Crawford Notch State Park stretches across 5,775 acres of dramatic White Mountain scenery in Carroll County, New Hampshire, where steep granite walls rise on either side of Route 302 through one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Northeast. The notch itself — a deep, narrow gap carved by glaciers between the Willey Range and Mount Webster — has drawn travelers since the early 1800s, and the landscape remains just as striking today.

The park is a hiker’s destination first and foremost. Trails range from easy waterfall walks to serious summit climbs. Arethusa Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire at roughly 140 feet, is accessible via a moderate 1.5-mile trail. Ripley Falls offers a shorter option. For experienced hikers, trails connect to the Appalachian Trail and lead to exposed ridgeline scrambles along Mount Willard, Mount Webster, and Mount Jackson — each rewarding with panoramic views down through the notch.

Beyond hiking, the park offers fishing along the Saco River, picnicking at several day-use areas, and a small visitor center with exhibits on the area’s natural and human history, including the tragic Willey family landslide of 1826. The Dry River Campground provides a base for multi-day stays, though sites are basic and popular — reserving early in the season is wise.

Visit between late September and mid-October for peak foliage, when the notch transforms into a corridor of blazing color. Summer brings the best hiking conditions and the fullest waterfalls after spring snowmelt.

Explore Nearby

• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Mount Orne Bridge — Covered Bridge in New Hampshire
• Mount Orne Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont