Three Days: Our Point of View

The AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch

The following description shows you the ride from a different point of view. It's the Three Day option (the two and one day options are very similar!)

Starting in Lincoln, NH, the beginning of the route will take you through the resort town of Lincoln…past the shops and attractions (even Clark’s Bears!) and on to the Flume, a natural granite gorge at the base of Mount Liberty. Entering the State Forest, you will pick up the Recreation Trail consisting of approximately nine miles of rolling hills as you crisscross the Pemigewasset River to Profile Lake. You will even catch a glimpse of the former spot of the Old Man in the Mountain. Some say this is the most challenging part of the ride, with its gradual uphill climb.

Heading east on Route 302, you will enter Crawford Notch. This is the most open and, in our opinion, most scenic section of the route…There are stunning views of Mt. Washington and the elegant hotel with the same name. Towering cliffs frame the road and several waterfalls dot this section of the route. Day one ends at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center at the height of the Notch. The AMC’s cozy (accessible) bunk rooms, and the sprawling grounds, are the perfect place to unwind after a day of riding. You’ll find most of the group sipping wine or locally brewed beers in the Adirondack chairs on the back lawn… or meandering the nearby trails or enjoying the overstuffed chairs and fireplace in the main lodge. Dinner is family style in the Center’s large dining room – and includes tasty, mostly organic and local foods.

Day two begins with a plummet downhill and we encourage everyone to stop gawking at the beautiful surroundings and keep their eyes on the road! As the road curves, enjoy the flight downhill, keeping in mind you are right in the midst of some of the best scenery the White Mountains has to offer.

At the bottom of the hill, you will ride through the tiny town of Bartlett and past Attitash ski resort and then you will push on into the outskirts of North Conway. North Conway is a bustling tourist destination with outlet malls, large hotels and a plethora of attractions. Our stop for the night is at the North Conway Grand Hotel at the far end of town. Just as the name implies, this hotel is grand. Full of North Country touches – like a large stone fireplace in the lobby, antler chandeliers and large stuffed moose – the hotel is for vacationers. Between the hotel’s four indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, the nearby (walking distance) outlet shops, and comfortable rooms for napping, the North Conway Grand is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and evening. Dinner is served in one of the banquet rooms and brings all riders together. Breakfast the next morning is buffet style.

Day three leaves the hustle and bustle of North Conway behind and puts you on the quietest stretch of road of the ride, tree-lined and winding, this road has little traffic. Dugway Road takes you along the Swift River – where the water rushes through jagged rocks and the sights and sounds make you forget you have the Kancamagus Highway climb to contend with. Ending with a covered bridge, Dugway Road puts you right out onto Rt. 112. The first 6 or so miles of the Kanc. are relatively easy, coasting past scenic pullouts and overlooks. The views open up as you begin to climb (hopefully distracting you from the burning and exhaustion). The summit makes the pain all worth it – expansive views of the whole valley and sense of accomplishment for having made it this far! Again, another fast downhill will put you back in Lincoln before you know it.