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Editor's Choice - North Conway, Kancamagus Highway and North Woodstock, NH

The centerpiece of this itinerary is the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH Route 112) which is affectionately known as "the Kank." People who drive, hike, or even bicycle the Kank are stunned by the pure beauty of this mountain road. It is wonderful in all seasons, but it holds a special place in people's hearts as a foliage drive in the fall. This 26-mile, east-west road through the White Mountains connects North Woodstock, NH on the west end and Conway, NH on the east end. North Conway, NH is just 6 miles north of Conway, up Route 16, and it has plenty for adults and from families to do. North Conway is especially loved as a tax-free shopping venue at outlets like Settlers Green and many other shops. - View Map

Find more great things to do and places to visit in this region.



Getting Here

This is the heart of the White Mountains, so you are arriving by car or plane (you will see more below about excursion trains that offer sightseeing and pleasure trips in the mountains. Drivers will probably use I-93 or I-91 coming from the south and the north, and US Route 302 if coming from eastern points in Maine. Mount Washington Regional Airport is used for general aviation.

Outdoor Adventures

Conway Scenic Railroad:

Year round Conway Scenic Railroad offers a variety of classic New England railroad excursions. Spring, Summer and Fall, you can choose between the 1-hour Valley Train and the railroad’s signature Mountaineer trip famous for its 4-4.5 hour scenic round trip journey over New Hampshire’s rugged Crawford Notch. In the winter kids will love the Santa’s Holiday Express, and after Christmas choose between popular Snow Trains and the Winter Mountaineer. Excursions operate using variety of vintage railroad passenger cars and offer three classes of travel. Trains board at the North Conway’s unique Victorian station, designed in a Russian revival style by Nathaniel Bradlee that retains its 19th century rural charm.

Mountaineer Train at Conway Scenic Railroad

Hike the White Mountains:

The White Mountains National Forest maintains several fine hiking trails off the Kank (Kancamagus Hwy. or Route 112). The location of trailheads is described as a distance along the Kank from the Saco Ranger Station. The ranger station is the first building on the right as you leave Conway and enter the Kank. Two great hikes are the Rail N' River Trail and the Sabbaday Falls hike. Use of trails requires a pass, available at the trailheads.

Drive the Kancamagus Highway:

Simply driving the length of the Kancamagus Scenic Highway from Conway to Lincoln, NH (or the reverse) could be the best part of your visit. This nationally honored scenic byway meanders through a mountain pass and vast forests. Scenery is stupefying all year. Many turnoffs and trailheads allow you to stop and gaze.

Play Hide-and-Seek at Lost River Gorge:

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves in North Woodstock, NH is home to granite cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, rugged caves, and a river that plays hide-and-seek amid the rocks. You can walk along a three-quarter mile boardwalk, or venture out or your comfort zone to climb and crawl among the caves, with enticing names like the Lemon Squeezer, and the Judgment Hall of Pluto. Active kids will love this adventure! Open May through October.

Alpine Adventures Off-Road Trips:

Alpine Adventures on Main Street in Lincoln (a few miles east of North Woodstock) offers rip-roaring off-road trips through mountain meadows and passes. "Buckle Up and Hold On", as the license plates say, because you're in for a wild & scenic ride in modified Swiss Army vehicles.

Whale's Tale Water Park:

Both kids and adults love a sunny day of fun at the Whale's Tale Water Park on Route 3 in Lincoln. Adults can relax in the sun or join youngsters splashing in the wave pool, flume slide, tube rides, and more.

Walk the Flume Gorge:

Just five miles north of North Woodstock off of Route 3, the Flume Gorge offers a spectacular walk through a naturally occurring chasm, over bridges and past waterfalls and mountain pools. Restful walk with adventurous views. Start and end your walk at the Flume Visitors Center.

Artisan Shopping

Galleries of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen:

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organizations in the country, and one of its seven retail galleries is in North Conway. Shop for artwork in many media; enjoy demonstrations and exhibits. People who shop also will make a beeline to the 100 factory outlet stores in Conway, most of them at Settlers' Green Outlet Village and Settlers' Crossing, on Route 16.

Great Dining Spots

  • Peach's Restaurant at 2506 White Mountain Hwy., No. Conway gets sterling reviews for a many breakfast dishes, especially pancakes and muffins made with chunks of fresh fruit.
  • Flapjack's Pancake House, 149 Main Street, Lincoln. You can tell by the name that this place is confident in its breakfast menu, which includes the Hooterville, 2 pancakes with sausage & fried potatoes inside.
  • Flatbread Company, 2760 White Mountain Hwy, No. Conway. This restaurant chain has earned a solid reputation for flatbread pizzas from a brick oven, organic ingredients, local beers & friendly atmosphere.
  • The Common Man at 10 Pollard Road in Lincoln is always a winner (it's part of a NH-based chain run by people with high standards and pride in their work). Voted the tops by readers of New Hampshire magazine for its prime rib, home made baked macaroni and cheese, and crab cakes.
  • 1785 Inn & Restaurant at 3582 White Mountain Hwy., No. Conway is just the thing for a special dinner: romantic fireplaces; mountain views, flambé desserts made at the table, flaming drinks.
  • Café Lafayette Dinner Train from North Woodstock offers a fine-quality dinner during a 2-hour train ride on an route of the Boston & Maine railroad designed to serve the Grand Hotels of the 19th century. Restful and elegant surroundings. Ride in the elevated planetarium car, a coach car, or in the sunken lounge.