Ways to explore the White Mountains National Forest

You don’t have to be an outdoor adventure enthusiast to explore White Mountains National Forest. The massive park offers something for most everyone.

1. Hiking trails. The vast White Mountains National Forest includes more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails. You’ll find trails of all lengths and designed for all skill levels. White Mountains National Forest also includes more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. In addition, the White Mountains are noted for their alpine huts for overnight hikers.

2. Scenic drives. You can enjoy the scenic wonders of the White Mountains by car as well as on foot. The forest offers a number of interesting drives, the majority of which are beautiful in all four seasons. Chief among these is the 34-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway that bisects the heart of the park along State Route 112. This byway has been ranked as one of the best drives in the United States for viewing fall foliage.

3. Climbing. The White Mountains include Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States, as well as many smaller peaks. Climbing these mountains draws enthusiasts from all over the world.

4. Skiing. Winter is also enjoyable in the White Mountains. The area offers five separate ski areas. Omni Mount Washington Resort has more than 100 trails and an elevation of 3,100 feet. Attitash Mountain Resort has 70 trails as well as a unique winter roller coaster that whips around the mountain at speeds of up to 20 mph. In total, there are more than 300 downhill ski trails in the White Mountains as well as 270 miles of cross country trails.

5. Other mountain adventures. Hiking, driving and climbing aren’t the only ways to enjoy the White Mountains of east-central New Hampshire. The area offers excellent fishing in the forest’s many lakes, rivers, streams and ponds; picnicking; boating and swimming in several alpine lakes; hunting and searching for rocks and minerals. In addition to skiing, winter activities include snowboarding, winter climbing, ice skating and cozy sleigh rides over the frozen landscape.

Enjoy the North Conway area at Stonehurst Manor

Stonehurst Manor, located north of North Conway, makes a great base for exploring the White Mountains. Set on 33 private acres, our elegant, European-style inn combines the friendliness of a bed and breakfast with big-hotel amenities like wireless Internet access and an award-winning restaurant. Choose from well-appointed guest rooms or spacious condos. Our early 20th-century decor and gracious service will make you think you’re staying in a luxury alpine retreat.

North Conway Area Golf Courses
East-central New Hampshire offers a variety of challenging, scenic and historic golf courses, both 18-hole and 9-hole courses. A few of the best of these include:

• Androscoggin Valley Club – This 18-hole, public golf course, located in Gorham NH, opened in 1922. The par-70 course, designed by Alex Chisholm, offers 6,110 yards of golf.

• Bridgton Highlands Country Club – Bridgton Highlands is an 18 hole, 6,069-yard, public course, located in Bridgton, in southwestern Maine, about 20 miles from North Conway.

• Hales Location Country Club – The 9-hole course at Hales Location, New Hampshire has been called “one of the most unique and beautiful golf developments in the United States” by Golf magazine. The 3,025-yard course, located about five miles west of North Conway, opened in 1990.

• Omni Mount Washington Golf Club – The 18-hole course at the Mount Washington Golf Club, located in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, opened in 1915, making it one of the first courses in the area. The par 72, 7,004-yard course boasts spectacular views of the Presidential Mountain Range.

• North Conway Country Club – The original nine holes of this historic course, located in the heart of North Conway, first opened in 1895. Today, the entire par-71, 6,281-yard, PGA Championship 18-hole course, lies along the Saco River and is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.

• Province Lake Golf Club – Located just across the New Hampshire/Maine border in Effingham, Maine, Province Lake Golf Club offers 18 holes with views of the lake and the surrounding woods. The par-71, 6,372-yard course opened in 1915.

• Indian Mound Golf Club – Called “New Hampshire’s friendliest golf course,” Indian Mound Golf Club is located in Ossippe, New Hampshire, about 20 miles south of North Conway. The 18-hole, 5,675-yard course first opened in 1968.

• Waumbek Golf Club – Located about 30 miles northwest of North Conway in Jefferson, New Hampshire, the 18-hole, par-71, 5,874-yard Waumbek Golf Club course offers some of the best views of any golf course in New England.

Golf Packages at Stonehurst Manor
The elegant European-style Stonehurst Manor, located on 33-acres just north of North Conway, offers a mid-week stay and play golf package, good from now until June 30, 2013 and again from September 15 until the golf courses close for the season. The package includes a choice of accommodations, full breakfast and dinner for two persons and two rounds of golf at your choice of ten area golf courses. Prices start at $206 for two persons ($236 during fall foliage season.)

Stonehurst Manor combines gracious service and well-appointed guest rooms to create the ambiance of a European-style mountain retreat. Amenities include an award-winning restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool with a view of the White Mountains, and an outdoor gazebo in the manicured gardens.

Mr. Bigelow, a beautiful white cat, adopted the Stonehurst Manor years ago and is now a permanent resident and frequent front door greeter. When you arrive for your stay, be sure to toss a few coins into the Mr. Bigelow Memorial Wishing Well in the patio dining room. Each year over $1000 is collected and donated to the Rozzie May Animal Alliance.

For a nominal extra $25 per night fee to cover cleaning and costs, the Stonehurst will spoil your pet with raised food and water bowls and pet treats (pending your approval of course!). Additional local services are also available upon request, including dog walking, pet sitting and grooming. The hotel manager will be happy to guide your choices.

With a plethora of local pet friendly places and events, don’t feel like you have to leave your pet behind while you enjoy the sites. Take your pooch along on some of these fine adventures.

The Conway Scenic Railroad, which runs through spring and summer, welcomes your well-behaved leashed pet. Take the rails to Conway or Bartlett as your pet enjoys the passing view through the window.

While you’re waiting for your train to depart, visit Schouler Park, located directly in front of the station. Drop into nearby Four Your Paws Only pet store and pick up some treats from their gourmet doggie bakery. If you’re longing for your own treat, The Met Coffee House will satisfy the strongest caffeine cravings. You’ll find treats for your canine buddy here as well.

Don’t miss a chance to explore breathtaking Echo Lake with your furry pal as long as it’s off-season or very early morning. A winding trail provides a scenic backdrop while you and your dog enjoy some exercise. From here you can view majestic Cathedral Ledge, an attraction that defies adequate description.

For your shopping pleasure, tour Settlers’ Green Outlet Village in North Conway. Many shops are pet-friendly and they announce themselves with a sticker on the front door. As you make your way around the tax-free stores, you’ll notice pet waste dispensers handily located throughout.

If a more thrilling experience is desired, try out the Wildcat Gondola ride on Wildcat Mountain. Your leashed pet is also welcome to enjoy the views from above with your paid fare. You’ll need to judge ahead of time if your pet’s demeanor is calm enough to remain relaxed during the ride.

Next time you come to North Conway, don’t leave your pet behind in a kennel. Bring your pet along to Stonehurst Manor while you enjoy pet-friendly accommodations and a wide choice of activities for you and your best friend to enjoy together.

North Conway Hotels

The North Conway area offers a myriad of hotels, each with its own charm and appeal. You’ll find few modern chain hotels here. The hotels in this corner of the world are one-of-a-kind properties, most of which are locally owned and managed.

One of the most elegant and comfortable hotels in the area is Stonehurst Manor, a European-style boutique hotel set on 33 acres. Stonehurst Manor combines the style and coziness of a bed and breakfast inn with the gracious service and amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel. Choose from guest rooms or condos, with such amenities as Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces.

Entertainment in North Conway

You won’t be bored during a visit to North Conway. The region offers a wide variety of activities, no matter what time of year you visit.

• Summer outdoor activities – Summer brings a wealth of outdoor activities to the North Conway area, including hiking and biking, kayaking, fly-fishing, rock climbing, horseback riding and golf.

• Winter outdoor activities – Skiing predominates winter activities in east-central New Hampshire–both downhill and cross-country skiing. You can also enjoy ice skating, snow boarding, winter horseback riding and romantic sleight rides through the frozen landscape.

• Shopping – Shopping in North Conway includes antique stores, book sellers and art galleries as well as a weekly farmers’ market and several sporting goods stores. The region is also home to more than 50 factory outlet stores, including Coach, Brooks Brothers and Banana Republic.

• Sightseeing – The North Conway area is home to a photogenic collection of historic covered bridges, some of the most beautiful leaf displays in New England and the restored Conway Scenic Railroad as well as the MWV Children’s Museum.

North Conway Restaurants

NorthConwayRestaurant-Salmon

NorthConwayRestaurants-Chicken

NorthConwayRestaurants-ChocolateCake

NorthConwayRestaurants-CrabCakes2

NorthConwayRestaurants-CremeBrulee2

NorthConwayRestaurants-Filet

NorthConwayRestaurants-Fish

NorthConwayRestaurants-FrenchOnionSoup

NorthConwayRestaurants-Mussels_Sizzle

NorthConwayRestaurants-Mussels3

NorthConwayRestaurants-PizzaandBeer

NorthConwayRestaurants-PizzaandBeer2

NorthConwayRestaurants-Pork

NorthConwayRestaurants-Scallops

NorthConwayRestaurants-Seafood

NorthConwayRestaurants-Steak

NorthConwayRestaurants-Stew3

NorthConwayRestaurants-Tuna3

The North Conway area offers more than 100 restaurants, most of which are locally-owned and make good use of the abundant produce, dairy products and game that comes from east-central New Hampshire.

• Fine dining – One of the most elegant and romantic dining rooms in the area is located at Stonehurst Manor. The award-winning menu makes excellent use of local ingredients for breakfast and dinner.

• Family restaurants – North Conway’s casual restaurants include the Muddy Moose, a rustic eatery that specializes in ribs and wings.

• Unique dining – North Conway also offers a number of unique dining opportunities, such as having dinner in the restored vintage dining car of the Conway Scenic Railroad, while its travels through the scenic New Hampshire landscape.

If you’re looking for a vacation destination this season that offers something for everyone in the family, that’s friendly and uncrowded, that features beautiful scenery and abundant fresh local food, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the North Conway region of New Hampshire.

Fall – Fall in North Conway brings a bright palette of rusts, yellows, oranges and reds. The air is crisp, ideal for hiking or rock climbing in and around the 7,000-acre White Mountain National Park. Autumn is also an ideal time to photograph the region’s many historic covered bridges or to explore the varied art galleries, antique shops and bookstores in and around North Conway. Local fall cuisine makes good use of the fall season’s abundant apple and pumpkin harvest.

Spring – Spring is full of wildflowers, warm days and promise in North Conway. It also brings to start of fishing season in the areas rivers and streams. North Conway’s four golf courses open in late April or May, depending on the weather, and offer challenging fairways and greens amidst rugged mountain scenery.

Summer – Summer is the season to enjoy hiking, climbing, kayaking and fishing in North Conway. It’s also time to browse antique markets, pick up some local produce at the weekly farmers’ market and enjoy a meal al fresco at one of the North Conway area’s nearly 100 restaurants. Culture abounds in North Conway during the summer. You’ll find outdoor concerts, craft fairs and juried art shows.

Winter– Don’t think that winter is boring in North Conway. The snowy season brings downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding and romantic sleigh rides. There’s also ice skating, snowmobiling and even winter horseback riding through the stark, but lovely landscape. February brings the annual chocolate festival, a chance to savor local delicacies while visiting the area’s enchanting inns. On those days when the weather is inclement, don’t worry; there are many indoor activities you can enjoy in North Conway, like shopping the more than 200 outlet shops and visiting the New England Ski Museum.

Some attractions, such as the Conway Scenic Railroad, are enjoyable no matter what time year you visit. This restored vintage train snakes its way around the New Hampshire landscape for leisurely rides in the country, leaf peeping and even visits with Santa during the holiday season.

Stonehurst Manor, a boutique hotel set on 33 acres near White Mountains National Park, makes a great base for exploring all of the year-round wonders North Conway and east-central New Hampshire have to offer. Our stylish, early 20th century decor will make you think you’re in a European mountain hideaway retreat and our gracious service will make you feel like you’re part of our family.

1. Champney Falls Trail

Distance: 2.8 miles

This is an excellent half-day hike that starts near the Kancamagus Highway and immediately crosses Twin Brook. The trail then veers right and passes the intersection of the Bolles Trail. The Champney Falls Trail was once a logging road, so it’s wide with a moderate grade. It’s also a favorite with snowshoers. It parallels much of Champney Brook, so you’ll get to enjoy both Pitcher Falls and Champney Falls.

2. South Moat Trail

Distance: 6 miles

South Moat Trail has fantastic views in every direction. It is an easy to moderate family hike with a just few steep segments. The summit of South Moat Mountain has an elevation 2,749 feet. There will be a bit of ledge navigation at the higher elevations, but nothing too treacherous. The trail is located within the beautiful White Mountains, and ledges on the south face and the summit offer exceptional views of the White Mountains in every direction.

3. Boulder Loop Trail

Distance: 3 miles

The Boulder Loop Trail is near Albany, NH and is both a popular summer and autumn hike as well as an excellent winter snowshoeing trail. The hiker or snowshoer will be rewarded with incredible views above the Passaconaway Valley. The effort level is moderate and the payoff in terms of scenery is high.

4. Sabbaday Falls Trail

Distance: 1 mile

This hike is short, sweet and refreshing. A lovely little waterfall can be enjoyed about 1/2 mile from the Kancamagus highway. It’s great for hikers of all ages and offers benches along the trail if you need to stop and rest. There’s a mini loop above the falls that’s outfitted with wooden rails for safety.

5. Mount Kearsarge North

Distance: 6 miles

This is a moderate but enjoyable hike with just a few challenging sections. It’s fine for older kids, but make sure they are energized! You’ll enjoy outstanding views on this trail of both New Hampshire and Maine.

When it comes to NH hiking and outdoor fun, North Conway is a premier NH vacation destination. Whether you camp or stay in one of the North Conway condos, you’ll have easy access to many trail heads. Stonehurst Manor is one of the top North Conway condos in the area. A full breakfast and dinner is included with each reservation at Stonehurst Manor. They offer the very best in modern amenities for short or extended stays. Contact Stonehurst Manor for more details.

1. Outdoor pool and Jacuzzi hot tub

The White Mountains offer breathtaking year round views. There is no sensible reason to miss out on such scenic beauty at any time of year. The Stonehurst Manor in North Conway has a gorgeous and inviting heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi with open mountain range views to enjoy during warmer months.

2. Easy access to the slopes

From the Stonehurst Manor, you’ll be able to easily reach Cranmore Mountain ski resort, where you can go tubing with your youngsters or have a friendly downhill race with your spouse. Cranmore Mountain is a short drive from Stonehurt Manor.

3. Proximity to activities for all ages

North Conway has activities that are suitable for young and old. At the Stonehurst Manor, your premier White Mountain private mansion experience, will include helpful information about all the nearby activities that you and your family can enjoy. In colder months, enjoy local cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating and sleigh rides. In summer, visit seasonal outdoor fairs and take advantage of tax-free shopping at the hundreds of local outlet stores.

4. Personal attention

There is no need to compromise on service when staying at the Stonehurst Manor. Personal attention is something you won’t get at the big corporate hotel chains. Every staff member at the Stonehurst Manor puts your comfort and service above all else. Expect to be addressed by name and a friendly smile.

5. Private outdoor space

With a region so expansive as the White Mountains, you should expect to have some gorgeous outdoor space available for your use. The Stonehurst Manor in North Conway has a relaxing gazebo area that you are free to use as if it were in your own personal backyard. Visit the gazebo to get some quiet time or have a private conversation. You can even bring out a light lunch and cocktail for an impromptu romantic picnic with your loved one.

When you choose a place to stay in the White Mountains, make sure you are getting all that you deserve. The Stonehurst Manor in North Conway gives you a premier White Mountain private mansion experience that you will never forget.