- Hike: Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is New Hampshire’s famous 34.5 mile scenic byway through the White Mountains between Conway and Lincoln. In the fall, it is nearly impossible to find parking at the trailheads because of everyone who travels near and far to see the foliage. But on a weekday in summer, I had no problem. Some of the dog-friendly trails I enjoy are Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, Serendipity Trail, Franconia Falls Trail, and Lovequist Loop. Many of the trails touch the Swift River and so offer Max plenty of opportunities to swim.
2. Play: Loon Mountain Gondola Ride
In the summertime, Loon Mountain offers their gondolas for a ride up to the summit, where there is a viewing tower, trails, and a cafe. Leashed dogs are welcome on the gondola with you. I took Max in my gondola and my brother took his dog, Bowie in his. Max loved the gondola ride; Bowie hated it. It can be a little tricky to get on and off the gondola, as it is moving. Both dogs figured it out as the gondola is moving pretty slowly. The “take off” can be a bit scary for them as the gondola swings a lot, but then it balances out. Max loved looking out the windows at the view of the mountain.
3. Lunch: Loon Mountain Summit Cafe
For lunch, we ate at the cafe at the summit of Loon Mountain. There were pretty views at the summit and the tower there, as well as plenty of space to walk the dogs around. The cafe has a limited menu but was sufficient for a light lunch. There are picnic tables on a small deck overlooking a lake, but there were no umbrellas, so the dogs did not have much shade there except underneath the picnic table. I actually wish we had packed our own lunch and had a picnic in the shade on the grass.
4. Dinner: Campton Commons
For dinner, head over to Campton Commons where they offer food trucks, live music, a gift shop, and a bonfire. The commons are kid and dog-friendly and we saw many of both! The commons are only open Friday-Sunday. It is a fun atmosphere where you can grab a drink and a bite to eat and hang out at a table taking in the live music.
5. Stay: Campton Cabin
The best place to stay is the dog-friendly AirBnB Campton Cabin. It is located in Waterville Estates, which gives you access to a community center that has indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, a game room, a sauna, a gym, a swimming/fishing pond, walking trails, a restaurant and bar, and more! Waterville Estates even has its own little ski mountain. The cabin itself offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, as well as a pull-out sofa. There is a wood burning stove for the winter and they have thought of everything for the dogs, including water bowls and toys. Outside, there is a large deck, a picnic table, a grill, and a firepit. I used the dog gates to keep Max on the deck, where he would spend hours sunbathing and watching the surrounding nature. If that hasn’t sold you, the location itself is perfect: within 30-60 minutes is Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Waterville Valley. You are also close to all the best hiking: Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch State Park, Crawford Notch State Park, the White Mountains, etc. Check them out on instagram @CamptonCabin
