The Best Towns for Outdoor Living: North Conway NH

Mount Washington in the background

Mount Washington in the background

A hole-in-the-wall kind of town that gets overrun by tourists during the summer months, but for those lucky few who can call it home, North Conway NH is one of the best choices for the low-key outdoor lover.  It is the gateway to the White Mountains, and with beautiful granite climbs, mountain biking trails for days and even a few ski mountains, North Conway provides a pursuit well within the budget of most outdoors-folk.

Cathedral Ledge from afar

Cathedral Ledge from afar

The climbs on Cathedral Ledge and nearby White Horse Ledge provide a lifetime worth of projects for both the novice and the advanced climber.  Countless granite slabs surround the area and provide adrenaline to the most extreme.  Rick Wilcox, the owner of International Mountain Equipment can hook you up with all the gear you could ever need, or not need!  There is even a consignment store in the basement where this author has spent countless hours and enough money to pay his way through college.

waterfall

Mountain bike trails lead throughout the eastern side of Conway, where a biker can literally bike for hours without the need for road travel.  Waterfalls galore on easy four-tracks, down to single tracks, everyone in the family can be entertained on a nice ride through the woods of the Northeast.  The guys at Joe Jones can provide insight and outfit you with the right ride.  Not to mention, the hiking in the nearby presidential range can test anyone who wants to try their mountain legs.

The Presidential Range

The Presidential Range

 

The Appalachian Mountain Club, provides hotel-like accommodations, meals and services to hikers looking to make a several day trip through the presidential range.  Here you can kick back, rest and have a 4 course meal provided for you by hard-working college graduates.  There are also naturalists from around the East Coast to provide insight into the flora and fauna of the are for you and the kids.  The whole crew will keep you entertained during dinner, and depending on the capacity and reservations, you may be able to tell stories of the good old days with other hikers late into the evening.

Presidential Traverse

Presidential Traverse

The beauties of the mountains are at no loss in New Hampshire along the Presidential Range.    A challenge to any hiker, the Presidential Traverse will bring out your inner mountain man or woman.  Here are some smart tips for the area surrounding Mount Washington.

  • Bring Layers and Rain Gear: It can get COLD and WET, FAST in the White Mountains.  Don’t forget this gear at home, or you could be seriously hurt or injured.
  • Bring plenty of food.  You will be hiking at up to over 6200 feet!  This begins at 0.  An increase of 6200 feet over 5-6 miles is a HUGE amount of incline so come prepared with good food.
  • Tell your friends where you’re going and hike with a buddy.  Your mom will thank you.
  • Don’t forget the descent!  This can be the most challenging part of the hike!  You are already at the summit, achieved your glory, but don’t forget your focus on the way down.. this is where a lot of people get hurt.
  • Have FUN, that is what life in the woods is all about

overgrowth

If you’re feeling a little less adventurous, there are lovely day hikes around, and summer activities at the ski areas to keep your adrenaline.  Cranmoor ski area has roller coasters, yoga studios and a ropes course to keep you active and engaged.  There are zip lines at Wildcatand bouncing castles, alpine slides and a really good bar.

Wildcat Zip Line

Wildcat Zip Line

If you’re really tired from all that zip-lining…or bar stooling, there is even a Cog Railroad to the top of Mount Washington to haul yourself and family up to the peak.

Mt. Washington Rail

Mt. Washington Rail

This attractive little town isn’t just on the verge of every summer adventurer’s tick list… there is also a series of great east coast ski mountains in the area.  Cranmoor, Wildcat and the ever famous alpine touring must-do Tuckerman’s Ravine, provide countless adventures for the winter season… can’t wait for the snow!

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