Hiking & Nature Walks

Hiking and nature walks are a favorite for visitors of all ages and abilities. North Conway is surrounded by more than 700,000 acres of the protected White Mountain National Forest. Just minutes away you’ll find hiking trails for all abilities – from those who have never hiked to those who are avid hikers.

To get you started, here’s a few suggested short hikes in the Mount Washington Valley:

Diana’s Bath:
Short, cool walk. Trail leaves parking lot on West Side Road, .7 mi north of Cathedral Ledge. Half mile.

Cathedral Ledge:
A mile-long auto road leads to the top of 700-foot Cathedral Ledge where views across the Saco River Valley to the White Mountains can be enjoyed. Once on the top, an accessible hiking trail leads to a view of the valley.

Arethusa Falls:
Trail leaves the parking lot on the west side of Rt. 302 in Crawford Notch. It crosses the railroad and leads left for 50 yds where it turns right into the woods. This trail follows old roads above the north bank of Bemis Brook, which crosses shortly below the falls. The falls are 200ft high, the highest in the state. 1.3 miles, 1 hour.

Champney Falls:
Easy walk. The trail begins 10 miles west of the Saco River Ranger Station on the Kancamagus Hwy. The falls have plenty of water in the spring and after heavy rains, but are meager in dry season. 1.5 miles, 1 hour.

Boulder Loop:
A gradual climb with some steep pitches which views of Mt. Chocorua and Swift River from the ledges. The trail begins opposite of Blackberry Crossing campground, 6 miles west of the Saco River range station on the Kancamagus Hwy. Take road to the Rt. Across Albany covered bridge. The trail begins a short distance from the bridge on the left. 2.8 miles, 2 hours.

Black Cap Mountain:
Views of the Green Hills range, this trail is from the height of the land on Hurricane Mountain Rd. At the foot of the ledges a trail leaves right for the Mount Cranmore Skimobile. 1.2 miles, 1 hour.

Mt Kearsage North Trail:
Trail to the summit of Mt Kearsage North, north side of Hurricane Mtn Rd, east of Kearsage Village. 3 miles, 2 Hours & 45 mins.

Crystal Cascade:
The beautiful waterfall located 3/8 mi. up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Which leaves from the AMC/Pinkham Notch Camp, part of the Cutler River, which flows from the ravine. .4 miles, 15 mins.

Glen Ellis Falls:
Great views with falls and pool below. Trail leaves opposite of public parking lot just south of Pinkham Notch Camp. Graded and paved. 1/2 mile, 25 mins.

Hall’s Ledge:
Great view of Northern Presidentials. Trail starts opposite The Dana Place on Rt 16. At first fairly level, then moderately steep. 3 miles, 2 hours, & 30 mins.