North Conway

Trails, scenic drives and fall foliage draw people to North Conway, a town in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley. Skiing adds a winter season.

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North Conway is a town in Carroll County, in New Hampshire's Mount Washington Valley. It sits at the foot of the White Mountains, and Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, is a drive away. Most of the appeal lies outside the village, so the valley suits travelers who come for the mountains first.

Hikers come for the White Mountain National Forest, the Kancamagus Highway and cliffs such as Cathedral Ledge. In winter, the Cranmore and Attitash ski areas are close by. An outlet shopping district and the Conway Scenic Railroad offer indoor options when the weather turns. Summer suits hiking, fall brings peak foliage and the busiest weekends, and winter suits skiing. Trailheads and summit roads are spread out, so plan to drive. Plan two to three days for the main sights, or a week if you want longer hikes.

North Conway in five

Check the summit forecast before you drive Mount WashingtonThe summit has recorded some of the strongest surface winds ever measured, and it can be near freezing on a warm valley day. Check the Mount Washington Observatory forecast before you drive or ride up.
Download offline maps before you leave the villagePhone coverage drops out along Route 16 through Pinkham Notch and on many trails. Save offline maps first and carry a paper map for the longer hikes.Phones and eSIM
Rent a car for the Notch and the trailheadsThe trailheads, the Auto Road and Crawford Notch are spread along Route 16 and Route 302, away from the village. A car lets you start hikes early and leave when the weather turns.Getting around
Book a room early for fall foliage weekendsFoliage weekends fill the rooms in the village and along Route 16 quickly. Book as soon as your dates are set.Where to stay
Price the Auto Road and the Cog before you goFares for both summit trips vary by season. Check each operator's current fare page and season dates before you travel.Tours and tickets

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to North ConwayPut the places you like in North Conway on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: US dollar (USD)
Entry: Visa Waiver travelers need an approved ESTA; most others need a US visa Read more
Emergency: 911 police, fire and ambulance
Tipping: Expected: 15 to 20 percent at restaurants and bars
Time: UTC-5 Eastern Time, daylight saving to UTC-4

Weather by month

Best

JanuaryCold, ski season
FebruaryDeep snow, skiing
MarchLate snow
AprilMud season, quiet
MayBlack flies, green
JuneMild, green
JulyWarm, hiking
AugustWarm, busy
SeptemberFoliage begins
OctoberPeak foliage
NovemberCold, quiet
DecemberSnow, holidays

Right now in North Conway

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 17°
Humidity: 48%
Wind: 8 km/h
Chance of rain: 6%

North Conway

03:37 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-5

Today21°3°6%Monday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 6%.
Tue18°10°23%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 23%.
Wed23°8°2%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 2%.
Thu18°11°40%Thursday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 40%.
Fri20°14°66%Friday: Drizzle. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 66%.
Sat15°11°66%Saturday: Rain. High 15°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 66%.
Sun14°5°40%Sunday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 40%.

Updated 02:58 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD

Amount

Converted to

USD · US Dollar

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Jacksonabout 15 min by carA small village with inns and covered bridges, a short drive from North Conway.
Mount Washington Auto Roadabout 30 to 40 min by carThe summit road from Pinkham Notch, for views and the weather station at the top.Read the guide
Crawford Notch State Parkabout 45 min by carMountain trails and waterfalls along the Notch, with a stop at the Saco River.Read the guide

Before you go to North Conway

eSIM for New HampshireSignal gaps on Route 16Read the guide

Insurance for mountain hikesCover for a fall or a sprained ankleRead the guide

Rental car for the White MountainsTrailheads are spread outRead the guide

Where to stayCompare village and Notch roomsRead the guide

Rules for North Conway, checked

Many nationalities need a US visa. Visa Waiver Program travelers need an approved ESTA before boarding, so check eligibility at travel.state.gov.Source
Dial 911 for police, fire or an ambulance anywhere in the US. Signal can drop on White Mountains trails, so call early and give the trail name.
The drinking age is 21, and bars and shops ask for photo ID. Carry your passport or a driver's license when you go out.
Tipping servers and bartenders is the usual custom. Check the bill first, since some restaurants add a service charge.

Plan around North Conway

New Hampshire

The state, its parks and the mountain roads

Read the guide Getting around

Renting a car and reaching the Notch trailheads

Read the guide Visas and entry

Who needs an ESTA, and how to check before you fly

Read the guide Where to stay

Village rooms, Route 16 motels and rentals outside town

Read the guide Tours and tickets

Book the summit train or the Auto Road before you go

Read the guide Money and costs

Typical prices for lodging, meals and summit fares

Read the guide

North Conway FAQ

How many days do you need in North Conway?

Two to three days covers the village, one summit trip and a hike or two in the Notch. Add a day for skiing in winter or the scenic train.

Is North Conway worth visiting?

Yes if you want mountain hiking, fall color and a base for the White Mountains. It is a weak choice for a city break, since most of the draw is outdoors.

When is the best time to visit North Conway?

Late September to mid October for fall foliage and busy weekends, June to August for warm-weather hiking, and winter for skiing. Late April brings mud season and May brings black flies.

Do you need a car in North Conway?

For most trips, yes. The village is walkable, but the trailheads and the summit roads are spread out along Route 16 and Route 302. Portland, Maine is about two hours away by car.

Is North Conway safe for tourists?

Visitors mostly stay in the village and on the trails. The main risk is mountain weather, so check the forecast and turn back early when it changes.

How do you reach the summit of Mount Washington?

Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road from Pinkham Notch, or ride the Cog Railway from Bretton Woods. Check each operator's current fares and season dates before you go.