Conway
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Conway

A historic gateway to the rugged peaks and scenic valleys of the White Mountain National Forest.

Arrival airport
PWM
Airport drive
1 h 32 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–3 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
A standard sedan is sufficient for the Kancamagus, but an AWD may be preferred for gravel forest roads; check rental contracts for unpaved road exclusions.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Conway

Know before you go

Recreation Pass Requirements

Self-service fee tubes are available at most National Forest trailheads like Rocky Gorge. Ensure your pass is visible on the dashboard to avoid citations in these designated areas.

White Mountain Dead Zones

Cellular service is notoriously unreliable once you enter the Kancamagus Highway or high-elevation notches. Download offline navigation and trail maps before leaving the town of Conway.

Gateway Supply Logic

Conway serves as the final major hub for fuel and groceries before heading west into the National Forest. Top off your tank here to ensure enough fuel for mountain passes and back-road exploration.

Autumn Foliage Congestion

During peak leaf-peeping season in October, travel times through North Conway can double. Allow significant extra time for the main artery roads and plan for early arrivals at popular trailheads.

Seasonal Road Closures

While Route 112 is generally plowed, many side roads and forest service access points close with the first snow. Check the Forest Service road status map if traveling between November and May.

Check current conditions:White Mountain National Forest

2RVs, campervans & cars near PWM

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Air Transat (3647835069) (2).jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to PWM

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at PWM
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at PWM

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at PWM
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at PWM
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at PWM

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at PWM
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Conway

  1. 01

    Scenic Byways and River Bends

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from North Conway

    • Kancamagus Highway (Route 112)

      Drive this 34-mile National Scenic Byway to view the Swift River and granite peaks from the Hancock Overlook.

    • Albany Covered Bridge

      Visit this 19th-century timber bridge for a classic New England aesthetic and access to nearby forest trails.

    Allow 2-3 hours for the full loop; conditions vary by season

    There are no gas stations or services along the 34-mile Kancamagus stretch.

    Pick up your vehicle at PWM →
  2. 02

    Cascades and Granite Ledges

    Suggested: 9 AM from West Conway

    • Diana’s Baths

      Walk the 0.6-mile flat trail to explore a series of natural potholes and cascading waterfalls in the woods.

    • Echo Lake State Park

      Swim in the clear waters at the base of White Horse Ledge or drive to the summit of Cathedral Ledge for valley views.

    Local transfers under 30 minutes; allow for parking delays

    Diana's Baths parking frequently reaches capacity; have a secondary trailhead planned.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Historic Rails and Valley Views

    Suggested: 10 AM at the Conway Scenic Railroad

    • Conway Scenic Railroad

      Depart from the 1874 Victorian station for a vintage train excursion through the Mount Washington Valley.

    • Saco River

      Launch a canoe or tube for a gentle float through the floodplain forests surrounding the town.

    Minimal driving; walking between downtown sites is common

    Train schedules vary by season; check official departures for the Crawford Notch vs. Valley routes.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

Regional Parking Passes Required for National Forest Access

Conway is the gateway to the White Mountain National Forest; while town entry is free, specific sites like Diana's Baths require a daily recreation pass or an Interagency pass displayed in your vehicle. Private glamping and lodge bookings are independent of forest access and should be secured months in advance for autumn. Always verify the latest fee stations and pass requirements with the U.S. Forest Service before arrival.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

PWMConway

Portland International Jetport · 1 h 32 min drive

Find flights to PWM

Plan your road trip

From Portland International Jetport

1 h 32 min

about 60 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Conway on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Conway on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Conway

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Conway

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Conway

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Conway

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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