North Conway, NH, is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem tucked in the heart of the White Mountains. With crisp mountain air, a charming village vibe, and a mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this town truly has it all. Imagine hiking through lush forests to reach breathtaking overlooks or taking a scenic drive along winding roads, surrounded by vibrant fall foliage that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re ziplining through the treetops or sipping a warm cup of cider at a cozy café, North Conway has a way of making me feel grateful every time I visit. Let’s dive into 12 must-do activities that will make your trip truly one of a kind!
Best Sights and Attractions in North Conway
Ready to explore North Conway? From hiking and biking in the stunning White Mountains to skiing and snowboarding in winter, this destination is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Prefer a relaxed vibe? Explore charming shops, cozy restaurants, and cultural attractions. Here are the top attractions in North Conway to make your visit unforgettable!
1. Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road
The Mount Washington Auto Road winds its way up Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. The drive passes through changing landscapes, from dense forests to alpine tundra, with scenic pull-offs like the Halfway House marker. The steep climb and sharp curves make it a thrilling experience, especially on clear days when the summit views stretch for miles.
At the top, the Mount Washington Observatory shares exhibits on the region’s intense weather, including its record-breaking wind speeds. The Tip-Top House, once a summit hotel, gives visitors a glimpse into early mountaineering life. I grabbed a “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper sticker from the gift shop, a fun keepsake after reaching the summit. Whether you drive yourself or take a guided tour, this road offers one of the most breathtaking experiences in New Hampshire.
2. Explore Diana’s Baths
Diana’s Baths is a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools along Lucy Brook, reached by a wide, well-maintained trail off West Side Road. The falls flow over smooth granite ledges, creating shallow wading areas perfect for cooling off. The upper pools feature small cascades, while the lower basins are deeper, making them ideal for dipping your feet on a hot day.
Once home to a 19th-century sawmill, the site still has remnants of the mill’s old foundation, giving a glimpse into its past. In spring, the water rushes more intensely with snowmelt, while in fall, the vibrant foliage adds stunning color to the backdrop. I found a flat rock along the lower falls, where I sat with my feet in the cool water and took in the peaceful surroundings. With easy access and beautiful scenery, Diana’s Baths is a must-visit for nature lovers and families.
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3. Hit the Slopes at Cranmore Mountain Resort
Just outside downtown North Conway, Cranmore Mountain Resort offers skiing, tubing, mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides. In winter, skiers head to Ledges and Koessler for challenging runs, while beginners use the South Slope. The Cranmore Tubing Park, with multiple lanes and a conveyor lift, is a fun alternative for non-skiers. The resort also features a snowboard terrain park and hosts night skiing on select evenings.
When the snow melts, the mountain transforms into an adventure park with a zipline course, ropes challenge, and a mountain coaster weaving through the trees. Mountain bikers use the chairlift for downhill trails, while hiking paths offer routes to the summit with panoramic views. I took a fall foliage chairlift ride, and the orange and red treetops stretched all the way to the Saco River Valley. Whether skiing, biking, or ziplining, Cranmore Mountain Resort is a top year-round destination.
4. Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad
The Conway Scenic Railroad takes passengers on a scenic journey through the White Mountains, departing from the historic 1874 train station in North Conway Village. The Notch Train runs through Crawford Notch, passing landmarks like the Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge, offering stunning mountain views. The Valley Train is a shorter ride through the Saco River Valley, great for families or those looking for a relaxed trip.
The dining car experience allows guests to enjoy a meal while riding, with vintage-style seating and large windows for unobstructed views. I rode the Notch Train in the fall, and the foliage views from the high trestles were some of the best I’ve seen in New England. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or just want to enjoy a leisurely ride through the mountains, Conway Scenic Railroad is a must-do in North Conway.
5. Drive the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway, often called “The Kanc,” is a 34-mile scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest, known for its breathtaking overlooks and hiking trails. The Sabbaday Falls trailhead is a short, easy hike leading to a three-tiered waterfall, while the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area offers a pedestrian bridge over the rushing Swift River.
For panoramic views, the Pemigewasset Overlook and Hancock Overlook provide some of the best vantage points along the route. In fall, the bright red, orange, and yellow foliage draws thousands of leaf-peepers, making it one of the most photographed roads in the country. I pulled off at the C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook, where the rolling mountains stretched endlessly under the autumn sky. Whether you’re driving in summer, fall, or winter, the Kancamagus Highway is one of the most scenic routes in New Hampshire.
6. Visit Echo Lake State Park
Echo Lake State Park is a peaceful retreat at the base of White Horse Ledge, offering swimming, kayaking, and hiking with stunning mountain views. The one-mile loop trail around Echo Lake is an easy walk, while the hike to Cathedral Ledge provides a more challenging climb leading to a clifftop lookout over the Saco River Valley.
The lake’s calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding or canoeing, and rentals are available in the summer. Families enjoy the sandy beach, where kids can splash in the shallows while parents relax with a picnic. The park is also a popular spot for rock climbers tackling White Horse Ledge, one of the region’s best climbing sites. I paddled across the lake in a kayak and watched climbers scaling the ledge—a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure in one spot. Truly, this park is absolutely a must-visit hidden gem in the US.
7. Have Family Fun at Story Land
Story Land is a storybook-themed amusement park just outside North Conway, perfect for families with young kids. Attractions include the Cinderella Castle, where children can meet Cinderella and ride in her pumpkin coach, and Dr. Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride, a splash-filled adventure on a twisting water course.
Rides range from gentle carousels to the Roar-O-Saurus, a kid-friendly wooden roller coaster. The Little Dreamers Play Area offers hands-on activities, while the antique German carousel is a park favorite. Seasonal events like Happy Hauntings in the fall and Christmas-themed celebrations in winter add to the fun. I stopped by the Dutch Village section, where kids tried wooden shoe dancing—a fun cultural touch in an amusement park setting. With its nostalgic charm and interactive rides, Story Land remains a top attraction for families visiting North Conway.
8. Explore White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest covers over 750,000 acres, offering hiking, biking, and scenic drives in some of New England’s most rugged landscapes. Trails like Mount Willard provide breathtaking views of Crawford Notch, while the Arethusa Falls hike leads to the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire.
For a more challenging adventure, the Franconia Ridge Loop is a bucket-list hike, with sweeping views of the Presidential Range. The Saco River, which winds through the forest, is great for canoeing and tubing in the summer, while winter brings snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to the trails. I took a guided moose tour along the Kancamagus Highway, where I spotted a moose grazing near the roadside—an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, or just enjoying the scenery, the White Mountains offer endless outdoor adventure.
9. Shop and Dine at Settlers Green
For shopping in North Conway, Settlers Green is the go-to spot, offering over 70 outlet stores, local boutiques, and dining options. Shoppers can find discounts at Columbia, Nike, Coach, and L.L. Bean, while stores like Zeb’s General Store sell New England-made gifts and specialty foods.
Beyond shopping, the complex hosts seasonal events, art installations, and live music. The Garden Green courtyard is a relaxing place to take a break, while the outdoor fire pits provide a cozy spot in cooler months. Food options range from quick bites at Cheese Louise to sit-down meals at Black Cap Grille. I grabbed a fresh pretzel from Abenaki Trail and sat near the murals, watching the crowds enjoy the crisp mountain air. Whether hunting for deals or enjoying the atmosphere, Settlers Green offers a great mix of shopping and entertainment.
10. Hike Black Cap Trail
For a quick but rewarding hike, the Black Cap Trail is one of the best in North Conway. This 2.4-mile round-trip hike starts at Hurricane Mountain Road and gradually ascends through a birch and pine forest before opening up to panoramic views of the Mount Washington Valley.
The summit offers clear views of Mount Chocorua, Cranmore Mountain, and the Saco River Valley, making it a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset hikes. The wide, rocky ledges at the top provide plenty of space to sit and take in the scenery. In fall, the trail is lined with bright red and orange foliage, making it even more picturesque. I reached the summit just as the sun dipped behind the mountains, turning the sky into shades of pink and gold—one of the best views I’ve had on a short hike.
11. Golf at North Conway Country Club
Set against the White Mountains, North Conway Country Club offers an 18-hole course with stunning views and challenging fairways. Established in 1895, it’s one of New Hampshire’s oldest golf courses, featuring well-manicured greens, mountain vistas, and a layout that blends natural beauty with strategic play.
Golfers can test their skills on signature holes like the par-3 5th, which overlooks the Saco River, or the tricky par-4 14th with its elevated green. The practice range and putting green allow for warm-ups before a round, and the clubhouse restaurant serves post-game meals with views of the Moat Mountain Range. I played a morning round here, and teeing off with the fall foliage reflecting in the water hazards made for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, this course is a top choice in North Conway.
12. Visit Tuckerman Brewing Company
For craft beer lovers, Tuckerman Brewing Company is a must-visit. Located just outside North Conway Village, this local brewery has been crafting small-batch beers since 1998. The flagship Tuckerman Pale Ale is a fan favorite, along with seasonal releases like the Rockpile IPA and Headwall Alt.
The brewery offers tours showcasing the brewing process, from the milling of grains to fermentation and bottling. The outdoor beer garden, with picnic tables and live music on weekends, makes it a great spot to relax. Food trucks often park outside, serving local eats that pair well with the brews. I tried a flight of four beers, and the refreshing citrus notes in the Pale Ale stood out—perfect after a day of hiking. Whether you take a tour or just enjoy a cold one, Tuckerman Brewing Company is a great way to unwind in North Conway.
