HappeningThe start of the leaf season: color arrives on the high ground first and spreads south. Days are cool and clear, nights are cold, and the Kancamagus Highway is busy, so go on a weekday.
From average weather, 2021 to 2025: days that are warm but not hot, with few rainy days, score highest. Crowds and prices change through the year, so check them before you book.
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 1.3 miles a day, and 176.1 miles by car or transit in all across 5 days. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
Day 1. North Conway and the east and The Kancamagus Highway
4 stops · 19.1 mi by car or transit
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
1
Morning
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 whenMorning, 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 20 min by car or transit5.1 mi
2
Morning
Echo Lake State Park
A public recreation area in North Conway with a small lake, a trail around it and two rock ledges above, Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge. Activities include swimming, hiking and picnicking.
Go whenMorning, for a walk around the lake.
Local tip A small lake in North Conway with a trail around it and two rock ledges above, Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge. A mile-long auto road and trails lead to the top of Cathedral Ledge. Check ahead on access and the season.
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 whenMidday, 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.
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 whenLate 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.
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.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 2. Mount Washington and Crawford Notch and The Kancamagus Highway
4 stops · 47.6 mi by car or transit
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Drive from Diana's BathsAbout 38 min by car15.3 mi
Where Day 1 ended.
1
Morning
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 whenMorning, 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.
A mountain in Crawford Notch State Park whose summit looks down the notch. The trail is a steep out-and-back day hike, and the view is the reward.
Go whenMorning, in clear weather.
Local tip A steep day hike out and back to a view over Crawford Notch. It rates as child friendly, but take water and a layer, and turn back if the weather changes. Check ahead on the trail.
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 37 min by car or transit14.5 mi
3
Midday
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 whenMidday, 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 32 min by car or transit10.7 mi
4
Afternoon
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 whenAfternoon, 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.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 3. Franconia Notch and Lincoln and The Kancamagus Highway
4 stops · 46.4 mi by car or transit
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from Arethusa FallsAbout 37 min by car or transit14.5 mi
Where Day 2 ended.
1
MorningBook 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 whenMorning, 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.
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 whenMidday, 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.
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 whenMidday, 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.
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 whenAfternoon, 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.
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. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 4. Franconia Notch and Lincoln
4 stops · 1.3 mi on foot, 14.7 mi by car or transit
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Travel from Kancamagus HighwayAbout 35 min by car or transit13.3 mi
Where Day 3 ended.
1
Midday
Old Man of the Mountain
The site of the cliff ledges on Cannon Mountain that looked like a human profile from the north. The formation collapsed on May 3, 2003, and it remains the emblem of New Hampshire.
Go whenMidday, from the lakeshore.
Local tip The cliff ledges on Cannon Mountain that looked like a face, until they fell in May 2003. The state emblem still carries the profile. Stand at the shore and look up, and read the memorial plainly for what it was.
About 16 min walk0.8 mi
2
Afternoon
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 whenAfternoon, 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.
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 whenLate 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.
A hill with open ledges north of Echo Lake in Franconia Notch, with views south over the lake into the center of the notch. A short climb on rock.
Go whenLate afternoon (about 6:55 PM), in clear weather.
Local tip A hill with open ledges north of Echo Lake, with views south over the lake into the notch. The ledges are rock, so wear shoes with grip and keep back from the edge.
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. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
Day 5. The Lakes Region
4 stops · 48.3 mi by car or transit
Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.
Drive from Artists BluffAbout 57 min by car31.3 mi
Where Day 4 ended.
1
Morning
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 whenMorning, 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.
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 whenMidday, 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.
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 whenAfternoon 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.
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 whenEvening (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.
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.
If it rains. Everything today is outdoors, so swap this day with a drier one if you can.
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 5 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 1.3 miles a day, and 176.1 miles by car or transit in all across 5 days. Distances are straight-line estimates, so allow extra for the streets.
4 days of a lake town, a farm shore and the Green MountainsAbout 80 miles awayAn easy add-on
4 days in BostonAbout 110 miles away
4 days of eating in MontrealAbout 150 miles away
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