, book the four-hour round-trip Mountaineer journey, which traverses through the Maine Central Mountain Division line, showcases views of the mountainous Crawford Notch region, and travels along the Saco River.
If you don’t mind a 45-minute drive out of town, the Mount Washington Cog Railway is the easiest way to ascend to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast (in less than an hour). The Cog is the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world, having started up in 1866, and one of the steepest — with an average grade of 25 percent.
If trains aren’t your thing — take a drive on the 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway, a designated American Scenic Byway for its beauty and rich history that looks gorgeous among the fall foliage (though the summer greens and winter snow aren’t so bad, either).
Back in North Conway, grab some delicious wood-fired pizzas at Flatbread Company, which fires up a wood oven and highlights organic and local ingredients. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so be prepared for a wait.
Sunday: Hit the Slopes … or the Shops
Start with breakfast at the popular, family-owned Peach’s Restaurant — we recommend the apple-butterscotch pancakes and the stuffed French toast. Along with all the breakfast classics, Peach’s offers gluten-free pancakes and waffles.
North Conway is fit for a little Sunday Funday — no matter the season — at Cranmore Mountain Resort. While best known for its wide range of skiing, snowboarding, and tubing trails in the winter, there’s plenty to do off-slope, as well.
At the Adventure Park, you can cruise through the woods on the Mountain Coaster (controlling your own speed, up to 25 mph, for ages 9 and up), fly high in the sky on the Giant Swing, or zip line down the mountainside on the Soaring Eagle. In the summer, take a scenic chairlift ride up the mountain for views of the Mount Washington Valley and grab a bite to eat at the historic Meister Hut at the top.
Those with kids 12 and under might opt to visit Story Land, a fairy-tale-themed park open May through October (with weekend-only hours in the fall).
Next, do a bit of tax-free shopping at Settlers Green, a 60-plus store outlet village that has been part of the mountain community for more than 30 years. Take a break from all that shopping at Barley & Salt, which has an extensive craft beer and cocktail list.
For dinner, head back into the heart of North Conway to Chef’s Bistro for a casual and locally sourced meal and a full bar. For something a little livelier, try May Kelly’s Cottage, an enchanting tavern with creative decor, a big outdoor patio, and authentic Irish country cooking. You can always end the night with a local brew at the Lobby Bar at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites North Conway, right at the base of Cranmore Mountain Resort.
Wherever you are, toast to a perfect North Conway weekend.
Related Articles
