Things to Do in North Conway: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
North Conway is the heart of New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley in the White Mountains. Its historic railroad station, tax-free outlet shopping and New England village charm sit beneath granite cliffs and forested peaks. In autumn the Kancamagus Highway blazes with fall colors, in winter the ski resorts open, and in summer there are swimming holes, hikes and the Mount Washington Auto Road.
This guide covers the best things to do in North Conway, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in North Conway
Conway Scenic Railroad
Vintage train rides from the 1874 station.
Kancamagus Highway
34-mile scenic byway famous for fall foliage.
Mount Washington
Highest peak in the Northeast, reached by the Auto Road or Cog Railway.
Cathedral Ledge
Granite cliff with a drive-up viewpoint.
Echo Lake State Park
Swimming lake below White Horse Ledge.
Diana's Baths
Waterfalls and pools on an easy trail.
Settlers Green Outlets
Tax-free outlet shopping.
Cranmore Mountain
Ski area and adventure park.
North Conway in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Village and ledges
Start with breakfast in the village, then drive up to Cathedral Ledge for sweeping views of the valley and Mount Washington. Swim or paddle at Echo Lake State Park beneath White Horse Ledge. Lunch in North Conway Village. In the afternoon ride the Conway Scenic Railroad's Valley Train from the historic station. Dinner at a local tavern.
2Day 2 · Kancamagus Highway
Drive the Kancamagus Highway, stopping at Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge, Sabbaday Falls and the Pemigewasset Overlook. Picnic at a riverside area. On the way back hike to Diana's Baths for waterfalls and pools. Dinner in the village.
3Day 3 · Mount Washington
Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road or ride the Cog Railway to the summit at 6,288 feet, with the Extreme Mount Washington museum. Lunch at the summit café or in Jackson. Afternoon at Glen Ellis Falls. Dinner in Jackson village.
North Conway in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Jackson and covered bridges
Explore the village of Jackson, entering through its red Honeymoon Covered Bridge, and walk up to Jackson Falls on the Wildcat River. Lunch in Jackson. In the afternoon, tax-free outlet shopping at Settlers Green in North Conway. Evening at a local brewery with New England pub food.
5Day 5 · Franconia Notch
Day trip to Franconia Notch State Park, about an hour west on the Kancamagus: walk through the Flume Gorge on boardwalks, ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and see Echo Lake. Lunch in Lincoln. Return over the Kancamagus at golden hour.
North Conway in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Adventure day
Morning at the Cranmore Adventure Park with the mountain coaster, aerial ropes course and giant swing, or skiing and snowboarding in winter. Lunch at the base lodge. Afternoon kayaking or tubing on the gentle Saco River. Dinner in the village.
7Day 7 · Last day
Final breakfast with maple pancakes, a stroll through the village shops and the historic railroad station, and one last view from Cathedral Ledge. Farewell dinner with New England clam chowder and a maple dessert.
What to do in North Conway on a weekend
What to do in North Conway on a weekend? Saturday: Cathedral Ledge, Echo Lake and the scenic railroad. Sunday: the Kancamagus Highway and Diana's Baths.
Fall foliage from late September to mid-October is the busiest and most beautiful time.
What to do in North Conway in the evening
Evenings mean taverns, breweries and live music in the village.
Cozy inns with fireplaces in winter.
North Conway for couples
For couples, a romantic inn in Jackson, a sunset at Cathedral Ledge and a scenic dinner train are perfect.
North Conway with kids
With kids, the scenic railroad, Diana's Baths, Story Land in Glen and the Cranmore Adventure Park are favorites.
What to eat in North Conway
New England clam chowder
Creamy and hearty.
Maple syrup
On pancakes and desserts.
Apple cider donuts
In the fall.
Craft beer
From local breweries.
Lobster roll
A New England classic.
Where to stay in North Conway: best areas
North Conway Village
Walkable.
Jackson
Romantic inns.
Intervale
Views.
Bartlett
Near ski areas.
What to do in North Conway when it rains
What to do in North Conway when it rains? The scenic railroad, outlet shopping, the Mount Washington Observatory museum and breweries.
How much does a trip to North Conway cost?
Expect 150 to 300 dollars per night, 15 to 25 dollars for lunch and about 50 dollars for the Auto Road per car.
Practical tips for North Conway
Best time to visit
Late September to mid-October for foliage, December to March for skiing and June to August for hiking.
Getting around
A car is essential. Portland, Maine airport is about 90 minutes away and Boston about three hours.
Our practical tips
- Book foliage weekends early.
- Check Mount Washington weather.
- Bring layers.
- Get to Diana's Baths early.
- Shop tax-free.
- Buy a White Mountain parking pass.
Mistakes to avoid
- Weekend traffic in foliage season.
- Climbing Mount Washington unprepared.
- Feeding wildlife.
- Rushing the Kancamagus.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in North Conway with kids?
Scenic railroad, Story Land and Diana's Baths.
When is fall foliage?
Late September to mid-October.
What to do in North Conway on a weekend?
Ledges, railroad and the Kancamagus.
How far is Mount Washington?
About 30 minutes.