Tucked between the Saco River and the Maine state border, North Conway, New Hampshire is the commercial hub for visitors to White Mountain National Forest. Although “the Whites” are best known by hiking and skiing enthusiasts, other recreation activities abound in North Conway and the surrounding area. There are some excellent opportunities for running in North Conway and the surrounding area.
Running highlights in the area include the Franconia Notch Recreation Path, sections of the Kancamagus Highway, the Presidential Rail Trail, and White Horse Ledge for trail runners. The best part about running in and around North Conway is the versatility of the terrain. While hardcore athletes can take on technical trails, major elevation gains, and grueling competitions such as the Mount Washington Road Race, the casual runner can find plenty of scenic routes for a vacation morning quick-start or an after-work jaunt. Winter brings heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures to the Great North Woods, but spring waterfalls, summer lakes, and fall foliage make for invigorating fresh air runs most months of the year. Runners can enjoy an endless network of well kept forest paths, paved rail trails, or tours of a classic New England village.
Our guide to running in the North Conway area has routes spread over the surrounding area, so a car is helpful to enjoy the full scope of the Whites. Some hotels offer shuttles to central destinations, and other local agencies such as the Appalachian Mountain Club and Cannon Mountain will give you a lift on one-way routes. That way, all you have to do worry about is hitting your stride.
North Conway has cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Average summer high temperatures are 80F (26C), with cool-ish nights. With the proximity of mountains, it can be rainy. Winters are cold, with average January highs in the 20s (-5C) and lows around 8F (-15C). North Conway averages about 80 inches of snow, with amounts far greater in the surrounding mountains. Summer temps are cooler, and winter temps colder, in the Whites, and depending on altitude.