Discover North Conway

North Conway can be experienced in different ways: a historic railroad offers a one-hour ride, the New England Ski Museum focuses on the region’s ski history, and Echo Lake State Park offers opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and hiking.

Historic Train Rides from North Conway Village

The Conway Scenic Railroad’s rides begin at a historic Victorian-style station, built in 1874 in the heart of North Conway Village. This connects the starting point for the train rides with a specific part of the town’s history. If you would like to include a train ride in your travel plans, the Valley Train offers a clearly defined option: an authentic, one-hour ride on a historic branch line, geared toward children, parents, and first-time riders. The stated duration makes it easy to include this ride as a standalone activity, without equating it with a longer stay or a particular daily schedule.

Ski History at the New England Ski Museum

The Eastern Slope Branch of the New England Ski Museum illustrates the region’s ski history through its exhibits. On display are ski boots, a ski, and luggage belonging to Hannes Schneider. Visitors can also sit on an original Skimobile. This makes it possible to add a cultural perspective on skiing to a stay in North Conway. The museum visit focuses on history and the objects on display; it offers a different way to explore the subject of skiing than a ride on the historic railroad or time spent outdoors.

Trails and Outdoor Recreation

The North Conway section of the Mount Washington Valley Rec Path is 2.9 miles long, paved, and intended for non-motorized recreation and transportation. This section was completed in summer 2023. Its length is a useful reference if you would like to include a path in your plans. Its multi-use designation means the path is intended for both recreation and transportation; it is not described as a hiking trail exclusively.

Several hiking trails begin at Echo Lake State Park, including a scenic path around the lake. The park also offers families opportunities for swimming and picnicking. If you would like to combine exercise with time by the water, you can consider these activities separately or together when planning. The hiking trails offer another option for visitors who do not want to focus their stay solely on railroad and museum experiences.

More Experiences at Cranmore Mountain

Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park in North Conway offers outdoor attractions for all ages, including scenic mountain rides and other adventures. One specific ride at Cranmore Mountain is the Scenic Chairlift: the ride to the summit takes seven minutes and provides access to scenic walking paths. This makes it possible to combine a mountain ride with walking paths.

The experiences described offer different starting points for your plans; choose what best suits your travel interests. To compare other destinations, you can also consult the pages for Jackson, Conway, and Bartlett.

For the broader travel overview: Carroll.