Information
Landmark: Hogle ZooCity: Salt Lake City
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America
Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City, USA Utah, North America
The Cranmore Scenic Chairlift is a fixed-grip chairlift located at Cranmore Mountain Resort in Conway, New Hampshire, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The chairlift consists of a series of steel towers supporting a continuous loop of steel cable. Attached to the cable are individual chairs designed for two passengers. The chairs are constructed with metal frames and plastic seating. The lift ascends a moderate slope, offering views of forested terrain and the surrounding White Mountains.
Location & Access Logistics
The Cranmore Scenic Chairlift is situated at 1 Skimobile Road, Conway, NH 03818. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the center of Conway village. Parking is available on-site at the resort's main lot. Access via public transport is limited; the closest major transit hub is in North Conway, requiring a taxi or ride-share service to reach the resort.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The original Cranmore chairlift was installed in 1947, making it one of the earliest chairlifts in the United States. It was part of the initial development of Cranmore Mountain as a ski resort. The mountain itself is part of the Appalachian Mountain range, characterized by deciduous and coniferous forests.
Key Highlights & Activities
The primary activity is a round-trip ride on the scenic chairlift. Passengers can disembark at the summit to access observation areas. Hiking trails are available from the summit, including a descent route. Photography opportunities are present throughout the ascent and at the summit.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available at the base lodge. Limited shade is provided by the chairlift canopy during the ride. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available at the base and summit areas. Food vendors and a restaurant are located within the Cranmore Mountain Resort base area.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal lighting for photography, the late morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) and mid-afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) offer favorable sun angles. The chairlift operates seasonally, typically from late spring through fall. Clear weather days provide the best visibility of the mountain range.
Facts & Legends
The summit of Cranmore Mountain is known for its unique microclimate, which can sometimes result in cooler temperatures than the surrounding valleys, even in summer. Harvey F. Gibson, the developer of Cranmore, was instrumental in its early success.
Nearby Landmarks
- Echo Lake State Park (2.5km Southwest)
- Diana's Baths (3.8km West)
- Conway Scenic Railroad (1.8km Southwest)
- Settlers Green (2.1km Southeast)
- Mount Washington Regional Airport (10.5km Northwest)