North Conway is an adorable little town located in New Hampshire. It is perfect for anyone looking to visit the White Mountains any time of the year. North Conway offers skiing, hiking, dining, shopping, and other activities. It is perfect for everyone - families, adventure seekers, campers, and leaf peepers!
My mom and I visited North Conway the third weekend of October 2024 for fall foliage and hiking. The foliage was at its peak during this time. We were lucky enough to get a rare weekend of 70 degree weather paired with the most stunning foliage either of us have ever seen.
We fell in love with North Conway for its quaintness, small town feel, and proximity to many trails, waterfalls, state parks, and national forests.
North Conway Village has tons of restaurants, bars, and antique shops to explore. If we werenβt on a trail or out exploring we were spending our time in this charming little town.
This area has lots of hotels, lodges, inns, Airbnbs, and campsites meeting the needs of everyone. There is so much to do in town and nearby!
North conway, new hampshire
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Artistβs Bluff & Bald Mountain - Located in Franconia Notch State Park, this 1.5 mile loop is rated moderate on all trails. While there were some rocky areas, this trail is overall easy. We hiked clockwise climbing Bald Mountain first. Donβt skip Bald Mountain - the views were beautiful and we were the only ones at the peak! Overall, it takes about an hour plus however much time you spend at the peaks admiring the view. This is an extremely popular hike, so I recommend going as early as possible. The peak at Artistβs Bluff was packed. There is a large free parking lot at the base of the trails. Dogs are welcome on a leash!
Mount Willard Trail - Located in Crawford Notch State Park 36 minutes west of North Conway. This trail is 3.1 miles out and back and takes about 2 hours to complete. It is rated moderate, although it was fairly easy just with a steep incline. The trailhead is located behind the train station. I recommend wearing shoes with good ankle support, as you are walking on rocks a lot of the way. The views from the summit of Crawford Notch are stunning, especially during peak foliage in the fall.
Black Cap Trail - Located right in North Conway 9 minutes from our Airbnb, this short, easy hike offered great views of the White Mountains. This trail can be completed as a loop or out and back, which is what we opted for. This trail can also be ridden on a mountain bike. It was overall very easy. I recommend continuing up the rocks to higher viewpoints.
Cathedral Ledge via Bryceβs Path through Echo State Park - This 2.9 mile loop takes about an hour and a half and includes walking along peaceful Echo Lake inside Echo State Park. This trail is also drivable with a parking lot at the top so it is perfect for everyone. This is a very popular summit due to the driving option, but the views of White Mountains and Saco River Valley are worth it.
Sabbaday Falls - This easy trail is less than a mile in length taking about 20 minutes to complete. The falls are located off Kancamagus Highway and perfect for all abilities.
Crystal Cascade - Located in Pinkham Notch just 25 minutes outside of North Conway. This trail is rated easy and less than a mile in length taking about 20 minutes to complete. The multi-tiered falls are beautiful making this short walk very rewarding.
Boulder Loop Trail - This easy to moderate 3.4 mile loop is located in White Mountain National Forest and takes about 2 hours to complete. There is a $5 fee to park at the trailhead. This trail is dog friendly, well marked, and well maintained. It runs along Swift River, providing a place to cool off post-hike depending on the time of year.
Dianaβs Baths - Located in Bartlett, just minutes outside of North Conway Village. This 1.1 mile, easy, out and back 20 minute trail is perfect for enjoying waterfalls, pools, and cascades. There is a small parking lot and bathrooms at the trail.
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There are tons of Airbnbs, campsites, lodges, and inns located in and around North Conway! Kanc Highway has 6 campsites located along the route!
Our Airbnb - Denniseβs place was a short walk to North Conway Village. This 2 bedroom (3 beds) 1 bath apartment was perfect for my mom and I while visiting North Conway. The unit is cozy and pet friendly.
Starlight Lodge - charming inn offering cozy rooms & suites.
Hilton Garden Inn - Hilton members! This is located in North Conway Village.
Red Jacket Mountain View Resort - family-friendly resort with lots of amenities!
Stonehurst Manor - Boutique hotel offering an upscale escape in the mountains.
Fairfield Inn & Suites - Marriott members get your points with this hotel just a short 4 minute drive off the main road in North Conway Village.
Crawford Notch Campground - family owned & operated. Located in the heart of the White Mountains.
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Vito Marcelloβs Italian Bistro - Authentic Italian food in a charming atmosphere. Gluten free options available!
Cheese Louise - offering artisan sandwiches and cocktails. Gluten free menu available!
Delaneyβs Hole in the Wall - American + sushi served in this cozy sports bar.
Mountain Moose Noodle & Asian Street Food - Ramen, rice bowls, noodles, Pho, bun, and Asian street food!
Ledgeview Grille - Located on the 2nd floor of the North Conway Country Club offering breakfast, lunch, and beautiful views of the Railroad and golf course.
Craft NoCo - Craft cocktail bar and eatery located in North Conway Village.
Flatbread Company - wood fired pizzas. Gluten free & vegan options available!
Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co. - craft brewery & smokehouse located in a historic building in North Conway Village.
May Kellyβs Cottage - traditional Irish bar & restaurant
Chefβs Bistro - American restaurant providing local, fresh ingredients.
Frontside Coffee Roasters - Cozy coffee shop roasting high-quality coffee beans and serving baked goods, bagels, and wraps.
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Kancamagus Highway aka βKaneβ aka route 112 is a 34.5 mile scenic drive located in the White Mountain National Forest connecting the towns of Lincoln and Conway.
This highway is known for providing the best fall foliage views. There are several trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, covered bridges, and scenery along the way.
I recommend giving yourself ample time to stop along your drive and explore. The road is one lane each way with no gas stations along the way, so fill up prior!
There are 6 campgrounds along Kanc Highway, but no other accommodations directly on the route.
I highly recommend checking out Sabbaday Falls - an easy 20 minute walk out to a multi-tiered waterfall. Albany Covered Bridge is also picturesque and worth checking out! Rocky Gorge combines the Swift River with huge boulders, allowing you to walk out onto the river.
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Conway Scenic Railroad - Take a scenic train ride from April to November! The train station is located right in North Conway. Ticket prices vary based on the ride duration, ages, and add on lunch options.
1 hour scenic train ride through Mount Washington Valley
4-5 hour scenic ride known as βThe Mountaineerβ over Crawford Notch.
Mount Washington Auto Road - take a guided tour or drive yourself up the 7.6 mile road to the summit of Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New England!
Zebβs General Store - Located in North Conway Village this old-fashioned general store sells everything you could ever want while providing nostalgia. The line can get pretty long to enter on weekends, but it is worth checking out! There was no line on weekdays.

Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain

Artist's Bluff

Echo Lake


Artist's Bluff

Cathedral Ledge

Cathedral Ledge

Echo Lake

Echo Lake

Artist's Bluff


View from Ledgeview Grille

View from Ledgeview Grille


Black Cap

Black Cap



Bridge off of Kanc Highway

Albany Covered Bridge on Kanc Highway

Railroad off of Kanc Highway

Kanc Highway


Mount Willard Train Station Trailhead

Mount Willard - Trail located behind tracks

Mount Willard

Mount Willard

Sabbaday Falls

Kanc Highway




North Conway Village

North Conway Train Station

North Conway Train





Zeb's General Store


Zeb's General Store

Zeb's General Store

Zeb's General Store


Schouler Park hosts craft fairs in the fall

Frontside Coffee Roasters



Our cozy Airbnb