Every fall, millions of tourists flock to the White Mountains to enjoy the cool weather and vibrant changing of the leaves.
But more veteran travelers wait. Why?
While the autumn foliage is a sight to behold, spring is often an overlooked and woefully underrated time to visit. Smaller crowds, more space on hiking trails, and welcome warmth breaking the winter cold. After the whirlwind of the holiday season, many people end up wearing themselves out as the new year begins and their work/school schedules pick up. Having a little break on the horizon not only gives you something to look forward to but also offers a recharge that most people need but simply skip.
Spring Activities in the White Mountains
North Conway is one of the best places to spot wildlife in all of New England, especially if you’re a birdwatcher. The Dahl Wildlife Sanctuary is filled with all types of finches, warblers, flycatchers, mockingbirds, waxwings, and more who will be increasingly active and vocal thanks to the weather.
There’s also the famous Kancamagus Highway, linking North Conway to Lincoln with over a dozen stops along the way. You can drive right up to trailheads, which will have plenty of parking and wide-open lanes compared to the fall, letting you enjoy a (practically) private nature walk through canopied forests.
Of course, spring is also the ideal time to sit and relax by one of the area’s many waterfalls, specifically Diana’s Baths and Sabbaday Falls. The snow melting high in the mountains gives the water a dramatic boost of energy, increasing the flow to bursting, making an already beautiful sight even more dynamic.
And despite things getting hotter, North Conway remains one of the highest-rated ski towns in the country, especially in the early spring. While everyone else is back at home, you’ll be spoiled for choice thanks to most resorts being emptier and more available (often cheaper as well). You can get a few final runs down the uncrowded slopes before they close for the summer.
The dining in North Conway also shifts with the season, meaning more eateries will start featuring dishes with fresh strawberries, cherries, onions, and more. All types of locally sourced fare inspire the town’s chefs to create new menus reflecting the unique tastes of the White Mountains, ones that many people completely miss out on.
More Escape, Lower Cost
We believe everyone deserves to experience this part of the country in the spring, which is why Cranmore Mountain Lodge in North Conway offers a “Spring Getaway” package. When you stay two nights (between 3/15/26 and 6/15/26), you’ll receive a third night completely free!
Warmer weather? Smaller crowds? Lower cost? What’s not to love?! We recommend booking this package sooner rather than later because it routinely sells out. Be sure to take advantage, because pretty soon, everyone will know they need to come here in the spring!