Trip Planner: USA / New Hampshire / White Mountains / Hart's Location / Nature / Crawford Notch State Park

Crawford Notch State Park, Hart's Location

4.8

#14 of 35 in Nature in White Mountains

Waterfall State Park

Crawford Notch is a major pass through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, located almost entirely within the town of Hart's Location. Roughly half of that town is contained in Crawford Notch State Park. The high point of the notch, at approximately above sea level, is at the southern end of the town of Carroll, near the Crawford Depot train station and Saco Lake, the source of the Saco River, which flows southward through the steep-sided notch. North of the high point of the notch, Crawford Brook flows more gently northwest to the Ammonoosuc River, a tributary of the Connecticut River.The notch is traversed by U.S. Route 302, which closely follows the Saco River southeast to North Conway and less closely follows the Ammonoosuc River northwest to Littleton.HistoryThe notch became known to European settlers when found by Timothy Nash in 1771. The 1772 boundaries of Hart's Grant reflected its shape. It was named for Abel Crawford, an explorer, trail-builder and hosteler in the early 19th century. The Tenth New Hampshire Turnpike from Portsmouth was extended through the notch to Lancaster in 1803. The turnpike and later Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad through Crawford Notch opened a new route through the White Mountains for settlers of the area to the northwest to reach Conway on the way to the trading ports on the coast.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

101 reviews

Google

4.8

happywanderers82

Today was a beautiful summer day in the White Mountains of NH. My husband and I wanted to find an easy hike that I could do with knees that were unpredictable. After consulting brochures, guides and t... more »
BassSherpa

When you drive through Crawford Notch, be sure to stop at the Wiley House and walk along the meadows of the Saco River. A lot of people come here to climb the moon tain trails and see the waterfalls, ... more »
Dadmanly

Enjoyed a very scenic drive through Crawford Notch. Hiked along a mile or so of trail through woods and along stream. Water levels higher due to heavy recent rains. Very pretty, nicely maintained trai... more »

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Google

Howie Merrill

If you are in the White Mountains and do not stop here, even just to pull off the road and take some pictures, well, you missed out. If it beautiful there. I haven't gone hiking in the area but I plan to someday. Wish I could say more to explain why I gave this 5 stars. But I do love it there!

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Eric Ruffin

Always something new to see or hike. Somewhat crowded in the warm months but not as bad as Franconia notch

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Brian O'Connor

This is one of my all time favorite hiking trails. I try to go in the fall because the trees changing colors makes everything even prettier. While hiking there i did get stung by a bee so I wouldn't definitely not recommend anyone hike here who is allergic because that was only about halfway through the hike. The waterfall is pretty and there are a couple nice views of the surrounding mountains without getting too high. You can also walk along the railroad tracks on the way back which is pretty and unique.

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James Bege

Been there numerous times. I fished the trout pond that adjoins the Ammongaset. River. Truly beautiful with a general store as well. This area will always be well up in my memory.

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Monica Nelson

Very peaceful place for hiking or relaxing in nature. Be sure to visit the depot and hike up Mount Willard...

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