Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into PWM, drive to Conway
1 h 32 min drive60 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
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.
Your route
PWM
Portland International Jetport
Conway
About 1 h 32 min · 60 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to PWM
Compare fares into Portland International Jetport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at PWM
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Conway. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at PWM
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Conway
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – October
Your route
Day 1 · Scenic Byways and River Bends
Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) → Albany Covered Bridge
Day 2 · Cascades and Granite Ledges
Diana’s Baths → Echo Lake State Park
Day 3 · Historic Rails and Valley Views
Conway Scenic Railroad → Saco River
Viator
Tours & experiences near Conway
Explore guided activities around Conway. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Conway
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Sunny outdoor stops
Cooling Neck Gaiter
A light neck covering for sunny walks; use alongside sunscreen, not instead of it.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional 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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Conway?
Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from PWM to Conway?
Roughly 1 h 32 min (about 60 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Conway?
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.
