You can save this for last if you want to end up in North Conway or you will going to Maine via 302.

Crawfords Notch State Park is 5,775-acre park located along U.S. route 302. US Route 302 runs straight through Crawford Notch State Park, flanked by the Presidential and White Mountain ranges.

The Notch was originally called the White Mountain Notch. It was named for the Crawford family.

There are 26 notches or mountain passes listed in the White Mountains.

Historical Sites & Attractions

• The Willey House Historic Site: This site commemorates a famous and haunting piece of White Mountain history. In August 1826, a massive landslide tore down the mountain. While the Willey family tragically perished trying to escape, their house was left completely untouched by the slide. Today, you can explore the historic grounds, visit the on-site museum, browse the nostalgic gift shop, or grab a treat from the snack and ice cream bar.
• So imagine you see an avalanche and everyone goes outside to escape only to get killed and the house is saved.

• Scenic Driving & Wildlife: Slicing through the gorge on Route 302 makes for an unforgettable scenic drive—especially during peak autumn foliage when the valley walls burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. It is also an excellent corridor for spotting local wildlife like moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears

Camping at Dry River

If you want to spend the night, the park is home to the Dry River Campground, which features 36 wooded campsites nestled within the forest. [1, 2]

Availability: The main operational season runs from late spring (Memorial Day) through autumn (Columbus Day) for a nightly fee. Off-season camping is permitted via a self-service “iron ranger” pay station. Leashed pets are welcome at the campground and on the outdoor park trails

Amenities: The campground provides essential comforts, including flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers.

You really need to drive slow if you want to be able to stop at some of the designated places. Last year I wized right by the beautiful Mt Washington Hotel and barely made this year.

The Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa is a legendary luxury destination nestled in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. As one of the state’s last remaining Gilded Age grand hotels, it boasts an incredible history, famously hosting the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference that established the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The property features stunning architectural design highlighted by its iconic red roof and sweeping, unobstructed views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range.

Many people think the Mount Washington Motel is inspiration for the fictional Overlook Hotel that is featured in the Stephan King book the Shining.

Why the Confusion Exists:

• Visual Resemblance: The massive white facade, grand scale, and alpine backdrop of the Mount Washington Resort look remarkably like the Overlook Hotel.
• Haunted Reputations: Both hotels are famous for ghost lore. The Mount Washington is widely believed to be haunted by “The Lady in Blue” (Carolyn Stickney), which feeds into the spooky folklore.
• New England Connection: Stephen King is a native and resident of New England, leading many locals to assume he drew on a regional landmark.
• Kubrick Film Aesthetics: Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film adaptation of The Shining visually shaped public imagination, and fans often conflate grand historic hotels with the movie’s setting.
• The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. In October 1974, King and his wife stayed there just as the hotel was closing for the winter season, leaving them as the only guests. Walking the empty, cavernous hallways and experiencing an unsettling nightmare about a fire hose inspired him to write The Shining.

I’m gonna stop here and let you know theres a thing called the loop. So you might want to consider this if your exploring in the area.

The Classic Loop: Kancamagus Highway & Notches

• Route: North Conway down to Conway, west on NH Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) through the White Mountain National Forest to Lincoln, then looping back via Franconia Notch (I-93 / Route 3) and Crawford Notch (Route 302). [1, 2, 3]
• Distance & Time: Roughly 100 to 142 miles total, taking about 3 hours of pure driving time (longer with stops and traffic)

My drive ends in North Conway.

It’s time for coffee.

Films with Direct Connections to Crawford Notch & the Immediate White Mountains

Where the Rivers Flow North (1993)

• Director: Jay Craven
• Starring: Rip Torn, Tantoo Cardinal, Michael J. Fox, Bill Raymond
• Connection to Crawford Notch: The dramatic climax scene of the 1927 flood was filmed at the dam on Route 302 in Crawford Notch, situated directly across from the Willey House slide site.

The Good Son (1993)

• Director: Joseph Ruben
• Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Elijah Wood
• Connection to the Area: Shot in nearby North Conway, Conway, and Mirror Lake in Jackson, capturing classic White Mountain scenery.