Echo Lake State Park is a popular spot for family recreation. It features a scenic trail surrounding the lake, as well as hiking and rock climbing amenities to White Horse and Cathedral ledges. The view from the top of the Cathedral ledge overlooking the Saco River Valley is mind-blowing. Some of the popular activities in this park include fishing, hiking, swimming and boating (boats without motors). It is a favorite outdoor recreation destination among locals and tourists a like.
Cranmore Mountain Resort is a ski area in winter and an adventure park in summer. This resort was founded by a local businessman named Harvey Gibson in the year 1937. There are over 200 acres (80 hectares) of terrain and has 54 trails serviced by 9 lifts across different levels of ability. This resort operates as an adventure park in the summer months. Activities like zip lines, summer tubing, bungy trampoline and hiking are carried here during that time of the year. Over the year, this resort has undergone a lot of refurbishment and improvements. It is a popular recreational ground for locals as well as tourists in North Conway.
Kahuna Laguna is set inside the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort. This water park features water slides, a wave pool, an adventure tower, a hot tub for 25 people, an arcade zone and a cafe. Some of the popular attractions of the park include 3-Story Water Slide Tower, Wiki Wave Pool, Aquabrella, Kahuna Basketball Court, Bamboo Bay Adventure Center and many more. This fun-filled place is an ideal spot to enjoy with family and friends.
Embark on a historic tour on the Conway Scenic Railroad to get acquainted with the unique culture and enchanting natural beauty of North Conway. This heritage railway operates from the North Conway station between two historic routes, one terminating at Conway, and the other at Fabyan. The main terminal, the North Conway station, is located in the historic downtown area and is housed in an awe-inspiring building that is a part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Kancamagus Highway is the scenic eastern strip of the New Hampshire Route 112 and is popular for long drives. This road strip stretches through the White Mountain National Forest for 32 miles (51 kilometers), along the banks of the river Swift. The path is flanked by tall coniferous trees with the river flowing softly on one side and bluish mountains yonder. In spring, the trees wear a fresh look, but during autumn the landscape breaks into myriad shades of yellow, orange, red and brown, bathing the entire region in breathtaking natural beauty. The river bed contains plenty of rocks and pure white sand and one can see numerous waterfalls and bridges while driving through this path. September to November is the best time to hike, cycle or bike through the road.
Take a challenging hike or drive to the top of Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire. This attraction is set at a height of 700 feet (213 meters). Overlooking the White Mountains and Saco River Valley, the top boasts of spectacular views of the Echo Lake and the verdant woodlands. This attraction is a popular picnic spot among families. Here you can even indulge in rock climbing activities along the White Horse ledge. Cathedral Ledge is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Located in the region of White Mountains, the Saco River Bridge was built in 1850 by Jacob Berry and Peter Paddleford after the collapse of a makeshift log bridge at the site. The covered portion of the bridge is 224'9'' (68.54 meters) and consists for two spans. It is 30'4'' (9.26 meters) wide with a roadway width of 18'3'' (5.57 meters). In 1869, the Saco River Bridge too collapsed when the Swift River crashed into it. After being rebuilt by Allen and Warren Conway it was destroyed again by the tannery fire in 1890. The current bridge was built by Charles Broughton and his son Frank.
Glen Ellis Falls in New Hampshire can be reached through a fairly easy hike from the trailhead off Route 16. Helpful signs along the trail leads you to this delightful gusher that cascades down rugged cliffs in multiple dramatic drops. There is also a lookout point near the falls that offers spectacular vistas of the amber-hued foliage, especially during the autumn season. On summer days, reaching the waterfalls after hike is highly rewarding, owing to the crystal-clear waters and cool air.
Nestled amid the picturesque White Mountains, Franconia Falls beckon outdoor enthusiasts over to bask in the beauty of their natural surroundings. Featuring rocky slabs through which water cascades down to meet a pristine pool, the falls and their location render them a great option for those looking to unwind amid serene and scenic locales. The falls are especially known for their waterslides.