WM: North Conway Climbing

Most New England climbers know how to get to North Conway, sort of the way New York City climbers know how to get to the Gunks.

However, for those from out-of-area here are a few tips:

1) Driving from the south - Almost everywhere is south of North Conway, although a few places, like the Adirondacks, are West. Get a map of NH and find Rochester. It's about 60 miles south of North Conway. Drive north on Route 16 to North Conway...simple! Alternately, plug zip code 03860 into your GPS and follow its directions.

2) Driving from the west - "Can't get there from here." For example, "as the crow flys" the High Peaks/Chapel Pond areas of the Adirondacks are about 150 miles from North Conway, and about 180 miles by road (and ferry). Figure on 4 1/2 to 5 hours. The fastest way seems to be the Essex-Charlotte ferry, north to Rt 89, (easiest, but not the fastest, is to take Rt 7 north to Rt 89), then Rt 89 south to Montpelier, Rt 2 east to Rt 91, Rt 91 south to Rt 93, Rt 93 south to Route 302 and Rt 302 east to North Conway. Told ya !

3) Flying in - While "gut reaction" is to fly into either Boston (3 hrs drive), or Manchester (2 to 2 1/2 hrs drive) the closest commercial airport is actually Portland Maine. It is only about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hr drive to North Conway. [Take Maine Rt 22W to Rt 114N to Rt 25W to Rt 113N to Rt 302W in Fryeburg ME, then 302W into North Conway; do NOT take Rt 302 all the way, esp. in summer)

If you're lucky enough to fly by private plane, Fryeburg Maine has a very nice regional airport with a paved runway. We used to have one in North Conway, but it got turned into a shopping center!