Springtime in the White Mountains isn’t just about blooming flowers, longer days, and warmer weather—it’s also about sweetness! And as winter thaws, the forests around North Conway seem to come alive with one of New England’s most storied traditions: maple sugar season. If you’re planning a trip to the region this upcoming spring, here’s why maple sugar season is something that needs to be added to your itinerary, pronto!
When Does Maple Sugar Season Happen?
Maple sugar season happens during a brief window in the late winter and early spring, when the daytime temperatures are above freezing but the nights stay cold. These temperature swings cause the sap within the bark of sugar maple trees to move and flow more freely, which makes it far easier for local producers to collect it and begin the syrup-making process. The sap is boiled down to create pure syrup, often using old-school methods, and it takes roughly 40 gallons of sap just to make one gallon of syrup!
This tradition has deep roots in the region, beginning with the Indigenous peoples who first tapped these trees to harvest sap. Today, New Hampshire sugarhouses contain this tradition with passion, and small-batch syrups are widely available.
How to Spend Maple Sugar Season in North Conway
As you explore maple sugar season in and around North Conway, here are some spots you shouldn’t hesitate to stop by:
- Fadden’s General Store & Maple Sugarhouse
- Turkey Street Maples
- Zeb’s General Store
- Black Mountain Sugarhouse
- 100-Acre Wood Sugar Shack
- Fuller’s Sugarhouse
- Babel’s Sugar Shack LLC
- The NH Maple Experience at the Rocks
These sugarhouses, spanning all across the state, open their doors to visitors during March, and you’ll be able to see the syrup-making process firsthand, sample different types of maple treats, and learn directly from the families and locals who’ve been perfecting this craft for generations.
If you’re thinking about checking out maple sugar season, you’d also be wise to stay at a North Conway bed & breakfast such as the Buttonwood Inn. After a cozy night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you can spend your day exploring nearby sugarhouses, scenic back roads, and all the charm that the White Mountains have to offer!
About the Buttonwood Inn
The Buttonwood Inn on Mt. Surprise has been serving guests in North Conway for over 75 years, and we’d love to host you or your group during your trip to the White Mountains this maple sugar season! You also won’t want to miss the upcoming New Hampshire Maple Weekend, which takes place March 21-22. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to begin booking your stay, you can call or reach out online for more information. Telephone: (603) 810-0642.