In the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, between the Twin and Bartlett Mountains, lies Crawford Notch State Park. Spread out over nearly 6,000 acres, it’s crisscrossed by a network of trails that lead hikers to a variety of waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and boulder-strewn swimming holes. Fishing and swimming are both possible in the misleadingly named Dry River and, if you’re hankering for a bit of ghostly history, you can also pay a visit to the Willey House, site of an 1826 landslide that claimed the lives of nine homesteaders. Camping is confined to Dry River Campground, which is open from late April through late October and has 36 wooded sites. 

1. Reservations must be made one day ahead of arrival during the main season. In early spring and late fall, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone, up to 11 months in advance.
3. Be sure of your dates before booking. A steep cancellation fee is charged for cancellations made less than six days prior to arrival (on top of a non-refundable reservation fee).

Summer is the busiest season at Crawford Notch, with many visitors arriving to cool off in the river. If visiting in summer, it’s a good idea to make camping reservations well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Fall offers spectacular scenery as the leaves turn and is ideal for hiking. Winter also has plenty of appeal, as the hiking trails transform into snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails.

• There is a fee to enter the park. In the off season, when the entrance is unstaffed, use the self-service iron ranger.
• You’ll find well-stocked grocery stores within a 30-minute drive in Barlett and North Conway.
• Leashed pets are welcome everywhere, except the Willey House