
Crawford Notch State Park
A majestic valley in the White Mountains, offering stunning waterfalls, scenic drives, and hiking trails with breathtaking vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, vibrant colors

Crawford Notch State Park
Best Time
Crisp air, vibrant colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic valley in the White Mountains, offering stunning waterfalls, scenic drives, and hiking trails with breathtaking vistas.
"The landscape here is so beautiful. Driving through the notch is a humbling experience."

🚗 Plan your scenic drive stops
Research key viewpoints like Arethusa Falls or Frankenstein Trestle beforehand to make the most of your drive.
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be uneven and rocky, especially to waterfalls. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Arethusa Falls & Bemis Brook Trail
Off Route 302
Hike to New Hampshire's tallest waterfall, a majestic cascade surrounded by lush forest. The trail is well-maintained and rewarding.

Silver Cascade
Along Route 302
A beautiful roadside waterfall easily accessible from the highway, offering a quick and stunning natural spectacle.

Frankenstein Trestle
Near Frankenstein Cliff
An iconic historic railway trestle offering dramatic views and a glimpse into the region's past. Great for photography.

Scenic Drive along Route 302
Crawford Notch State Park
The entire drive through the park is a highlight, with breathtaking mountain vistas, cliffs, and fall colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Foliage
Navigating the Notch: Plan Your Stops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Plan your scenic drive stops
Research key viewpoints like Arethusa Falls or Frankenstein Trestle beforehand to make the most of your drive.
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be uneven and rocky, especially to waterfalls. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📸 Capture the fall colors
The autumn foliage is spectacular! Visit during peak season for the most vibrant and breathtaking scenery.
💧 Check waterfall flow
Waterfalls are most impressive after rain. Visit in spring or after significant rainfall for fuller cascades.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Plan your scenic drive stops
Research key viewpoints like Arethusa Falls or Frankenstein Trestle beforehand to make the most of your drive.
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails can be uneven and rocky, especially to waterfalls. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.
📸 Capture the fall colors
The autumn foliage is spectacular! Visit during peak season for the most vibrant and breathtaking scenery.
💧 Check waterfall flow
Waterfalls are most impressive after rain. Visit in spring or after significant rainfall for fuller cascades.
🗺️ Get a park map
While driving is scenic, a map helps identify specific trails and points of interest you might otherwise miss.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Crawford Notch State Park for its majestic valley, humbling landscapes, and beautiful hiking trails. Many consider it a must-stop location for its stunning natural beauty and the awe-inspiring feeling of being in the mountains. Some note that it's easy to miss sights while driving and recommend planning stops in advance.
"Beautiful state park in a majestic valley. Wish we could spent more time here to wander the trails. Hope we can come back when there is more water and the falls are flowing."
J. S.
"A must stop for me every time I am in NH. The landscape here is so beautiful. Driving through the notch is a humbling experience. It kind of make you feel small in the larger picture. I love this place!"
Mike Morrisey
"There are so many wonderful places to hike in New Hampshire! Goregous park, easy to follow trails. Long, mild, hike well worth the views! Great place to bring a lunch and relax at the top."
Chrishell Kenyon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crawford Notch State Park is primarily accessed via Route 302, which runs directly through the park. It's located between North Conway and Twin Mountain, New Hampshire. Many visitors drive through as part of a larger scenic tour of the White Mountains.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Crawford Notch State Park. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if you are traveling with others.
Driving Route 302 is the most popular way to experience the park's highlights, with numerous pull-offs for viewpoints and trailheads. For a more immersive experience, explore the hiking trails.
Yes, there are designated parking areas at various trailheads and wayside areas throughout the park, such as at Arethusa Falls. Some can fill up quickly during peak season.
Route 302 is generally open year-round, but conditions can be challenging in winter. Always check road conditions and be prepared for snow and ice if visiting during colder months.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Crawford Notch State Park does not typically charge an entrance fee for driving through or accessing most roadside viewpoints. However, some specific attractions within state parks might have separate fees or parking charges.
The park itself is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor centers and specific facilities like restrooms at wayside areas have seasonal hours.
No, advance booking is not required for general access to Crawford Notch State Park. It's a public park, and you can visit anytime.
Standard park rules apply, including regulations on camping, fires, and waste disposal. Always check the official New Hampshire State Parks website for the most current information.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekdays, especially outside of peak fall foliage season (late September to mid-October). Early mornings are also generally less busy.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Arethusa Falls and Bemis Brook Trail for waterfalls, and various trails leading to scenic overlooks. For an easier hike with elevation gain, consider trails around 3.1 miles out and back.
Yes, Crawford Notch is famous for its waterfalls, including the impressive Arethusa Falls and the easily accessible Silver Cascade.
You might spot various wildlife native to the White Mountains, such as deer, birds, and smaller mammals. Always observe from a distance and do not feed the animals.
Absolutely! The park offers stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage, making it a photographer's paradise.
Restrooms are available at certain wayside areas and trailheads throughout the park, particularly at major attractions like Arethusa Falls.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include Arethusa Falls, Silver Cascade, the Frankenstein Trestle, and various overlooks along Route 302, especially during fall.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour is particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery and waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or isolating details. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures of waterfalls.
Drone usage is generally restricted in New Hampshire State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest regulations before flying a drone.
Focus on the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Look for compositions that include water features or dramatic landscapes to complement the colors. Consider shooting during the 'golden hour' for the most dramatic effect.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities can be spread out. Consider a picnic lunch at one of the designated wayside areas. The drive itself is engaging, with plenty of 'wow' moments for younger travelers. Remember to keep a close eye on children near water and on trails.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Consider combining your drive through Crawford Notch with the nearby Kancamagus Highway for an extended scenic tour of the White Mountains. Plan your stops in advance to ensure you don't miss key attractions like Arethusa Falls or the Frankenstein Trestle.
📸 Photography Buffs
Aim for the 'golden hour' for the most dramatic lighting. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the grand scale of the mountains, while telephoto lenses can be useful for isolating details or wildlife. Remember to check park regulations regarding drone usage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Chasing Waterfalls: A Guide to Crawford Notch's Cascades
Another easily accessible gem is Silver Cascade, which tumbles down the mountainside right alongside Route 302. This makes it a perfect quick stop for those driving through the notch. For those seeking more adventurous waterfall hikes, exploring lesser-known cascades might require more research and preparation, but the rewards can be immense. Remember that waterfall flow is highly dependent on recent rainfall, so visiting after a good rain will yield the most impressive displays.
When visiting waterfalls, always prioritize safety. Stay on marked trails, be mindful of slippery rocks, and never attempt to climb on wet surfaces. The sound and sight of cascading water are truly a highlight of any visit to Crawford Notch.
The Magic of Fall Foliage in Crawford Notch
The scenic drive along Route 302 becomes an immersive experience as the mountainsides are blanketed in color. Popular viewpoints and pull-offs offer unparalleled opportunities to capture the stunning scenery. For the best photographic opportunities, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – when the light is soft and warm, enhancing the richness of the leaves.
While the fall colors are a major draw, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. To experience the foliage with fewer people, plan your visit for a weekday or arrive early in the morning. The crisp autumn air and the vibrant spectacle make Crawford Notch a must-visit destination for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.
Exploring the Historic Frankenstein Trestle
Visitors can access the trestle via trails that wind through the surrounding landscape. It's a popular spot for photographers and history buffs alike, providing dramatic perspectives of the structure against the backdrop of the White Mountains. The area around the trestle offers scenic views and a sense of the region's past industrial importance.
When visiting the Frankenstein Trestle, wear appropriate footwear as the terrain can be uneven. It's a great location to combine with other nearby attractions in Crawford Notch, offering a different kind of exploration beyond the park's famous waterfalls and scenic drives.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit