The Story Behind our Rooms
The Aurora Inn
Cozy
Mountain Views
Every room at The Aurora is named for something special in the Mount Washington Valley a place, a peak, a river, or a piece of history that makes this area so unforgettable.
1. CRAWFORD
INSPIRED BY: Crawford Notch
THE STORY: Crawford Notch is one of New Hampshire's most iconic mountain passes. Named for the Crawford family, early innkeepers and pioneers who opened this wild and beautiful region to travelers in the 1800s.
DID YOU KNOW? Crawford Notch was carved by glaciers over 20,000 years ago.
STATS: 🚘 20 min | 🌲 Year-Round |
🥾 Easy | 💡 Stop at Willey House for a piece of history.
2. PINKHAM
INSPIRED BY: Pinkham Notch
THE STORY: Pinkham Notch is the eastern gateway to Mount Washington and the home of the Appalachian Mountain Club's visitor center. It's where thousands begin their adventures in the Presidential Range each year.
DID YOU KNOW? Pinkham Notch sits at the base of Tuckerman Ravine.
STATS: Drive Time: 25 min |🌲 Year-Round 🥾 Easy–Hard 💡 Start early—weather changes quickly!
3. WHITAKER
INSPIRED BY: Mount Whitaker
THE STORY: Mount Whitaker is a quieter peak overlooking the Valley, offering peaceful trails, forested slopes, and beautiful views without the crowds. It represents the calm, lesser-known side of the White Mountains.
DID YOU KNOW? It's a favorite local hike for sunrise views.
STATS: 🚘 15 min | 🌲 Spring–Fall | 🥾 Moderate | 💡 Great spot for a quiet sunrise.
4. CONWAY
INSPIRED BY: The Town of Conway
THE STORY: Conway has welcomed visitors for over 250 years. With its charming village, scenic landscapes, and access to adventure, it remains the heart of the Mount Washington Valley.
DID YOU KNOW? Conway was first granted in 1765 and incorporated in 1835.
STATS: 🚘 5 min | 🌲 Year-Round | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Explore downtown shops & cafes.
5. JACKSON & GLEN
INSPIRED BY: The Villages of Jackson & Glen
THE STORY: These neighboring villages are known for their covered bridge, pretty waterfalls, cozy inns, and easy access to some of the best hiking and skiing in the Valley.
DID YOU KNOW? The Honeymoon Covered Bridge in Jackson was built in 1876.
STATS: 🚘 12 min | 🌲 Year-Round | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Don't miss Glen Ellis Falls nearby.
6. BARTLETT
INSPIRED BY: The Town of Bartlett
THE STORY: Bartlett has deep roots in White Mountain history and adventure. Surrounded by peaks and rivers, it offers easy access to Attitash Mountain, Story Land, and year-round recreation.
DID YOU KNOW? Bartlett is home to Story Land, one of America's beloved family parks.
STATS: 🚘 8 min | 🌲 Year-Round | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Visit Story Land for a perfect family day!
7. BEMIS
INSPIRED BY: Bemis Station
THE STORY: Bemis was once a bustling logging community along the Mountain Division Railroad in Crawford Notch. Though little remains today, it played a big role in the timber industry that shaped the region.
DID You KNOW? Bemis had a train station, hotel, and sawmill in the 1800s.
STATS: 🚘 18 min | 🌲 Spring–Fall | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Look for old stone foundations.
8. CARRIGAIN
INSPIRED BY: Mount Carrigain
THE STORY: Rising 4,700 feet, Mount Carrigain is one of NH's finest hikes. Its fire tower offers incredible 360° views across the White Mountains and is a must-do for hikers.
DID YOU KNOW? On a clear day you can see Mount Washington from the fire tower.
STATS: 🚘 15 min | 🌲 Spring–Fall | 🥾 Moderate–Hard | 💡 Bring water—there's none at the summit.
9. SAWYER
INSPIRED BY: Sawyer River
THE STORY: The Sawyer River flows through pristine forest before joining the Saco River. Known for its clear waters and peaceful beauty, it's perfect for fishing, paddling, and relaxing by the banks.
DID YOU KNOW? The Sawyer River is a popular spot for fly fishing.
STATS: 🚘 10 min | 🌲 Spring–Fall | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Great for a picnic or riverside break.
10. SACO
INSPIRED BY: Saco River
THE STORY: The Saco River is the lifeblood of the Valley. From its mountain headwaters to its wide, sandy banks, it's a place for tubing, kayaking, fishing, and making memories for generations.
DID YOU KNOW? The name "Saco" comes from a Native American word meaning "swift water."
STATS: 🚘 5 min | 🌲 Summer–Fall | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Rent a tube and float on a warm day!
11. WILLEY
INSPIRED BY: Mount Willey & Willey House
THE STORY: In 1826, the Willey family escaped a massive landslide, but the parents tragically returned to save belongings and perished. Their home remained standing—a powerful reminder of nature's strength and human resilience.
DID YOU KNOW? The Willey House still stands today in Crawford Notch.
STATS: 🚘 18 min | 🌲 Year-Round | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Stop and read the full story on site.
12. TREMONT
INSPIRED BY: Mount Tremont
THE STORY: Mount Tremont sits between Crawford and Pinkham Notches and offers a classic White Mountain hike with sweeping views and fewer crowds.
DID YOU KNOW? It's part of a rugged ridge that connects several major peaks.
STATS: 🚘 20 min | 🌲 Spring–Fall | 🥾 Moderate | 💡 Combine with a hike to Mount Field.
13. BARTON
INSPIRED BY: Mount Barton
THE STORY: Mount Barton is one of the many beautiful peaks that frame the Valley. It may be lesser known, but it's a perfect example of the natural beauty waiting to be discovered.
DID YOU KNOW? It offers a satisfying hike with great views for the effort.
STATS: 🚘 15 min | 🌲 Spring–Fall | 🥾 Moderate | 💡 Look for ledges with amazing views
14. LANGDON
INSPIRED BY: Mount Langdon
THE STORY: Mount Langdon is a peaceful peak near Crawford Notch with rewarding views and a quiet trail system. It's a favorite for those looking to escape the busier summits.
DID YOU KNOW? It's part of the Carter-Moriah Range of mountains.
STATS: 🚘 18 min | 🌲 Spring–Fall | 🥾 Moderate | 💡 Trail junctions can be muddy—wear sturdy shoes.
15. PARKER
INSPIRED BY: Mount Parker
THE STORY: Mount Parker offers quiet trails and impressive vistas overlooking the Valley. It's a wonderful example of the hidden gems that make the White Mountains so special.
DID YOU KNOW? It's a great hike for all seasons.
STATS: 🚘 15 min | 🌲 Year-Round | 🥾 Easy–Moderate | 💡 Sunset from the summit is spectacular.
16. KEARSARGE
INSPIRED BY: North Kearsarge Mountain
THE STORY: North Kearsarge offers one of the best panoramic views in the Valley. A scenic auto road leads near the top, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the breathtaking landscape.
DID YOU KNOW? From the summit you can see the Presidential Range and beyond.
STATS: 🚘 20 min | 🌲 May–Oct | 🥾 Easy | 💡 Go near sunset for unforgettable views.
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Please keep our natural spaces beautiful. Leave no trace and trash.
Check road & trail conditions seasonally.
