Cathedral Ledge Our Way

If you’re new to Cathedral Ledge, it’s a 700-foot-high rock wall just outside of downtown North Conway, NH. The cliffs are popular for rock climbing and offer scenic views of the White Mountains and Saco River Valley from the top. There are several ways to reach this natural beauty, including an accessible route.

I’ll list them all here, but can only recommend the route we followed: Cathedral Ledge Our Way (see 1.a). This is not an official route, hence the made-up name, but it’s one we learned about from a friend - thanks, Richie! You won’t find Our Way on a map, but I did record this hike on All Trails and have shared my personal link in the description below, if you’d like to attempt it.

1. Cathedral Ledge via Cathedral Ledge Road - Accessible

   Drive or walk the paved, 1-mile auto road leading to the top of Cathedral Ledge. According to NH State Parks, “a short walk from the parking area will take you to a view of the valley (fully developed trail, obstacles not present). Visitors can continue to the ledges with moderate difficulty for other views.”

   
   

   a. Cathedral Ledge Our Way - Moderate

   To find this route, park anywhere on the side of Cathedral Ledge Road and start walking, following the trail above. After passing the Cathedral Ledge State Park kiosk, followed by some small dirt parking spaces for climbers on the left, you’ll see a dirt trail heading straight up the hill, away from the auto road, marked by blue and red blazes. It’s steep, but manageable, and you likely won’t see anyone on it…likely because it can’t be found on a map. The path leads past some climbing areas, which are fun to observe, ending with a perfect view of Cathedral Ledge. You’ll be standing north of the fenced-in viewing area at the top, but this spot has no crowds and still offers fantastic views of the valley below. I did map our route if you’d like to try and replicate it. Here’s the link if you’d like to try and replicate it. The total out-and-back includes 1.73 miles and 568 feet of elevation gain.

1. 

   One of the climbing areas you'll pass on Cathedral Ledge Our Way

View from the top

2. Cathedral Ledge via Bryce Path Trail - Moderate

   This route also begins on the Cathedral Ledge Road, but does not involve a walk on the auto road, and it reaches the cliff from the south, instead of from the north. The total out-and-back includes 2 miles of hiking with an elevation gain of 610 feet.

   
   

3. Cathedral Ledge from Echo Lake State Park - Moderate

   This route begins at a lake perfect for swimming and/or a picnic. The total out-and-back is 2.9 miles with an elevation gain of 669 feet. I’ve never done this route, but “steep and rocky sections” are listed on All Trails.

   
   

An important note: the auto road is closed in the winter. In addition, your mileage may be different than those listed above, depending on where you end up finding parking alongside Cathedral Ledge Road. This is a popular spot in the summer and fall, so plan to see lots of hikers here!