In other areas of the United States, roads that travel between mountainous areas are often called passes. Here in New Hampshire, we call them notches. When seen from certain vantage points, this term is very apparent when applied to Crawford Notch, which separates the southern Presidential Range and the Willey Range. The notch is also home to Crawford Notch State Park. This park is beautiful in any season but puts on an especially beautiful show during fall foliage viewing season.

Crawford Notch is a classic example of a U-shaped valley that was created as a retreating glacier gouged out the landscape.
Craig Zerbe/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
At the top of Crawford Notch, in an area known as The Gateway, a short hike leads to the top of Elephant Rock and an excellent viewpoint.
Shell Ette/Moment via Getty Images
A relaxing trip can be made through Crawford Notch by following U.S. Route 302 in either direction, although heading eastbound offers more dramatic views.
Thomas H. Mitchell/500px/500px via Getty Images
Another way to enjoy the beauty of Crawford Notch State Park is by taking the Conway Scenic Railroad up from Conway. Trains run through the end of October.
Craig Zerbe/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Related Stories

White Mountain National Forest In New Hampshire Has Been Named One Of The Top 10 Fall Foliage Spots In The U.S.

White Mountain National Forest In New Hampshire Has Been Named One Of The Top 10 Fall Foliage Spots In The U.S.

 The Harvest Festival In New Hampshire Belongs On Your Autumn Bucket List

The Harvest Festival In New Hampshire Belongs On Your Autumn Bucket List

 The Enchanting Attraction In New Hampshire Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn

The Enchanting Attraction In New Hampshire Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn
A stop at the Willey House Historic Site within the park provides an excellent view north up the notch toward the cliffs of Mt. Willard.
DenisTangneyJr/E+ via Getty Images
Short trails within the park such as Sam Willey Trail and Saco River Trail provide a chance to stretch the legs and to experience the foliage color from ground level.
josefgr/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Two scenic waterfalls near the top of Crawford Notch, Silver Cascade and Flume Cascade, make for good rest stops and photo ops.
PictureLake/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
The towering Frankenstein Cliff within the park is not named for the famous monster, but for painter Godfrey Frankenstein who frequented the area.
Gerald G Gantar/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Among New Hampshire’s many notches, Crawford Notch is perhaps my favorite, and the fact that it also offers prime fall foliage viewing opportunities is a bonus! To learn more visit the Crawford Notch State Park website. Now bundle up and get out there!

Interested in seeing more foliage? It’s fading fast as we approach winter but you can still keep track of what the color is doing in your corner of the state with our interactive foliage tracker.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore New Hampshire

Featured Addresses
Crawford Notch State Park, 1464 US-302, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA