North Conway has been a hub for travelers and adventurers for many years—from hikers and bikers to climbers, runners, and shoppers.
Part of the Mount Washington Valley (or as the locals call it, “The Valley”), which spans twenty-five towns and is partly surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, North Conway is overlooked by the 6,288-foot-tall Mount Washington—the highest mountain in the Northeastern United States.
Many hikers trek to North Conway and surrounding areas to access and complete the New Hampshire 48’s, a hiking challenge where participants summit all 48 New Hampshire mountains at least 4,000 feet high.
While these hikes require previous planning, suggested hiking experience, and a full day to complete, hundreds of other incredible hikes in the surrounding areas still offer great views and beautiful, well-kept trails.
Many popular hiking trails in the North Conway area are usually busy between May and October, and parking lots are total. But with the many mountains comes myriad trail options, some of which stay quiet even during the peak of the summer months. Don’t forget your National Park Pass.
Mount Chocorua: A Scenic Ascent Just Outside Tamworth
On your way to North Conway, you’ll find Mount Chocorua’s rocky peak towering over Chocorua Lake. At 3,490 feet, Mount Chocorua offers miles of scenic hiking on the southern end of the White Mountains. Thanks to an extensive network of trail options, the hiker density is diluted, providing a quieter ascent until you reach the summit!
A collection of forest fires in the 1800s and 1900s gave Chocorua its rocky peak. However, this bare summit gives hikers fantastic opportunities to photograph Chocorua Lake and other surrounding peaks. Geared towards moderate to strong hikers, summiting Chocorua takes at least six hours.
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Trail Highlights:
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Elevation: 3,490 feet
- Estimated Time: 6+ hours
- Points of Interest: Rocky Summit, panoramic views, photography opportunities
Personal Tip: On one of my trips up Chocorua, I encountered a family of deer grazing near the trailhead. It was a gentle reminder of the serene beauty of these mountains.
For more information about the various hiking routes to summit Mount Chocorua, visit chocorualake.org.
Kearsarge North: A Summit with a View Just Outside North Conway Village
Starting on Hurricane Mountain Road, the Kearsarge North trailhead offers a six-mile out-and-back hike suited for moderate hikers. The parking lot is small, which limits the number of people on the trail at any given time, so plan to get there early to secure your spot.
Trail Highlights:
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6 miles round trip
- Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
- Points of Interest: Inactive fire tower, sweeping views of Pleasant Mountain, The Green Hills, and the Moat Mountains
Personal Tip: Feeling adventurous? Camp out on the summit in the inactive fire tower, where you’ll be treated to majestic views stretching out to the horizon. One winter, I spent a night there, wrapped in my sleeping bag, watching the stars dance across the sky—a memory I cherish.
More information on this hike can be found on nhfamilyhikes.com.
Mount Doublehead: A Quick and Efficient Hike in Jackson, NH
Ten minutes north of North Conway is the charming town of Jackson, NH, where you can embark on a 3.6-mile out-and-back trail up Mount Doublehead. Suited for most hiking levels, the trailhead can be accessed from a parking lot on Dundee Road in Jackson.
Trail Highlights:
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Points of Interest: Two peaks, a small cabin on the taller north peak, expansive views from the south peak
Personal Tip: True to its name, Doublehead offers two peaks to access. The south peak provides an expansive view of the surrounding valley and other mountain peaks. During my hikes here, I discovered a hidden patch of wild blueberries—nature’s perfect snack after a rewarding climb.
Many hikers combine the “Ski Trail,” “Old Path,” and “New Path” to summit the south peak and then cross to the north peak. More information on this hike can be found on nhfamilyhikes.com.
Safety First: Essential Hiking Tips for a Safe Adventure
New Hampshire takes its hike safety seriously. Proper preparation, planning, and packing are key to safely enjoying the beauty of The Valley. Here are some essential tips:
- Familiarize Yourself with the Trail: Use apps like AllTrails or websites like nhfamilyhikes.com to understand the terrain.
- Check the Weather: Ensure it’s safe to hike before heading out.
- Pack Essentials: Always carry a fully charged phone, map, extra clothing, food, plenty of water, a first aid kit, and a flashlight or headlamp.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy, hiking-specific shoes are a must.
- Use Insect Repellent: In early summer, black flies, mosquitoes, and ticks can be a nuisance.
- Apply Sunscreen: Protect yourself from sunburn, even on cloudy days.
What to Pack for Snacks:
- Light but Nutrient-Dense Foods: Energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and jerky.
Personal Anecdote: On a particularly long trek, I ran out of snacks halfway through. Since then, I have packed a little extra—just in case! Read our guide on hiking snacks here.
If you plan an overnight stay in the Kearsarge North fire tower, you’ll need additional gear, including a sleeping bag, foam pad, enough food for all meals, a pocket stove, utensils, water, toiletries, and plenty of layers.
Embrace the Adventure
North Conway and the surrounding areas offer many hiking opportunities, each with unique charm and challenges. Whether seeking solitude on a quiet trail or the thrill of summiting a peak, these hikes promise unforgettable experiences.
So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your gear, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of The Valley. Adventure awaits!
