New England - Eastern USA - page 438

( 603-356-5251; www.conwayscenic.com ; NH 16, North Conway; Notch Train adult/child from
$27/16, Valley Train from $14/10; daily May-Oct, Sat & Sun Apr & Nov; ) The Notch Train ,
built in 1874 and restored in 1974, offers New England's most scenic journey. The spec-
tacular five- to 5½-hour trip passes through Crawford Notch. Accompanying live com-
mentary recounts the railroad's history and folklore. Reservations required.
Alternatively, the same company operates the antique steam Valley Train , which
makes a shorter journey south through the Mt Washington Valley, stopping in Conway
and Bartlett. Sunset trains, dining trains and other special events are all available.
Echo Lake State Park PARK
( www.nhstateparks.org ; River Rd; adult/child $4/2) Two miles west of North Conway via
River Rd, this placid mountain lake lies at the foot of White Horse Ledge , a sheer rock
wall. A scenic trail circles the lake. There is also a mile-long auto road and hiking trail
leading to the 700ft-high Cathedral Ledge , with panoramic White Mountains views.
Both Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge are excellent for rock climbing. This is
also a fine spot for swimming and picknicking.
Saco Bound CANOEING
( 603-447-2177; www.sacobound.com ; 2561 E Main/US 302, Conway; rentals per day $28) Saco
Bound Inc rents out canoes and kayaks and organizes guided canoe trips, including the
introductory trip to Weston's Bridge ($22) and overnight camping trips.
Attitash SKIING
( 603-374-2368; www.attitash.com ; US 302, Bartlett; weekends & holidays lift ticket adult/child
13-18 yr/child 6-12 yr & seniors $70/55/50, weekdays $63/48/39) West of Glen, you can play
and stay at Attitash. The resort includes two mountains, Attitash and Bear Peak, which
offer a vertical drop of 1750ft, 12 lifts and 70 ski trails. Half the trails are intermediate
level, while the other half are equally divided between expert and beginner level. From
mid-June to mid-October the resort offers a slew of activities, including an alpine slide,
horseback riding, mountain biking, bungy trampolines, a chair-lift ride, a water slide, a
climbing wall and a mountain coaster (a roller coaster that barrels down the mountain).
Black Mountain Ski Area SKIING
( 603-383-4490; www.blackmt.com ; NH 16B; weekends & holidays lift ticket adult/child $49/32,
weekdays $35/25; ) This smaller ski area has a vertical drop of 1100ft. Forty trails -
about equally divided between beginner, intermediate and expert slopes - are served by
four lifts. This is a good place for beginners and families with small children.