North and east on US Route 302 from North Conway and Glen NH takes you through Crawford Notch (map), a dramatic mountain pass on the southwestern slopes of Mount Washington, with excellent outdoor activity possibilities, but a sad history.

A Tragic History

In 1825, when the road was being cut through the notch (mountain pass), the Willey family built a small inn in Crawford Notch to provide for the teams and wagons that would pass through the valley. In August 1826 one of the worst storms ever to hit the White Mountains wreaked havoc in the valley, with floods, landslides, wind, and rain which left the Willey House unharmed as the roaring cascade divided and passed around it, but resulted in the death or disappearance of every member of the household.

Crawford Notch State Park

The Willey House remains, having been restored and converted to be the Visitor Center, snack bar and shop (featuring the products of New Hampshire artisans) for Crawford Notch State Park, a 5775-acre nature refuge with hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, picnic areas, fishing, wildlife viewing, and spectacular mountain views.

The park's Dry River Campground has 36 wooded campsites, with flush toilets and showers.

AMC Highland Center

Also here is the Appalachian Mountain Club's elaborate Highland Center at Crawford Notch, an outdoor activities center with a variety of lodgings for singles, couples, families and groups, dining facilities, naturalist programs, and lots of outdoor fun.

—by Tom Brosnahan

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