For many years, North Conway has served as a hub for travelers and adventurers of all kinds, from hikers, bikers, climbers, runners, and shoppers.
Part of the Mount Washington Valley (or to the locals: “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 make the trek to North Conway and surrounding areas to access and complete the New Hampshire 48’s, which is a hiking challenge where hikers summit all 48 of New Hampshire’s mountains, which are at least 4,000 feet.
What You Need to Know Hiking in North Conway
Hiking in North Conway requires previous planning, hiking experience, and a full day to complete, there are hundreds of other wonderful hikes that can be done in the surrounding areas that still pack in great views and beautiful, well-kept trails.
Between May and October, many popular trails in the North Conway area are usually busy, and parking lots are full. But with the many mountains comes myriad trail options, some of which stay quiet even during the peak of the summer months.
The Three Perfect Hikes in North Conway
The following outlines three hikes with varying degrees of difficulty suited for hikers of all kinds to enjoy the beautiful scenery of The Valley.
Hike 1
Just outside of Tamworth, on your way to North Conway, Mount Chocorua’s rocky peak overlooks Chocorua Lake. It provides miles of scenic hiking on the southern end of the White Mountains. At 3,490 feet, Mount Chocorua has a big network of trail options that dilute hikers, providing you with a quieter ascent – until you reach the summit!
A collection of forest fires in the 1800’s and 1900’s gave Chocorua its rocky peak. However, this bare summit gives hikers great opportunities to photograph Chocorua Lake and other surrounding peaks.
Geared towards moderate to strong hikers, summiting Chocorua takes at least six hours. But don’t worry. We’ll give some great hiking tips for what to pack, and information about footwear.
To find more information about the various hiking routes to summit Mount Chocorua, you can visit chocorualake.org.
Hike 2
Just outside of North Conway Village is Kearsarge North trailhead, which starts on Hurricane Mountain Road. 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. A six-mile out-and-back hike, this excursion is suited for moderate hikers.
Feeling adventurous? Camp out on the summit in the inactive fire tower, which gives hikers majestic views of Pleasant Mountain, The Green Hills, and the Moat Mountains.
More information on this hike can be found on nhfamilyhikes.com.
Hike 3
Ten minutes north of North Conway is the adorable town of Jackson, NH, where you can take a quick but efficient hike up Mount Doublehead. This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail is geared for most hiking levels. The trailhead can be accessed from a parking lot on Dundee Road in Jackson, NH.
True to its name, Doublehead offers hikers access to two peaks. The taller north peak has a small cabin for overnighters, while the south peak has a more open and expansive view of the surrounding valley and other mountain peaks.
There are three trails to reach the summits. Many hikers will patch together the “Ski Trail,” “Old Path,” and “New Path,” which summits the south peak and then crosses the north. More information on this hike can be found on nhfamilyhikes.com.
Tips for Hiking in North Conway
New Hampshire takes its hike safety seriously. Proper preparation, planning, and packing are your keys to safely enjoying all the beauty that The Valley has to offer.
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the trail before hiking.
Use apps like AllTrails or websites like nhfamilyhikes.com to get an idea of the terrain. Check the weather report to make sure it’s safe to hike. For every hike no matter the length, it’s a good idea to pack a fully charged phone, map, extra clothing, food, plenty of water, a First Aid Kit, and a flashlight or headlamp.
Ensure your footwear is sturdy and meant for hiking and your headlamp has fresh batteries. Insect repellant is advised for early summer black flies and mosquitos, and tick repellent is suggested for spring and fall. Use sunscreen early and often for an ouch-free vacation.
Not sure what to pack for snacks? Think light but nutrient-dense, like energy bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and jerky. All items can be purchased in town at any local stores in North Conway Village, such as North Conway House of Jerky, Zeb’s, and The Local Grocer.
If you’re planning an overnight stay in the Kearsarge North fire tower, adding to the above list, you’ll need a sleeping bag, foam pad, enough food for all meals, a pocket stove, utensils, water, toiletries, and plenty of layers.
Do you need more supplies or gear? Visit North Conway’s REI, EMS, or any of the local sporting stores in North Conway Village to make sure you have everything you need.
Conclusion
Preparation is your key to enjoying all the beauty of The Valley hikes we’ve suggested. Each hike is only a few minutes’ drive from North Conway, with plenty of dining and accommodation options available.
And remember, carry in, carry out, leave no trace, and respect the local flora and fauna. Hiking areas stay beautiful because of the mindful actions of mountain enthusiasts.
Try one, two, or all three of these fabulous hikes while you explore the North Conway area. After that you can head off to your next destination: the peaceful Lake Arrowhead. Where you can rest your legs and relax by the water in the beautiful state of Maine.
