Crawford Notch State Park is the most dramatic of the New Hampshire notches with it's steep rock walls rising toward the northern head of the notch. US Rte 302 runs through the notch along side the rocky Saco River, providing easy access to all parts of the park. Camping is only allowed at the Dry River Campground (fee charged) which can be very busy in season.
Historic sites include settlements established by the Crawfords and Willeys and other early residents of the area. The cliffs are scarred by many landslides including the Willey slide on the mountain which bears the name of the family that died fleeing the slide.
Waterfalls abound! Silver Cascade and Flume Cascade drop 1000 feet down rocky chutes from Mt Webster. They can be viewed directly from Rte 302 and can be reached high on the mountain with a 1 mile hike. Ripley Falls (100 feet) is a 1/2 mile hike from the road. Arethusa Falls (200 feet) is a 1 1/4 mile hike up a fairly steep trail, but is a spectacular sight.
For more strenuous hiking, the ranges on either side of the notch (the Willey Range to the west and the Webster-Jackson Cliffs to the east can be climbed and traversed with breath taking views.
The best hike in the White Mountains (for the semi-couch-potato hiker) is the trail up Mt Willard. This trail starts on Rte 302 opposite Lake Saco just above the head of the notch (and just north of the state park). The trail has easy grades, good footing, is fairly wide, and for a gradual climb of 900 feet over 1 1/2 miles it reaches spectacular views down into the notch from exposed rocky ledges which rise about 1500 feet from the notch below. There are views down the length of the notch and of the right-of-way and trestles of the railway which hugs the western cliffs. Crawford Notch is the only notch with rails running through it, and they are used by a scenic railroad originating in North Conway 20 miles to the south.
Fishing is popular in the notch. For the hiker, fisherman, or casual sightseer, the state park offers the advantage of free parking. The surrounding National Forest imposes a parking fee which is payable in advance for 1 day, 1 week or 1 year permits. Summer weekends are very busy, but fall is probably the best and most beautiful season to visit.

Recommended: Yes

Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Hiking & Trails