Hiking at Cranmore Mountain Resort

Riding up the chairlift

Cranmore is a four-season resort in the heart of North Conway. In summer, the four-passenger Scenic Chairlift takes about seven minutes to reach the summit, with views over the Mt. Washington Valley. At the top, two hiking trails start from the Meister Hut. Riders must be eight or older to ride alone.

The two summit trails

The summit loop is a half mile (about 0.8 km) according to the chairlift page. Cranmore's safety page describes a Summit Hiking Trail, a 15 to 30 minute loop rated easy to moderate around the summit; it recommends comfortable athletic footwear and water.

The Black Cap Connector Trail is two miles (about 3.2 km). Cranmore estimates about two hours round trip. The trail is off resort property and is not maintained by Cranmore: Cranmore Patrol has no access to it, and hikers enter at their own risk. The resort recommends hiking boots, water, snacks and a small backpack.

Both trails offer, according to Cranmore, 360-degree views of the Mt. Washington Valley, the Presidential Range, Black Cap Mountain and the Moat Mountains. The terrain is mountainous: roots, rocks, ledges and elevation changes, on unpaved dirt paths. You should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.

Who is it for?

Cranmore describes both trails as perfect for families and casual hikers. The loop is a stroll at the summit. The Black Cap Connector Trail is a different outing: two hours round trip, off resort property, without patrol coverage. Save it for people who are properly equipped and have enough time to get back down on schedule.

Hours and last chair down

The last chair down from the summit is at 4:30 p.m. on the summer schedule and 3:00 p.m. on the spring and fall schedule. Hours change with the season: Cranmore states that all hours of operation are subject to change, and its hours page is the reference. The Scenic Chairlift is included in standard Mountain Adventure Park admission, whose 2026 rates covered a summer season from June 20 to September 7 and a fall season from September 12 to October 18.

Scenic Chairlift rates (2026)

• At the window: $25 (54" and over, about 137 cm), $19 (38"–53"), free at 37" and under.
• Online (purchase by midnight): $19 (54" and over), $15 (38"–53"), free at 37" and under. Online discounts are not available for same-day purchases.

Meister Hut

The historic restaurant at the summit has a deck and serves a lunch menu, grab-and-go snacks, ice cream, local craft beer, canned cocktails and wine. It is open alongside chairlift hours; last call is 30 minutes before the last chair down.

Dogs, wildlife and rules

Cranmore welcomes well-behaved dogs on a leash but does not allow them on chairlifts. The resort reports deer and black bears; in summer, mosquitoes, black flies and ticks are common: it recommends insect repellent and a thorough tick check after your visit. If lightning is detected, a horn sounds, attractions and lifts close and guests are directed to the nearest indoor facility. On the trails, stay on designated paths, carry out your trash and do not feed wildlife. Overnight parking is not permitted in any of the resort's parking lots. For an emergency during operating hours, Patrol Dispatch answers at 603-356-1119; outside those hours, call 911.