Crawford Notch State Park
NileGuide Expert Says:
If you're looking for outdoor adventure, Crawford Notch State Park in the White Mountains should be near the top of your list.
Address:
2057 US Route 302
North Conway, NH 03838
Phone:
603-374-2272
Description:
Tie on those hiking shoes and take to the trails for some of the finest mountain hiking excursions on the East Coast. Crawford Notch State Park features several prominent peaks ready to be conquered. Families with young children and those new to this outdoor activity may want to start with Mt. Willard. Located on Route 302 in Crawford Notch (the trail begins across the railroad tracks from the restored Crawford Notch Train Depot), Mt. Willard is a fairly casual, quick climb to the summit. Although this peak is only 2,800 feet (small compared to most of the local mountains), it offers breathtaking views of Crawford Notch valley. Other local summits worth traversing include Mt. Eisenhower (a fairly non-aggressive hike even though it tops out at 4,700 feet – its domed summit offers 360 degree views of the mighty Presidential Range), Mt. Avalon (at 3,000 plus feet its trail is adjacent to the Mt. Willard trail), and Mt. Tom (its trail branches off from the Mt. Avalon trail to reach 4,000 feet). Nearby Frankenstein Cliffs offer a great scramble for youngsters at a little over 2,000 feet with scenic Arethusa Falls, New Hampshire's largest waterfall, as the reward at the end of the trail.
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