Things To Do In North Conway NH in the Winter

Published March 8, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Conway, NH is situated in the center of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, encircled by scenic marvels.

Therefore, if you are someone who enjoys charming villages nestled in the mountains, you'll surely adore North Conway.

Many of its top attractions involve outdoor activities, yet there are numerous options for both outdoor and indoor experiences for all types of travelers.

Even if it’s your first time here, you’ll notice that it is a region you can revisit repeatedly.

Read on to discover the things to do in North Conway NH in the winter!

Hike to Waterfalls

North Conway region boasts part of the finest White Mountains hiking and if you are looking to experience nature excellently, hike to waterfalls.

There are many hiking options available in North Conway.

Sabbaday Falls can be found just off Kancamagus Highway within White Mountains National Forest.

Its trail spans just 0.7m and is mostly level, making it a suitable choice for kids or those seeking a relaxed outing.

It's heavily visited and also one of New Hampshire's most famous waterfalls.

Then, Ripley Falls can be found inside Crawford Notch Park, just a brief drive away from NH, North Conway.

This hike spans approximately 1 mile in each direction and features considerable elevation changes and some tougher pathways, rendering it a better option.

The waterfall itself is gentle and situated on an expansive rocky ledge.

Arethusa Falls can also be found inside Crawford Notch. The hike to reach them is mild but lengthier, approximately 2.8m.

Tour Settlers Green Outlet Village

This village features over 70 stores, including local boutiques and several dining options.

It’s incredibly favored by people throughout New England, particularly near the summer conclusion for school shopping.

What's the greatest part? Nothing like sales tax. You can shop as much as you desire, confident that the prices shown are what you'll actually pay.

Discover Mount Washington

This is the Northeast US's tallest summit at 6288 feet.

It is located in the White Mountains's center and an Appalachian Trail segment, and there are numerous ways to enjoy it.

You may drive up there, use a slowcoach, ride a train, hop on a bus, or even scale it on your own.

When going there, make sure to bring warm attire, as Mount Washington’s summit is well-known for having “the world's worst weather” — significantly windier and chillier than that of North Conway.

Its Auto Road, located 30 minutes from North Conway North, was inaugurated in 1851.

Back then, it took 4 hours to ascend to the summit by wagon and horse.

However, currently, the almost eight-mile journey takes approximately 30 minutes in order to arrive at the peak.

To ascend the mountain, the fee is 20 dollars for adult riders, 45 dollars for the driver and vehicle, and 9 dollars for kids aged 5 - 12.

You may opt to participate in a guided tour of two hours, traveling by bus up this Auto Road, with a cost of $50 for adults and $30 for children.

Note that the road remains shut in winter, though you can hop on Mount Washington’s SnowCoach, a snow-tracks-equipped vehicle rather than tires, for an incredible winter adventure.

Also, another preferred New Hampshire activity is the Cog Railway at Mount Washington.

It is the first cog railway for mountain climbing globally and remains the sole one functioning inside of North America today.

It’s a unique journey to reach the summit of Mount Washington, with stunning views all along the route as well.

Note that this Cog is located inside Bretton Woods, on the mountain’s opposite side from Auto Road.

Explore the New Hampshire Craftsmen League

This is a significant craft society that has existed for more than 89 years.

Their goal is to assist artists and encourage fine crafts throughout the state.

One can explore a Fine Craft Gallery found throughout New Hampshire.

These shops offer exclusively handmade items, showcasing a diverse array of products, including jewelry, quilts, pottery, and beyond.

Also, if you’re looking for one New Hampshire keepsake that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, here is the spot.

The Gallery is an ideal spot to discover a handcrafted keepsake to remember your visit to the stunning White Mountains while supporting a local artist and small business.

It is a warm, inviting living room featuring plush red sofas, a fireplace, an oriental carpet, and relaxation spots.

Travel Along Kancamagus Highway

This Highway, a stretch of 35 miles along the route 112, remains the most picturesque New Hampshire drive.

It begins in Conway and continues up to Lincoln.

Now, it is recognized as a Scenic Byway of America due to its historical significance, cultural value, and visual appeal.

The journey along this highway leads you through White Mountains National Forest, alongside various viewpoints, accessible waterfalls, covered bridges, historical landmarks, gorges, and picnic spots.

Although you can traverse the Kanc in only an hour, I suggest dedicating an entire day to discovering the nearby areas.

Note that this highway is most crowded in the fall, as leaf peepers flock in large numbers.

Also, there are no eateries or gas stations here, so be sure to plan in advance, though toilets can be found at various stops.

I strongly suggest acquiring an Audio Guide of Kancamagus Highway, which utilizes GPS to explain what you’re observing along the route.

If you plan to spend your whole trip inside North Conway, drive the highway there and back within one day.

Also, if you’re visiting the Franconia or Lincoln regions, this remains the ideal method to arrive.

Visit the Story Realm

Your small kids will definitely adore Story Land. It's a whimsical Storybook-inspired retreat for children.

The theme park features more than 30 attractions that include roller coasters, a castle, and vintage car rides.

It has been operational since the year 1954 and it's essential to visit when you have little kids.

It possesses a remarkably gentle quality, which appears uncommon in modern theme parks.

The park also features games and shows for parents and their kids to engage in.

Believe me, you’ll enjoy a day spent here and maybe you will turn it into a yearly custom.

Explore Distilleries in North Conway

New Hampshire State is experiencing a spirits renaissance as distilleries are emerging throughout the State.

You can find one inside North Conway, then another is just a brief drive from there.

Cathedral Ledge Distillery remains the only organic distillery in New Hampshire, and they take great pride in their gin and vodka.

You will surely enjoy their flavored spirits, particularly the horseradish vodka and fig vodka.

However, the real highlight is their maple liqueur which is syrupy and sweet, similar to amaretto.

During your visit, you can sample as many as 5 spirits for just 12.50 dollars and you also have the option to schedule a distillery tour for 10 dollars.

These spirits serve as excellent keepsakes and their maple liqueur serves as a wonderful means to share your trip to NH with friends and family back home.

Also, Tamworth Distilling stands as the state’s remarkable treasure, featuring stunning showcases of accessories and spirits in the heart of Tamworth village, roughly a 30-minute trip from the North Conway area.

They provide tasting flights featuring a range of spirits, including gins, vodkas, apple brandy, and Chocorua rye.

Explore the Wineries

You can sample some of the White Mountain wines directly in the North Conway region.

White Mountain Winery located here offers an assortment of wines such as Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and also dessert wines.

It is situated right in the heart of North Conway downtown, an ideal location for an adventure day.

Then, if you're looking to spend an afternoon, you might also check out Tamworth's Whippletree Winery.

It's a journey of 30 minutes by car from the town of North Conway.

Their wine selection is extensive, featuring reds, rosé, whites, and fruit wines.

Tour Breweries

If you have any interest in the breweries of New Hampshire, you are lucky as three are located in or near the North Conway region.

Moat Mountain stands as a North Conway restaurant and brewery that offers a diverse and extensive menu.

It is the right spot if you're looking to try a variety of beers.

The beers available here include Scottie’s IPA, offering a subtle touch of pine; Hoffman Weiss, which has a banana taste that genuinely succeeds; and Bone Shaker Ale, boasting caramel notes.

Also, you ought to visit this restaurant for a complete meal because you will also enjoy their food.

They are famous for their special smoked meats appearing in a variety of dishes including nachos and pizza.

I also suggest trying their spicy and sweet Brussels sprouts along with their sausage chili and brisket which is Texas-style.

Then, Tuckerman Brewing Company also located inside of Conway is a beer garden that operates daily regardless of the weather.

They offer a changing array of unique beers, ranging from Rockpile IPA and the citrusy to Wild River's wheat beer featuring orange peel and coriander.

Also, they provide a light menu together with snacks, then in case you're interested in live music, they frequently host musicians.

Enjoy a Snowmobile Adventure

Snowmobiling has great popularity in the New Hampshire area, featuring over 7000 trails throughout the state that extend into Canada and link to all of New England.

If you're a seasoned snowmobiler, you will find many locations in the nearby North Conway region to rent snowmobiles.

However, if you desire a guided experience or are a beginner in the sport, look into Northern Extreme Snowmobiling, offering tours from Bretton Woods and Bartlett (near North Conway).

These tour companies offer an adrenaline-filled experience in the stunning White Mountains, accompanied by the guidance and safety of professional guides.

Have Fun at Cathedral Ledge

This place offers the finest viewpoint in North Conway.

One mile-long roadway leads you upward until you arrive at its peak, where you may stop and stroll to the brink.

Here you will be awarded with breathtaking views throughout the spectacular White Mountains.

You will observe the Echo Lake, Saco River Valley, the White Mountains, and additional scenery from above.

Visiting this place is free and definitely worthwhile for its incredible scenery.

It takes about 20 minutes to appreciate the Cathedral Ledge Summit's beauty.

The majority of individuals drive to this 700-foot cliff summit, though there exist hiking paths that ascend to the peak, and even some people climb rocks to reach it.

Note that Cathedral Ledge can be visited for free and is one of North Conway's top free activities, although they do request donations.

This place is almost adjacent to the Echo Lake Park and located close to Diana’s Baths, making all three attractions complement each other nicely.

Relax on Saco River

In case you're planning to visit North Conway in the summer, relax in the inner tube atop Saco River.

This is a calming way to pause from hiking even and enjoy your day, and it's enjoyable for everyone.

The Saco Tubing Center located inside North Conway provides a shuttle service to take you up to the river, allowing you to float back to your parked car.

As you drift along the river, you may stop at one of the various beaches for picnics and a swim, or you might even discover a couple of rope swings.

Note that few route choices are available here.

The routes consist of a one-mile journey lasting one to three hours, a trip of 3 miles featuring minor rapids, a full-day 5-mile floating adventure, and several additional choices.

Explore Diana’s Baths

This spot consists of several waterfalls and pools situated in the White Mountains National Forest in the Bartlett area near North Conway.

A brief, level 15-minute hike through the woods will lead you straight to this open-air play area, where stones and flowing water come together to create numerous swimming locations.

Absolutely, swimming is permitted inside Diana’s Baths, and during the summer, it's part of the top spots to refresh close to North Conway.

The swimming here resembles wading or lounging but just make sure to remain careful, as the stones can be slick.

Even, Diana’s Baths is among North Conway's top activities to enjoy with children, but be sure to watch over them.

Note that there are only restroom facilities in their parking area, though it will be a wonderful place to have a picnic.

Since Diana’s Baths is located within the White Mountains National Forest, you must pay $5 daily for the parking permit.

Ensure you carry cash and place the fee inside an envelope at the location.

Try Out a Moose Excursion

For an unforgettable New Hampshire adventure, take a moose tour.

Indeed, moose can be found in NH, but you need to venture into their Great North Woods to explore the types of secluded places that moose prefer.

Situated locally in the North Conway region, MWV Moose Tour operates from May until Columbus Day, beginning at 8 pm and concluding around midnight.

Here, you'll board a bus to search for moose at all the prime locations.

The likelihood of spotting a moose stands at 94% until August, after which it starts to decline.

Then, another excellent choice is the Gorham Moose Tours, located approximately a drive of 40 minutes from the North Conway area.

Their bus tours have a duration of three to four hours and operate from late May until September end.

The likelihood of spotting a moose ranges from 92% to 96% and the cost for every passenger is $35.

Although Gorham Moose is outside of North Conway, it is actually beneficial because you use less time driving to view moose.

Journey on Conway Scenic Railway

This railroad offers one of America’s most picturesque train journeys and is arguably the finest way to see New Hampshire's autumn leaves.

Trains here operate throughout the year and are a worthwhile journey in every season, and autumn colors add a unique charm.

Note that you can select from three distinct trains.

Conway Valley trip takes 55 minutes for the round-trip. It's a traditional countryside train journey.

The price for a coach is 18 dollars for children between the ages of 4 and 12 and 24 dollars for adults.

Then, the journey along Sawyer River will lead you through Saco River Valley straight to either Sawyer River or Bartlett.

This round trip takes two hours and is priced at 54 dollars for adults and 37 dollars for kids.

Lastly, the Mountaineer offers the most comprehensive choice and will guide you along a picturesque path through Crawford Notch and Mount Washington Valley.

The train features vintage passenger cars from the 1950s to offer an in-depth experience.

Its duration is about 5 hours, with a price of 52 dollars for children and 75 dollars for adults.

Note that if you plan to experience the railroad during the autumn leaf season, make your reservation as soon as possible because it usually sells out rapidly.

Have Fun at Echo Lake Park

This North Conway park is a beautiful place for a peaceful outing close to North Conway.

There are 2 distinct Echo Lakes inside the White Mountains and the one I'm talking about isn't the one located near Franconia's Artist’s Bluff.

This particular state park serves as a day trip location, and numerous guests arrive to picnic and enjoy swimming inside the lake.

During the off-summer months, not many people swim, allowing you to appreciate the nearby cliffs's smooth reflections.

One could claim that the simplest hike in this White Mountains remains the trail around the Echo Lake — it takes roughly 10 minutes on a flat path.

If you have small children, this is a great place to introduce them to hiking with minimal risk.

Note that parking availability is restricted though you can book in advance, which I highly suggest, particularly on summer weekends.