Route architecture
North Conway sits 90 miles east of central Vermont — roughly two hours from Barre, Montpelier or St. Johnsbury — in the Saco River Valley at the eastern base of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.
Take US-302 east straight through Crawford Notch State Park. This mountain pass drops past high granite cliffs, the historic Mount Washington Hotel and dramatic ravines before levelling out into North Conway. Return west via the Kancamagus Highway, NH-112 west, over Kancamagus Pass at 2,860 feet to Lincoln, then catch I-93 north back toward Vermont.
Morning: Crawford Notch and the Conway Scenic Railroad
As you cross from Vermont into New Hampshire on US-302 east, the landscape shifts from rolling hardwood hills to sharp, glacier-carved notches. Stop briefly at Crawford Notch State Park for Arethusa Falls, a 140-foot waterfall reached by a short hike, or photograph the historic Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods with the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington behind it.
Arrive in North Conway Village and park at the Victorian-era 1874 yellow-and-red train depot on Norcross Circle. The Conway Scenic Railroad runs heritage diesel and steam excursions on historic lines. The Valley Train to Conway or Bartlett takes one to one and three-quarter hours round trip through Saco River Valley farmland, best for families and tight schedules. The Mountaineer, the Crawford Notch excursion, takes four to four and a half hours, climbing steep mountain grades across the Frankenstein Trestle — the choice for rail enthusiasts and dramatic foliage viewing.
Midday: Main Street dining and tax-free shopping
For lunch, Moat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewery on White Mountain Highway is a legendary local spot with house-smoked brisket, pulled pork, wood-fired pizzas and house-brewed IPAs. Vito Marcello’s Italian Bistro on Seavey Street is a cosy, authentic option for chicken parmesan, fresh pasta and house-baked breads. Barley & Salt Tap House at Settlers Green does modern pub fare with 30 rotating craft taps, street tacos and artisan burgers.
New Hampshire has no state sales tax, which makes North Conway a major regional shopping destination. Settlers Green Outlet Village is a large outdoor plaza with over 70 brand-name outlet stores. For local flavour, walk the village strip along White Mountain Highway and stop at Zeb’s General Store, home to a 50-foot antique candy counter, New England specialty foods and regional crafts.
Afternoon: Cathedral Ledge
Drive ten minutes west of downtown to Echo Lake State Park. Looming 700 feet above the lake is Cathedral Ledge, a sheer granite cliff face world-renowned among traditional rock climbers.
Follow West Side Road to Cathedral Ledge Road and drive the narrow one-mile paved mountain road straight to the top of the wall. Walk the short gravel path to the fenced metal overlook built into the granite precipice, and take in sweeping views across the Saco River Valley, the Moat Mountain Range and Mount Washington in the distance — while watching rock climbers top out over the cliff edge below you.
The Kancamagus Highway home
To complete the loop, turn onto NH-112 west, universally known as the Kanc. This 34-mile National Scenic Byway cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest with no commercial development, gas stations or billboards at all.
Three stops are worth making: Lower Falls, a roaring granite waterfall and popular river-scrambling spot; Rocky Gorge, where a footbridge spans a narrow gorge carved by the Swift River; and the C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook at the top of the pass, with west-facing mountain views. Note that a 5-dollar recreation pass is required for parking at trailheads.
Travel matrix
Time and cost by activity.
Crawford Notch drive — 45 minutes on US-302 east; a free mountain pass with scenic pull-offs.
Conway Scenic Railroad — 1.5 to 4.5 hours from 38 Norcross Circle; 25 to 75-plus per person depending on route.
Tax-free outlets — one to three hours at Settlers Green; zero percent New Hampshire sales tax.
Cathedral Ledge — 45 minutes at Echo Lake State Park; a nominal auto fee for sweeping vistas.
The Kanc — an hour of driving on NH-112 west; a 5-dollar recreation pass for trailhead parking.
Good to know
How far is North Conway from Vermont?+
About 90 miles east of central Vermont — roughly two hours from Barre, Montpelier or St. Johnsbury. The best route is US-302 east through Crawford Notch State Park, returning on the Kancamagus Highway to I-93 north.
What is the Conway Scenic Railroad?+
A heritage railroad running diesel and steam excursions from an 1874 depot in North Conway. The Valley Train is a one to one-and-three-quarter-hour family ride; the Mountaineer is a four-hour Crawford Notch excursion across the Frankenstein Trestle.
Is shopping in North Conway really tax free?+
Yes — New Hampshire charges no state sales tax, which is why Settlers Green Outlet Village and its 70-plus outlet stores draw shoppers from across New England. Zeb’s General Store in the village is the local alternative.
What is Cathedral Ledge?+
A sheer granite cliff rising 700 feet above Echo Lake, famous among traditional rock climbers. A one-mile paved road runs to the top, where a fenced overlook gives views across the Saco Valley, the Moat Range and Mount Washington.
Should I drive the Kancamagus Highway?+
Yes, as the return leg. The 34-mile National Scenic Byway crosses the White Mountain National Forest with no commercial development at all. Stop at Lower Falls, Rocky Gorge and the C.L. Graham Wangan Overlook; trailhead parking needs a 5-dollar pass.