Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park is in Harts Location, NH, right on the edge of the White Mountains National Forest. It is not a typical park where you drive up to the visitor center to enter the park- it has parking and trails off the main road (US Route 302) and if you blink you’ll miss the park sign. There’s over 20 hiking trail to choose from that will give you those amazing White Mountain views.
There is NO PHONE SERVICE in the park. Park maps can be found at the Willey House and the Dry River Campground and I highly recommend planning your trip and hikes before going and downloading the All Trails routes. We started out grabbing a map at the Willey House then hiking the Wiley Pond and Soca River Loop that started across the street. It was a 1 mile easy loop that we turned off at some point and ended up on a section of the Appalachian Trail (and saw a beaver!). The next day we hiked the Mount Willard Trail which took us up a runoff on a rainy morning. It was 3.1 miles out and back so we were hoping the rain would clear, but unfortunately when we got up top the view was completely fogged out. By the time we made it back down from the hike, the clouds were opening up and i’m sure there was a gorgeous mountain view up top.
We stayed at the Dry River Campground (which is the state park’s campground). This year they opened on May 23, close on October 26th (I assume it’s very similar dates each year). There are 36 wooded sites with no hook ups (all primitive). It costs $35 per night and is dog friendly. There is one main shower facility with coin operated laundry and bathrooms. Other than the main bathhouse there are pit toilets around the campground (that were probably some of the cleanest pit toilets i’ve seen).
If you’re visiting this area you have to go up the road (about 20 minutes) to the town of Bethlehem. Its a small town, but it has everything you could ever want! Rek’lis Brewing Company has a wide array of beers that were all delicious and has scratch made food. We ordered a mediterranean bowl as an appetizer that we inhaled! Along with an Ahi Tuna Bowl and a wild salad with chicken that was smoked right out back. Right down the street is Super Secret Ice Cream- a local ice cream shop with rotating flavors. We for a flight of six flavors (Mount Cabot Maple, Trillium Coffee, Wild Tumir Pepper, Rhubarb Almond Crunch, Single Origin Chocolate, and Honeyberry Chip). There is a coffee shop- The Place Above the Notch Cafe, roasts their own coffee beans on site and was kind enough to grind a fresh bag for us on our way out of town. The White Mountains are becoming more popular, but the State Parks really allow you to enjoy the same mountain views without as many people! Enjoy!
Park Details:
ADDRESS: 1464 US Route 302, Harts Location, NH 03812
HOURS: Always open for recreations use unless otherwise posted
VISITOR CENTER: The Willey House is open 9am-5pm daily
ENTRANCE FEE: No Entrance Fee
TRAILS: Over 20 hiking trails to choose from
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, Biking, Camping, Snowshoeing, & Cross Country Skiing
DOG RULES: Dogs are allowed on all trails and campsites. Dogs are not allowed in park buildings (the Willey House). Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 4 feet. Please pick up after your pet and do not leave your pet unattended.
Check out our videos about this Park on instagram @axel.theadventurepup and TikTok @axeltheadventurepup
