Breakfast
Pancakes with maple syrup
A stack of pancakes with warm maple syrup and butter, a filling start before a day in the mountains.
Local tip Ask for real maple syrup, which is a New Hampshire product, and a side of fruit.
Arrival day
Before Day 1. You need a car for this trip, and the first days are around North Conway.Details
- Flying in
- Most visitors fly into Boston Logan, Manchester or Portland and drive north. The roads are good, but mountain weather can slow a drive, so land in daylight, check the forecast and leave extra time on the way up.
- Where to base
- North Conway suits Days 1 and the east end of Day 2. Days 2 and 3 run west along the Kancamagus Highway to Franconia Notch, so some travelers move their bags to Lincoln for those nights, and the Lakes Region on Day 4 is a drive south from either town.
- Mountain weather
- Weather changes fast in the White Mountains and is colder and windier on the high ground than in town. Bring layers, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes, and check the forecast each morning. Watch for moose on the roads, especially at dusk.
- Day 1 starts with the sky
- Day 1 begins at Mount Washington, which needs a clear day. Look at the summit forecast and the road the evening before. If it is poor, swap the day with another and keep the mountain for a clearer one.
How much walking? On foot, about 0.8 miles a day, and 104.6 miles by car or transit in all across 4 days. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
Day 1. The highest peak, a notch and a waterfall
4 stops · 23.4 mi by car or transitA day around the high ground east of the mountains. Look up at Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States and known for its weather, then drive through Crawford Notch, walk to a waterfall and finish at a small cascade near North Conway.
If you only have half a dayMount Washington, then Crawford Notch. The highest peak in the northeastern United States, then a pass through the White Mountains beside the Saco River.
- 1Morning
Mount Washington
The highest peak in the northeastern United States, in the Presidential Range, and known for its erratic weather. It can be dangerous: the summit is far colder and windier than the valley, and conditions change fast. Check the summit forecast and the road before you go. A cog railway, an auto road and trails reach the summit, so check ahead on what is running, and be ready to turn back.
Go when Morning, on a clear day, once you have read the summit forecast.
Local tip A mountain with extreme weather that changes fast, and it can be dangerous at any time of year. Check the summit forecast and the road, bring warm layers and be ready to turn back. A cog railway, an auto road and trails reach the summit, so check ahead.
Photo: Harvey Barrison, CC BY-SA 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 24 min by car or transit6.5 mi - 2Midday
Crawford Notch
A pass through the White Mountains, with steep walls on both sides and the Saco River running south through it on U.S. Route 302. Pull off at a viewpoint, walk a short way and look at the cliffs. The pass sits within Crawford Notch State Park.
Go when Midday, with the sun high on the cliffs.
Local tip Pull off at a viewpoint rather than stopping on the road. The pass is narrow with traffic, so use the pull-outs, walk a little way and look up at the walls. Check ahead on the road in bad weather.
Photo: Thomas Cole on Wikimedia Commons - Lunch
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
A hot grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of tomato soup, plain mountain food after the pass and before the trail.
Local tip Ask for a cup to take with you if the light is fading.
About 20 min by car or transit5.0 mi - 3Afternoon
Arethusa Falls
A waterfall in Crawford Notch State Park where Bemis Brook drops over a granite cliff. It is said to be the tallest single-drop waterfall in New Hampshire. The trail from Route 302 is a hike, not a stroll, with roots and rocks, so wear good shoes and check ahead on conditions.
Go when Afternoon, in dry weather.
Local tip The trail is a hike, with roots and rocks, and it is slick after rain. Wear good shoes, carry water and turn back if the weather turns. Check ahead on the trail before you set off.
Photo: Wgreaves, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 34 min by car or transit11.9 mi - 4Evening
Diana's Baths
A series of small waterfalls on Lucy Brook near North Conway, in the White Mountain National Forest, where an old sawmill once stood. The walk to the base is short and easy to take as a family. The flow is strongest in spring, and insect repellent helps from spring to fall.
Go when Late afternoon (about 6:55 PM), when the light softens.
Local tip A short, easy walk to a series of small falls. The stream is strongest in spring and quieter late in the season. Rocks near the water are slick, so keep to the paths, and use insect repellent in the warm months.
Photo: Tophyross79, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
Baked beans and brown bread
A bowl of slow-baked beans in a molasses sauce with steamed brown bread, an old New England supper.
Local tip The beans are sweet and the bread is dense, so share a plate and ask what goes with it.
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If it rains. Mount Washington is dangerous in poor weather, so do not go up in rain, cloud or wind. Keep the mountain for a clear day, and swap with another: Crawford Notch is still worth a stop from the car, and Arethusa Falls is at its fullest after rain, but the trail is slick.
Day 2. Across the mountains on the Kancamagus
4 stops · 18.3 mi by car or transitA slow drive west along the Kancamagus Highway, a National Scenic Byway from Conway to Lincoln. Stop at two falls on the Swift River and a third on a brook, then climb to the pass at the high point of the road. The byway is known for its views of autumn leaves and stays open all winter.
If you only have half a dayLower Falls Scenic Area, then Rocky Gorge. A scenic area on the Swift River beside the highway, then a waterfall and picnic area farther west on the same river.
- Travel from Diana's BathsAbout 21 min by car or transit5.4 miWhere Day 1 ended.
- Breakfast
Eggs, toast and home fries
Eggs cooked to order with buttered toast and crisp fried potatoes, a plain breakfast before a long drive.
Local tip Fill the tank and a water bottle before you set off, since there are no services on the byway.
- 1Morning
Lower Falls Scenic Area
A scenic area on the Swift River beside the Kancamagus Highway, an easy first stop after you leave Conway. Walk to the water, watch the river run over the ledges and keep back from the edge. A forest recreation pass may be needed at some day-use sites, so check ahead.
Go when Morning, before the lot fills.
Local tip An easy first stop on the byway. Walk to the water and watch the river, and keep back from the ledges, which are slick. Check ahead on parking and whether a pass is needed.
About 10 min by car or transit1.8 mi - 2Midday
Rocky Gorge
A waterfall and picnic area on the Swift River in the White Mountain National Forest, right next to the highway. Walk the short path to the gorge and look at the river squeezing through the rock. Swimming is not permitted at the falls, and the rock is slick, so keep to the paths.
Go when Midday, with a picnic.
Local tip Walk the short path to the gorge and look at how the Swift River squeezes through the rock. Swimming is not permitted at the falls, and the rock is slick. Keep to the paths and the rails.
Photo: Chris Renn, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Lunch
Apple cider donuts and cider
A fresh ring donut coated in cinnamon sugar, made with apple cider, and a cup of cold cider to go with it, a picnic at the river.
Local tip Buy them warm and eat them the same day, when they are at their softest.
About 23 min by car or transit5.9 mi - 3Midday
Sabbaday Falls
A waterfall a short walk from the Kancamagus Highway, in the national forest. Stretch your legs on the trail, look over the falls and take your time on the steps. Keep to the paths and the rails, and check ahead on the trail.
Go when Midday, in dry weather.
Local tip A short walk from the road to a waterfall. Take your time on the steps and keep to the paths and the rails, since the rock near the water is slick. Check ahead on the trail and the parking.
About 21 min by car or transit5.2 mi - 4Afternoon
Kancamagus Highway
The byway itself, the eastern part of New Hampshire Route 112 from Lincoln to Conway, running through the White Mountain National Forest. This stop is at Kancamagus Pass, the high point of the road, where you can pull over at the overlooks. It is a mountain road: check the weather, fill the tank before you start and expect no services along it.
Go when Afternoon, with time for the overlooks.
Local tip A mountain road with no services along it, so fill the tank and carry water and a snack. Pull into the overlooks rather than stopping on the road. It is busy in the leaf season, and winter storms can close it, so check ahead.
Photo: Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
A roast turkey supper
Sliced roast turkey with mashed potatoes, squash, stuffing and cranberry sauce, a New England supper after a day on the road.
Local tip Ask for gravy on the side and a slice of apple pie to finish.
If it rains. The Kancamagus Highway is a mountain road, so watch for fog and wet leaves. The falls run high after rain but the rock is slick, so keep to the paths. Pull into the overlooks rather than stopping on the road, and check ahead on the road.
Day 3. Franconia Notch
4 stops · 0.8 mi on foot, 15.1 mi by car or transitA day in Franconia Notch State Park, a mountain pass between the Kinsman and Franconia Ranges. Walk the Flume Gorge, drive the notch and look up at Cannon Mountain, where the Old Man of the Mountain once stood, then finish at a lake at its foot.
If you only have half a dayFlume Gorge, then Cannon Mountain. A natural gorge in the state park, then a peak that was once home to the Old Man of the Mountain.
- Travel from Kancamagus HighwayAbout 32 min by car or transit10.2 miWhere Day 2 ended.
- Breakfast
Blueberry muffins and coffee
A warm muffin full of blueberries and a mug of coffee, easy to carry into the notch.
Local tip Wild blueberries are a regional crop, so ask what is in the muffin.
- 1MorningBook ahead
Flume Gorge
A natural gorge in Franconia Notch State Park that visitors walk through, with rock walls on either side and a boardwalk and steps along the water. The attraction is seasonal and needs a ticket, so check ahead on when it is open and whether you need a timed entry. Wear shoes with grip, since the boards can be wet.
Go when Morning, as early as you can in the season.
Local tip The gorge is a seasonal walk that needs a ticket, so check ahead on when it is open and whether you need a timed entry. The boardwalk and steps are damp, so wear shoes with grip.
Photo: MyCatIsAChonk, CC BY-SA 4.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 16 min by car or transit3.5 mi - 2Midday
Franconia Notch State Park
A state park and nature preserve that stretches along the highway through the notch, with Cannon Mountain, Echo and Profile Lakes, Lonesome Lake and the Flume Gorge. This stop is the middle of the park. Pull into a viewpoint, walk a short trail and look at the walls of the notch.
Go when Midday, between the gorge and the mountain.
Local tip Use the pull-outs and the visitor areas, and pick one short trail rather than trying them all. The notch is narrow and the highway runs through it, so watch for traffic at the crossings.
Photo: Stephen Sokolowski, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Lunch
Clam chowder
A creamy chowder of clams, potatoes and onion, served with oyster crackers, a New England bowl for a cool day.
Local tip Add the crackers at the end, so they stay crisp.
Photo: Jon Sullivan The original… on Wikimedia Commons About 15 min walk0.8 mi - 3Afternoon
Cannon Mountain
A peak of 4,080 feet in the Kinsman Range and a granite dome, known for rock and ice climbing and for skiing in winter. An aerial tram runs year-round, so check ahead on when. The Old Man of the Mountain was a profile in its cliff, until it fell in May 2003. The cliff remains, and a memorial marks the site.
Go when Afternoon, on a clear day.
Local tip Look up at the cliff where the Old Man of the Mountain stood until it fell in 2003. An aerial tram runs year-round, so check ahead on when. The top is colder and windier than the valley, so bring a layer.
Photo: Mikespenard at English Wi…, CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 9 min by car or transit1.3 mi - 4Evening
Echo Lake, Franconia Notch
A small lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain, beside the highway. A state park swimming beach sits on the northern shore, and Artists Bluff rises to the north with views over the lake into the center of the notch. Walk the shore or sit for a while with the cliff above you.
Go when Late afternoon (about 6:55 PM), when the cliff catches the light.
Local tip A quiet end to the day beside the water. Walk the shore, or climb Artists Bluff for the view over the lake into the notch. A state park swimming beach sits on the northern shore, so check ahead on the season.
Photo: BIYM ( talk ), CC BY-SA 3.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
Beef stew and a roll
A thick stew of beef, carrots and potatoes with a warm roll, plain food after a day on trails.
Local tip Mop up the broth with the roll, and ask for a mug of tea.
If it rains. The Flume Gorge boardwalk is damp in any weather, so take shoes with grip. If the cloud sits low on Cannon Mountain, skip the top and walk the shore of Echo Lake instead, and keep the park trails for a dry hour.
Day 4. The Lakes Region
4 stops · 47.8 mi by car or transitA day south of the mountains, a drive into the Lakes Region. Start at Squam Lake, quiet and edged by hills, then visit Meredith at the head of a bay, the beach and boardwalk at Weirs Beach and finally Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire.
If you only have half a dayMeredith, then Weirs Beach. A town at the head of a bay on Lake Winnipesaukee, then a sandy public beach and boardwalk on the southern shore of the lake.
- Drive from Echo Lake, Franconia NotchAbout 56 min by car30.8 miWhere Day 3 ended.
- Breakfast
Oatmeal with maple syrup and apples
A bowl of hot oatmeal topped with maple syrup, sliced apples and a handful of nuts, a warm start by the lake.
Local tip In the fall, ask for apples from a nearby orchard.
- 1Morning
Squam Lake
A lake northwest of Lake Winnipesaukee, the second-largest lake entirely in New Hampshire and less commercial than its neighbor. Its shore towns, such as Holderness, are the places to stand and look at the water. Swim only where it is allowed, and check ahead on any boat trips.
Go when Morning, when the water is calm.
Local tip Less commercial than Winnipesaukee, so go for the calm rather than the crowds. Stand on the shore at one of the lake towns, and swim only where it is allowed. Check ahead on any boat trips.
Photo: The original uploader was… on Wikimedia Commons About 29 min by car or transit8.1 mi - 2Midday
Meredith
A resort town in the Lakes Region at the head of Meredith Bay, on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Walk the waterfront and the village, sit by the water and watch boats come and go. Parking can fill in summer, so give yourself room.
Go when Midday, for a walk along the water.
Local tip Walk the waterfront at the head of the bay and the shops of the village. Parking can fill in summer, so give yourself time, and check ahead on any events on the day.
- Lunch
A lobster roll
Chunks of lobster meat in a soft, buttered roll, served with a little mayo or hot butter, a coast dish found in the Lakes Region.
Local tip Ask whether it is served warm with butter or cold with mayo, then pick the one you prefer.
Photo: inuyaki.com, CC BY-SA 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons About 13 min by car or transit2.5 mi - 3Afternoon
Weirs Beach
A village in the north of Laconia on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, named for a wide, sandy public beach. A boulevard and a quarter-mile boardwalk run along the lake, and the pier dates from 1925. It is busy in summer and during Motorcycle Week in June, so check ahead.
Go when Afternoon into evening (about 6:55 PM), along the boardwalk.
Local tip The beach and boardwalk are busy in summer, and the village fills for Motorcycle Week in June. Walk to the end of the pier for the view, and check ahead on the dates.
Photo: Rob Boudon, CC BY 2.0 on Wikimedia Commons - Dinner
Fried dough and maple soft serve
A round of fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar, then a cone of soft serve ice cream flavored with maple, a boardwalk treat.
Local tip The dough is good eaten hot and shared, and a cone of soft serve cools it down.
About 24 min by car or transit6.4 mi - 4Evening
Lake Winnipesaukee
The largest lake in New Hampshire, in the Lakes Region at the foothills of the White Mountains, with hundreds of islands and a long, indented shoreline. The pin sits in the middle of the lake, so look at it from the shore at Meredith or Weirs Beach. Swim only where it is allowed, and check the weather before you head out on the water.
Go when Evening (about 6:55 PM), from the shore.
Local tip The biggest lake in the state, with hundreds of islands. Look at it from the shore at Meredith or Weirs Beach, swim only where it is allowed and check the weather before you go out on the water.
Photo: Ken Gallager at English W… on Wikimedia Commons
If it rains. The lakes are quieter in the rain. Walk the waterfront at Meredith in a pause between showers, and keep off the water in a storm. If a storm moves in, move to the shore towns and check ahead on any boat trips.
Departure day
After the last day. The Lakes Region is a drive from the airports, so plan the way out the day before.Details
- Heading home
- Boston Logan, Manchester and Portland are each a drive from the lakes. Fill the tank the day before, keep your tickets and ID in an easy pocket and leave time for traffic, especially on a weekend in the leaf season.
- Maple and cider
- A bottle of maple syrup, a bag of apple cider donuts and a jar of local jam are all easy to carry. Wrap glass well, and check the rules on liquids if you are flying with it in a carry-on.
- If you have a few hours
- Take one more slow walk along the boardwalk at Weirs Beach or sit by the water at Meredith. If you are driving north instead, the Kancamagus Highway is worth another look in the other direction, and check the road ahead.
Questions people ask
When is the best time to visit North Conway?
By average weather from 2021 to 2025, May to June and August to October are the most comfortable months for walking around North Conway. This plan is built for september to October, which is one of the best months. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
How many days does this plan cover?
It covers 4 days in North Conway, planned for september to October. Each day is built around a small number of stops, with room to rest.
Who is this plan for?
It was planned for most travelers. The pace and the places reflect that, so check it fits how you travel.
Is anything on this plan booked?
No. Places marked "book ahead" need a reservation. Hours, prices and availability change, so confirm before you go.
Can I plan my own days like this?
Yes. Archie drafts a day by day plan for your dates and takes your pace, the weather and who is travelling into account. You can start one from the Archie app.
Can I change this plan?
Yes. It is a starting point you can change to fit your own trip: swap a place, add a day or move the pace.
How much walking is there?
On foot, about 0.8 miles a day, and 104.6 miles by car or transit in all across 4 days. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
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Make this plan yours
Make it yours in a minute, then move days around and add what you want.
A trip idea · Updated November 2026
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