Planning a trip to New Hampshire’s White Mountains to drive the Kancamagus Highway and wondering which side you should stay on? This 34.5-mile scenic highway connects Lincoln and Conway, but choosing the right base can make a big difference in how you experience the White Mountains.
The western side, with Lincoln, Woodstock, and the Franconia area, puts you close to Franconia Notch and many of the region’s popular mountain attractions. On the eastern side, North Conway, Bartlett, and Jackson offer easy access to the Mount Washington Valley, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to do.
So which side is right for you? It depends on what you want to do before and after your Kancamagus drive, how long you’re staying, and which White Mountain attractions you want to explore. I’ve broken down the advantages of each side to help you choose the best base for your trip.
For everything you need to know about driving this iconic scenic drive read my post: Why You Need to Experience the Kancamagus Highway
About This Guide
Choosing where to stay can make a big difference when exploring the White Mountains, especially if the Kancamagus Highway is part of your trip. In this guide, I compare the western and eastern sides of the Kancamagus Highway, including the towns and attractions you’ll find on each side.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer White Mountains vacation, my goal is to help you choose the side—and the town—that makes the most sense for your itinerary.
Be sure to Bookmark this resource so you can easily find it when you are planning your White Mountain visit!
Short on time? Jump to my 5 Question Quiz to find the perfect side for your visit
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Where to stay in the White Mountains
Deciding where to stay when visiting the White Mountains may not be easy with so many options and things to do and see. Even after countless trips, I still debate which side of the Kanc I should stay on every time I plan a visit.
The two most popular towns to stay in are North Conway and Lincoln. Both sit at opposite ends of the Kancamagus Highway with North Conway on the east side (Route 16) and Lincoln on the west (Route 93).
Choosing which side to set up your base camp really comes down to two things:
- The Vibe you are looking for
- What activities you want to do
Keep reading to find out more about each side of the Kancamagus so you can decide where is best to stay for your visit.
Mount Washington Valley
The Mount Washington Valley, on the eastern side of the White Mountains, is made up of 25 towns scattered around Mt. Washington and the Presidential range. There are two passes that run through the mountains, Crawford Notch and Pinkham Notch. Each offer stunning views and plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls.
Generally, the eastern side is a bit more developed with lots of options for restaurants and accommodations. If you’re considering visiting the Mt. Washington Auto Road or the Cog Railway, the eastern side is closer to these attractions.
North Conway/North Conway Village, NH
The North Conway area definitely boasts a more touristy feel than the Western White Mountains. As you travel north through Conway along Route 16, you’ll know you’re in North Conway once you hit the string of hotels, restaurants and Factory Outlet stores.
But don’t despair – as you make your way past this stretch of commercialism, you will soon come to North Conway Village where you begin to experience the quaintness of the town.
In the heart of North Conway Village, you can’t miss the Victorian-era train station where you can take an old fashion train excursion on the Conway Scenic Railroad. Adjacent to the station is Schouler Park, a large green-space where you can picnic and little ones can play.
Take a stroll along the main street and pop into some of the unique shops. Our favorites are Zeb’s General Store and the North Conway 5 and 10 which are a must-visit. You’ll also find some great restaurants, fun pubs, cozy cafes and all sorts of lodging options in the center of the village.
This popular New England Village is surrounded by mountains and just minutes away from the Cranmore Mountain Resort, one of New Hampshire’s most popular ski resorts. In the summer, the resort transforms into an adventure park with a Mountain Coaster, zip lines and mountain bike trails.
Not far from the village is Echo Lake State Park, a secluded picnic area where the lake meets the mountains. One of my absolute favorite places to visit is Cathedral Ledge State Park, a must-see granite ledge with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Cathedral Ledge’s 500-foot granite wall is popular with mountain climbers so if you are lucky, you may get to see some on the way up the ledge.
Best for: Staying in North Conway is best for those who like to be where the action is and have lots of options for restaurants and shopping. North Conway Village is also convenient to many of the popular attractions and hiking trails.
Things to do near North Conway, NH
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a cozy mountain get-away, there’s no shortage of things to do in and around North Conway.
Here are just a few highlights:
- Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad (Village Center)
- Visit Cranmore Mountain and Resort (1 mile)
- Check out the stunning views at Cathedral Ledge State Park (2 miles)
- Explore Echo Lake (2 miles)
- See a waterfall at Diana’s Bath (2.5 mile)
- Go tubing in the Saco River (4.3 miles)
For even more ideas, check out my post: Best Things to Do in North Conway, NH and Why It’s Worth Visiting for the must-see spots.
Where to Stay in North Conway, NH
Eastern Slopes Inn Resort – Located right in the heart of North Conway Village this iconic hotel is within walking distance from all the shops and restaurants. This elegant property has 230 guest rooms and offers plenty of resort amenities.
The Kearsarge Inn – A quaint little B&B located on a side street in the center of North Conway Village.
White Mountain Hotel and Resort – Wonderful resort with golf course, spa and incredible mountain views 10 minutes away from North Conway village.
Jackson, NH
Jackson is a quintessential New England town close to Pinkham Notch which has a romantic ambiance with its iconic “Honeymoon Bridge”, cute B&Bs and stunning mountain views.
Jackson is only 15 minutes away from North Conway Village and is an excellent hub for hiking and exploring the many outdoor sites. Take the loop drive around the town which takes you past the covered bridge, Flossie’s Emporium General Store and the luxurious Wentworth Inn.
Best for: Jackson is best for those looking for a romantic experience or a base close to great hiking and ski trails. Staying in Jackson gives you the quaintness of a small New England town with beautiful mountain views and easy access to all the action in North Conway.
Things to do in Jackson, NH
- Jackson XC Skiing (Town loop)
- Visit Jackson Falls for some amazing views (Off town loop)
- Go skating or on a sleigh ride at Nestlenook Farm ( 1 mile)
- Go Skiing at Black Mountain
For more ideas, check out “A Fantastic Fall Weekend in Jackson, New Hampshire“.
Where to Stay in Jackson, NH
The Wentworth – This elegant hotel has a variety of accommodations from guest rooms, cottages and vacation homes along the Jackson Loop. Recently ranked #8 in Travel & Leisure’s Best New England hotels (2024).
The Inn at Thorn Hill – A luxurious boutique inn with an onsite restaurant and spa. Their rooms are spectacular with in-room jacuzzi and the breakfast was amazing. We wished we tried their dinner options!
The Inn at Jackson – This was a quaint little B&B perched on the corner of Thorn Hill overlooking the village of Jackson with a lovely breakfast.
The Nordic Village Resort – This resort community is set on 165 acres and has spectacular views of the mountains. The condo and townhouse style accommodations have various configurations and rooms and are pet-friendly.
Bartlett – Glen, NH
Located about 10-15 minutes past North Conway Village are the towns of Bartlett and Glen. Bartlett is located on Route 302 and is home to Attitash Mountain. Glen is its neighbor with the beloved Storyland, New England’s iconic amusement park geared towards younger children. While there are several options for restaurants in this area, you won’t have as many choices as you would closer to North Conway.
Best for: The Bartlett-Glen area is best for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of North Conway and don’t mind a 15 minute drive back to North Conway for all the restaurants and shopping. This is a great area if you’re planning on skiing at Attitash or visiting Storyland.
Things to do near Bartlett-Glen, NH:
- Stop by Alpine Garden Winery for a wine tasting (Bartlett)
- Visit the cutest Covered Bridge Gift Shoppe (Bartlett)
- Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Bear Notch Ski Touring (Bartlett)
- Take the little ones to Storyland (Glen)
Where to stay in Bartlett-Glen, NH
Covered Bridge House B&B – This cozy B&B has 5 unique rooms and is located next to the cutest Covered Bridge Gift Shoppe.
Attitash Mountain Village – This place is located at the base of Attitash Mountain and has spacious family suites with kitchen facilities. Unfortunately, the iconic mountain coaster is no longer running.
Insider Tip: Bear Notch Road, which connects the Kancamagus Highway to the town of Bartlett, is closed during the winter months.
Western White Mountains
The Western White Mountains are home to Franconia State Park and several natural wonders, including the Flume Gorge and the Basin. This part of the White Mountains has lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and offers a more remote and quieter experience than the east side.
Lincoln, NH
While Lincoln may be the gateway to the Kancamagus, it portrays a more subdued and low-key atmosphere than North Conway on the east side.
The little town is lined with a few local shops and restaurants. In the center, you’ll find the River Walk Resort and several other larger hotels. The Visitor Center is located across from the Rt. 93 on ramp.
Although this town may be small, it really packs a punch in the adventure area. Loon Mountain Resort offers four season fun with skiing and snowboarding in the winter and outdoor activities such as exhilarating zip-lining and mountain biking in the summer.
You can also take a ride to the summit of Loon Peak on the White Mountain Express – the longest gondola ride where you will see stunning views of the mountains.
Stop by Alpine Adventures in the center of town for more zip-line experiences or book one of the off-road adventures which runs year-round.
While North Conway has the Conway Scenic Railroad, Lincoln has the HoBo Railroad which runs right through the center of town. Step back into a simpler time and take a relaxing 80-minute train ride through the valley and along the banks of the Pemigewasset River.
Not far is Clark’s Bears, a family friendly park where you can watch trained bears perform, take a ride on a steam-powered train and enjoy the rides and museums.
Best for: Lincoln is a great base if you are visiting the Western White Mountain Area. Lincoln’s downtown area is lined with restaurants and local shops but you won’t find the factory outlets and chains that are in North Conway. The quaint North Woodstock area is just a short drive around the corner.
Things to do in Lincoln, NH
- Hop aboard the Hobo Railroad for a scenic train ride (Lincoln Center)
- Have some fun year-round at Loon Mountain Resort (Main Street)
- Go on a Tree-top Canopy Tour at Alpine Adventures (Lincoln Center)
- Visit Lahout’s Ski Shop for some signature sportswear (Lincoln Center)
Where to Stay in Lincoln, NH
Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain – A grand resort with amazing amenities, including onsite restaurant, spa and winery. Recently renovated and expanded in 2024.
Lincoln Log Cabins – If you loved Lincoln Logs as a kid, you may get a kick out of staying in the real-life version. These unique cabins are situated along the main road in Lincoln and offer the perfect rustic themed getaway. Choose from Papa Bear, Mama Bear or Baby Bear cabins.
North Woodstock – NH
North Woodstock is Lincoln’s quaint little neighbor and for such a small town, it really has a lot to offer.
One of the biggest attractions in North Woodstock is the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves. This natural wonder has a 1-mile self-guided loop trail along a wooden boardwalk and stairs where you can explore the gorge, glacial caves and see a cascading waterfall. This is where you will find the Lemon Squeezer, a cave with a 16 inch wide wooden gauge that you need to pass through to enter.
Its small downtown is filled with popular restaurants like the Woodstock Inn Brewery and Pemi Public House.
You will definitely want to pop into Fadden’s General Store and The Bear’s Den.
If you’re visiting between late May and October, you can take a two hour ride on the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train while enjoying a 5 course meal and incredible scenery.
Visiting during the winter? Step into a real-life winter wonderland at Ice Castles, where you can explore colorful tunnels, frozen slides, and lighted forest. This unique attraction is usually open around January once the weather is sufficiently chilly. During the summer, this space showcases sand sculptures.
Things to do in North Woodstock, NH
- Go on a tour at the Woodstock Brewery
- Explore the Lost River Gorge or Polar Caves
- Have dinner on the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train
- Stop by Fadden’s General Store and Maple Sugarhouse to try some award winning syrup
Where to stay in North Woodstock, NH
Woodstock Inn – This popular country inn offers several different lodging options on the property, including rooms in the main house and other lodges on the property. The onsite restaurant is fabulous. Stop by for a taste of some great craft beer and stay a while. Brewery Tours run daily at noon.
Franconia, NH
Franconia is home to the northern half of Franconia Notch State Park which was voted the #1 as the Best State Park by TravelAwaits’ 2023 Best Of Travel Awards. It’s easy to see why with its iconic Flume Gorge, soaring mountain peaks and miles of hiking trails.
The Flume Gorge is one of the most popular activities on the Western side of the Kancamagus. This natural gorge extends 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty with a roaring 45-foot waterfall. There is a one-way 2-mile self-guided trail you can take which traverses packed gravel, wooden boardwalks and lots of stairs. Reservations are recommended during the peak seasons to reserve your time.
One of the best ways to take in the beautiful mountain views is to ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to the 4080-ft summit of the mountain. When you get to the top you can stroll along the scenic paths and up to the observation deck. On a clear day, you can get stunning views of mountains in four states (New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York) and Canada!
At the foot of Cannon Mountain is Echo Lake. In the summer months, you can rent canoes and paddle boats or relax on the beach enjoying the mountain views.
Things to do in Franconia, NH
- Explore Franconia State Park
- Ride the Aerial Tramway at Cannon Mountain Park
- Rent a boat out on Echo Lake
- Take a 2 mile self-guided walk through the The Flume
Campgrounds
Personally, I’m not a camper but…if camping is your vibe, then you’re in luck. There are several campgrounds that are located right along the Kancamagus. Be aware that cellular service is pretty much non-existent in the White Mountain National Forest area.
Quiz: Lincoln or North Conway? Find Your Perfect Side
The Kancamagus Highway is one of the most breathtaking scenic drives in New England, but deciding where to lay your head at night can completely change the vibe of your trip.
Take this quick 5-question quiz to instantly find the side that will give you the perfect match for your trip!
1. What does your perfect morning look like?
- (A) Getting to the trailhead by 7:00 AM to beat the crowds up a rugged mountain peak.
- (B) Grabbing gourmet maple lattes before heading to some scenic sites and short trails.
2. What is the main goal or “vibe” of this trip?
- (A) Pure unplugged relaxation, stunning mountain views, and focusing completely on nature.
- (B) A mix of everything – from scenic views, great boutique shopping, and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to do.
3. What is your strategy for dinner and evening entertainment?
- (A) A casual local pub, a craft beer, and an early bedtime so I can rest for another outdoor adventure.
- (B) A diverse food scene with options ranging from upscale dining to fun spots, plus some evening shopping.
4. Who is traveling with you on this trip?
- (A) Just me, my partner, or a group of avid hikers/outdoor enthusiasts.
- (B) Family with kids, girlfriends’ getaway or couples.
5. When you picture your ideal White Mountains getaway, what sounds most like you?
- (A) A peaceful mountain retreat with scenic views, cozy accommodations, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy nature.
- (B) A convenient home base near restaurants, shops, and attractions, where I can explore charming mountain towns and enjoy a little nightlife.
Mostly A’s: Stay in Lincoln (West Side)!
You are an outdoor lover who prefers rugged mountain trails, and low-key, casual dining options. Lincoln puts you right at the doorstep of Franconia Notch and the most iconic hikes in New Hampshire.
Mostly B’s: Stay in North Conway / Conway (East Side)!
You love the classic New England mountain-town experience! With charming shops, great restaurants, and plenty to do, the East Side is the perfect home base for balancing scenic drives and outdoor adventures with a little shopping, good food, and fun for the whole group.
The Bottom Line
You really can’t go wrong no matter which side you stay on. Both sides offer breathtaking landscapes, plenty of nature trails, ski resorts and an array of enticing activities for every season.
So which side of the Kancamagus should you stay on? Both if you can!
While some may think North Conway is a bit touristy because of its huge outlet shopping area, it is very easy to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Just a short drive down the road and you can enjoy the beauty of the White Mountains.
When we visit, we typically stay on the eastern side just past North Conway Village or in Bartlett or Jackson where it is a bit quieter but an easy ride to all the quaint shops and restaurants. There are great hiking trails, ski resorts and popular attractions in that area, including Diana’s Baths, Echo Lake and Cathedral Ledge. This area is also closer to Mount Washington and the Cog Railway.
The Lincoln side is a bit more rustic and has Franconia State Park with Cannon Mountain which puts it in excellent proximity to plenty of ski and hiking trails. You also have the Loon Mountain Adventure Park and attractions like the Flume Gorge, the Basin and Polar Caves.
While my personal preference is the Mount Washington Valley and North Conway area, I highly recommend exploring both sides if you can. If your time is limited, pick the activities and attractions you want to explore and stay in the most convenient area to limit travel time.
No matter which side you visit, once you experience this amazing region, you will surely want to come back again and again! I know we do!
When to Visit the White Mountains
The Kancamagus Highway is beautiful in every season, but the experience can vary quite a bit depending on when you visit.
Fall: Peak foliage is an incredible time to experience the Kanc, with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds filling the mountains. However, it’s also the busiest season, so expect heavy traffic, crowded overlooks, and potential backups along the highway.
Summer: A popular time for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors. While the area can be busy, traffic backups along the Kanc are generally less of an issue than during peak fall foliage.
Winter: The White Mountains attract plenty of skiers and snowboarders, making this a popular season for winter getaways. Be prepared for snow, icy roads, and changing driving conditions.
Spring: Typically the quietest season, making it a good choice if you prefer fewer crowds. Keep in mind that some trails and outdoor attractions may be muddy or affected by lingering snow and seasonal conditions.
Planning tip: If seeing peak fall foliage is your priority, plan ahead and allow extra time for your drive, especially on weekends.
Visiting the White Mountains and driving the Kancamagus Highway is a must for your bucket list.
Have you been to the White Mountains? Which side of the Kancamagus do you love best?
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