Top 17 Things To Do In North Conway, New Hampshire

North Conway is one of the best places to base yourself while exploring New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Whether you’re interested in scenic drives, hiking, waterfalls, skiing, or simply wandering around a charming downtown, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the region’s most popular destinations.

Here’s my guide to the best things to do in North Conway, NH, based on my visit during an early fall New England road trip.

Top Things To Do In North Conway, New Hampshire

Conway Scenic Railway 

The Conway Scenic Railroad is one of the most popular things to do in North Conway, and for good reason. The historic train takes you through the beautiful scenery of the Mount Washington Valley and, on the longer excursions, into Crawford Notch.

There are several different routes to choose from, ranging from shorter rides to longer excursions through the White Mountains. If you have the time, I’d recommend booking one of the longer routes. They travel farther into the mountains and offer the best scenery. All trains depart from the restored 1874 station in the heart of North Conway Village, making it easy to spend some time exploring downtown before or after your ride.

We only had time for one of the shorter excursions and, looking back, I wish we’d booked one of the longer ones. There wasn’t a huge amount of scenery close to town compared to what you see farther into the mountains. We did upgrade to the dome car, though, and I thought that was well worth it. The panoramic windows give you a much better view of the surrounding landscape and make the experience feel a little more special.

North Conway Village

No trip to North Conway is complete without spending some time exploring North Conway Village. The downtown area is compact and easy to walk, with locally owned boutiques, outdoor outfitters, bookstores, coffee shops, restaurants, and plenty of places to grab an ice cream or sweet treat. It’s the perfect place to slow down for a few hours after a morning of hiking or scenic driving.

One stop you shouldn’t miss is Zeb’s General Store, one of North Conway’s most iconic shops. Inside you’ll find New Hampshire and New England favorites like maple syrup, locally made jams, old-fashioned candy, kitchen goods, toys, and gifts. It’s a fun place to wander around for a bit.

Across the street, Schouler Park offers a large green space next to the historic Conway Scenic Railroad station. Throughout the year it hosts concerts, festivals, and community events, but it’s also a great place to take a break between shopping or while waiting for your train. We grabbed ice cream and found a shady bench here before our ride, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the afternoon.

Echo Lake State Park

Echo Lake State Park is one of my favorite places near North Conway. Just a few minutes from downtown, the park is centered around a beautiful mountain lake with Cathedral Ledge rising dramatically above it.

During the warmer months, visitors can swim, kayak, paddle board, picnic, or simply relax on the small beach while enjoying the views. There are also several hiking trails within the park, making it easy to combine a little time on the water with a short hike.

Before you leave, be sure to drive up to Cathedral Ledge. The road climbs to one of the best viewpoints in the area, overlooking Echo Lake, the Saco River Valley, and the surrounding White Mountains. It’s a quick stop with a big payoff, especially around sunset or during fall foliage season.

There is a small per-person admission fee to enter the park.

Kancamagus Highway

No scenic drive in the White Mountains is more famous than the Kancamagus Highway. Stretching 34.5 miles between Conway and Lincoln, this National Scenic Byway winds through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, passing mountain overlooks, waterfalls, rocky gorges, and the Swift River along the way.

While it’s possible to drive the entire route in under an hour, I’d recommend setting aside at least a few hours. There are dozens of scenic pull-offs, picnic areas, short hiking trails, and waterfalls worth stopping for, so the drive is as much about the journey as the destination.

The Kancamagus is beautiful year-round, but it’s especially well known for its spectacular fall foliage. If you’re visiting in late September or early October, this is one of the best places in New England to experience autumn colors. Just be prepared for heavier traffic during peak foliage season, especially on weekends.

Hike

North Conway is one of New England’s best hiking destinations, with trails ranging from short waterfall walks to challenging mountain summits. Whether you’re looking for an easy family-friendly hike or a full day in the White Mountains, you’ll find plenty of options within a short drive of town.

A few of the area’s most popular hikes include:

• Black Cap Mountain Trail – A moderate hike leading to one of the best panoramic viewpoints near North Conway.
• Echo Lake Trail – An easy lakeside walk with beautiful views of Cathedral Ledge.
• Boulder Loop Trail – A moderate forest hike featuring massive glacial boulders and scenic overlooks.
• Diana’s Baths – An easy walk to one of the area’s most popular waterfalls (more on that below).
• Glen Ellis Falls – A short but worthwhile hike to one of New Hampshire’s most impressive waterfalls.
• Potash Mountain Trail – A moderately challenging climb with rewarding views from the summit.

I also recommend checking AllTrails before heading out. It’s a great way to find hikes that match your experience level and see recent trail conditions. Weather in the White Mountains can change quickly, so be sure to pack plenty of water and an extra layer, even on shorter hikes.

Diana’s Baths

If you only have time for one easy hike around North Conway, I’d make it Diana’s Baths. This beautiful series of cascading waterfalls, granite ledges, and shallow pools is one of the area’s most popular natural attractions, and it’s easy to see why.

The trail is only about 1.3 miles round trip and follows a wide, mostly flat path, making it accessible for most visitors. Once you reach the falls, you can wander across the smooth granite rocks, explore the different cascades, or simply find a spot to sit and enjoy the sound of the rushing water.

If you’re visiting during the summer, many people cool off in the pools, while spring is often the best time to see the waterfalls at their most powerful thanks to snowmelt. Because it’s such a popular spot, I’d recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you’d like to avoid the biggest crowds.

Scenic Drive 

North Conway is one of the best places in New England to base yourself if you love scenic drives. Within an hour of town, you can explore winding mountain roads, dramatic overlooks, waterfalls, covered bridges, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the White Mountains. Even if you’re not planning to hike, getting out for a drive is one of the best ways to experience the area.

A few of my favorite scenic drives near North Conway include:

• Kancamagus Highway (NH Route 112) – The area’s most famous scenic drive, known for mountain overlooks, waterfalls, and spectacular fall foliage.
• Crawford Notch Scenic Byway (US Route 302) – A beautiful drive through Crawford Notch State Park with waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain views.
• Mount Washington Auto Road – Drive to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast for incredible panoramic views. It’s one of New Hampshire’s most iconic experiences and well worth the trip if you have the time.
• Franconia Notch Parkway – About an hour west of North Conway, this scenic route passes attractions like Flume Gorge, The Basin, Cannon Mountain, and Echo Lake.
• White Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway – A longer scenic loop that connects many of the White Mountains’ most popular towns and attractions, making it a great option if you’re spending several days exploring the region.

Whichever route you choose, don’t rush it. Many of the best viewpoints, waterfalls, and covered bridges are found just off the road, so it’s worth leaving extra time to stop whenever something catches your eye.

Cranmore Mountain Resort 

Cranmore Mountain Resort is one of North Conway’s biggest attractions and is worth visiting no matter the season. While it’s best known as a ski resort in the winter, the mountain stays busy throughout the rest of the year with scenic chairlift rides, hiking, mountain biking, and one of the area’s most popular family adventure parks.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, I highly recommend taking the scenic chairlift to the summit. The seven-minute ride offers beautiful views over North Conway and the surrounding White Mountains, and once you reach the top you can grab lunch or ice cream at the Summit Meister Hut before heading out on one of the hiking trails or simply enjoying the scenery. It’s an especially popular activity during fall foliage season.

Families traveling with younger kids will also want to check out Cranmore’s Mountain Adventure Park, which features a mountain coaster, zipline, giant swing, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and other kid-friendly attractions.

Of course, if you’re visiting in winter, Cranmore transforms into one of New Hampshire’s most popular ski resorts. Along with skiing and snowboarding, you’ll also find snow tubing and other seasonal activities, making it a great option whether you’re an experienced skier or just looking to enjoy a day in the snow.

Go Tubing On The Saco River

If you’re visiting North Conway during the summer, floating down the Saco River is one of the area’s classic warm weather activities. The river is generally slow moving around North Conway, with beaches and shallow sections that make for a relaxing afternoon on the water.

While you can certainly organize your own float, I’d recommend booking with Saco River Tubing Center. They make the whole experience incredibly easy by providing your tube and life jacket, then shuttling you upstream so you can simply float back at your own pace. They offer both shorter and longer routes, and if you still have energy afterward, you can even take the shuttle up for another run.

Normally, tubing is something I’d be happy to organize on my own, but I think Saco River Tubing Center is well worth it for visitors. It takes all the logistics out of the day, leaving you free to just relax and enjoy the river.

If you’re planning to spend a few hours on the river, don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables, along with drinks and snacks.

Go For A Bike Ride

North Conway is a great destination for cyclists, whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a more challenging mountain biking adventure. The area offers everything from paved multi-use paths to miles of forested singletrack, making it easy to find something that matches your experience level.

For a relaxed ride, check out the Mount Washington Valley Recreation Path, a paved trail connecting Cranmore Mountain Resort, downtown North Conway, and Settlers Green. If mountain biking is more your style, you’ll find excellent trail networks throughout the area, including the Marshall Conservation Area and Hurricane Mountain, while Cranmore also offers lift-served downhill mountain biking during the warmer months.

Whether you’re bringing your own bike or renting one locally, cycling is a fun way to experience a different side of North Conway beyond the hiking trails.

New England Ski Museum

If you’re interested in the history of skiing, the New England Ski Museum is worth a stop. Through exhibits on vintage equipment, historic photographs, and Olympic athletes, the museum tells the story of how skiing helped shape New Hampshire and the White Mountains into one of the country’s premier winter recreation destinations.

The museum’s North Conway location is conveniently located next to Schouler Park in the heart of downtown, making it an easy addition to an afternoon of shopping or exploring the village. Best of all, admission is free, and it’s always worth double checking the museum’s website for current hours before your visit: New England Ski Museum.

Visit The Covered Bridges

One of my favorite things about exploring New England is finding historic covered bridges, and North Conway has several that are easy to visit while you’re out exploring the area. They make great photo stops and are especially beautiful during the fall when they’re surrounded by colorful foliage.

Just a few minutes from downtown, you’ll find both the Swift River Covered Bridge and the Saco River Covered Bridge in neighboring Conway. The Swift River Covered Bridge is no longer open to vehicle traffic, so you can walk through it and even enjoy a picnic by the river, while the Saco River Covered Bridge is still in use today.

If you’re planning to venture a little farther, the Jackson Covered Bridge is about 15 minutes north of North Conway and is one of the most photographed covered bridges in New Hampshire. Heading west toward Crawford Notch? Consider making a quick stop at the Bartlett Covered Bridge as well.

Settlers Green Outlet Village 

If you’re in the mood for a little shopping, Settlers Green is one of North Conway’s most popular stops. Thanks to New Hampshire’s tax-free shopping, it’s a great place to pick up everything from outdoor gear and clothing to home goods and gifts while saving a little money.

The outlet village is home to more than 60 stores, including well-known brands like L.L.Bean, Columbia, Vineyard Vines, Nike, Coach, Levi’s, and many others. You’ll also find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and snack stops, making it easy to spend a few hours here.

Throughout the year, Settlers Green also hosts seasonal events, sidewalk sales, live music, holiday celebrations, and other community events. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking their event calendar to see what’s happening during your trip: Settlers Green Events Calendar.

Visit A Brewery Or Distillery

After a day of hiking, scenic drives, or exploring downtown, there’s no shortage of places to relax with a local drink. North Conway has a surprisingly good craft beverage scene, with several breweries and a distillery all within a few minutes of downtown.

One of the area’s best known spots is Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co., where you’ll find house-brewed beers alongside a great food menu in a cozy mountain lodge setting. Another local favorite is Tuckerman Brewing Company, located just outside downtown. Named after nearby Tuckerman Ravine, it’s known for its craft beer, brick-oven pizza, live music, and spacious outdoor patio.

If spirits are more your style, stop by Cathedral Ledge Distillery. Housed in a beautiful timber-frame barn just north of downtown, the distillery produces organic vodka, bourbon, whiskey, gin, and other spirits right on-site. You can stop in for a tasting, enjoy a cocktail, or even take a tour to learn more about the distilling process.

Stop By A Local Coffee Shop

If coffee is more your thing, North Conway has plenty of great local cafes to start your day before heading out to explore the White Mountains or to recharge after a morning of hiking or sightseeing.

Cafe Italia, Cream Coffee Bar, Underground Bakery & Cafe, The Met Coffee House, and Frontside Coffee Roasters are all popular local options. Whether you’re looking for a quick cup of coffee and pastry before hitting the trails or somewhere to linger over breakfast, you’ll have no trouble finding a cozy spot in town.

Watch For Wildlife 

One of my favorite things about visiting the White Mountains is how much wildlife there is. Whether you’re out hiking, driving a scenic road, or relaxing by a lake, there’s always a chance you’ll spot something.

White-tailed deer, foxes, coyotes, wild turkeys, and a wide variety of birds are all commonly seen throughout the region. The White Mountains are also home to black bears and moose, though they’re much less frequently spotted. We were lucky enough to see a black bear within just a few hours of arriving in North Conway though!

If spotting a moose is high on your bucket list, consider joining a guided moose tour. Several local outfitters offer seasonal tours throughout the year, though availability can vary, so it’s worth checking what’s running during your visit.

Your best chance of spotting wildlife is around sunrise or sunset, especially along quieter roads and near wetlands or forest edges. As always, remember to admire wildlife from a safe distance and never feed wild animals.

Attend A Seasonal Event

No matter when you visit, there’s a good chance something is happening in North Conway. Summer brings outdoor concerts and farmers markets, fall is filled with craft fairs and foliage events, while winter features holiday celebrations and ski events. Here are a few of the area’s most popular annual events:

• Arts Jubilee Summer Concert Series (multiple dates in summer): A popular outdoor concert series at Cranmore Mountain featuring everything from tribute bands to orchestras and touring musicians.
• Fourth of July Celebration (July 4th): Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, live entertainment, family activities, and events held throughout the Mount Washington Valley.
• Mud Bowl (Labor Day Weekend): One of North Conway’s most unique traditions, this annual charity mud football tournament has been entertaining crowds for decades.
• Mount Washington Valley Farmers Market (throughout summer): Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, maple products, and locally made crafts while supporting regional farmers and artisans.
• Mount Washington Valley Fall Craft Fair (October): Held each fall at Schouler Park, this longtime event brings together dozens of local artisans selling handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, specialty foods, and more.
• Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest (February): One of the largest ice climbing festivals in the country, bringing climbers of all skill levels to the White Mountains for guided climbs, clinics, gear demos, films, and community events.

If You’re Visiting During Fall Foliage…

If you’re lucky enough to visit North Conway in the fall, you’re in for a real treat. The White Mountains are home to some of the best fall foliage in North America, and North Conway is one of the best places to base yourself while exploring the region.

By late September and early October, the mountains come alive with brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Simply driving the Kancamagus Highway, riding the Conway Scenic Railroad, or spending time at places like Echo Lake State Park and Diana’s Baths becomes even more memorable surrounded by peak autumn color.

Peak foliage typically arrives between late September and mid-October, though timing varies slightly from year to year depending on the weather.

If you’re planning an autumn trip, be sure to check out my guide to the Best Places to see Fall Foliage in the White Mountains, where I share my favorite scenic drives, overlooks, and hikes for experiencing New Hampshire’s incredible fall colors.

If You’re Visiting In Winter…

North Conway is just as popular in winter as it is during fall. If you’re visiting between December and March, you’ll find plenty to do beyond simply enjoying the snowy scenery.

Below are a few additional winter activities to consider:

• Ski or snowboard at Cranmore Mountain Resort or one of the several ski areas located within a short drive of North Conway.
• Ride the Conway Scenic Railroad, which offers seasonal train rides through the snow-covered White Mountains.
• Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at one of the area’s many trail systems, including Great Glen Trails and the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.
• Go snow tubing at Cranmore Mountain Resort, one of the area’s most popular family-friendly winter activities.
• Go ice skating at Schouler Park (weather permitting) or nearby Nestlenook Farm in Jackson.
• Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy countryside, a classic New England winter experience.

Additional Things To Do Near North Conway, NH

North Conway is an excellent base for exploring the White Mountains, with many of the region’s top attractions just a short drive away.

If you have extra time, consider adding one (or more) of these to your itinerary:

• Explore Franconia Notch State Park.
• Drive or take the cog railway to the summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.
• Explore Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves.
• Spend a day at Story Land, one of New England’s most beloved family attractions.
• Visit the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods.
• Explore even more of the White Mountains’ scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

For more ideas, check out my guide to the Top Things To Do In The White Mountains Of New Hampshire.

From scenic train rides and mountain hikes to charming downtown streets and spectacular fall colors, North Conway offers something to enjoy in every season. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to one of New Hampshire’s most beautiful destinations.

Any questions or additional ideas? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Head on over to Visit White Mountains or check out my additional New Hampshire guides below.