Glen, New Hampshire, is a picturesque, unincorporated village within the town of Bartlett in Carroll County, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains. As part of the Mount Washington Valley, Glen serves as a gateway to a region renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly attractions.
Location, Coordinates, and Elevation
Coordinates: Approximately
44°06′38″N 71°10′47″W (or ~44.1106°N, 71.1826°W).
Elevation: 548 ft
(167 m) at the village level.
Positioned ~5 miles (8 km) north of
North Conway center and ~6 miles (9.7 km) east of Bartlett center.
It sits at the critical intersection of U.S. Route 302 (White
Mountain Highway) and New Hampshire Route 16. From the south (North
Conway), the routes run concurrently northward into Glen, where they
diverge: Route 302 heads west through Crawford Notch toward Vermont,
while Route 16 continues north through Pinkham Notch to Gorham and
Berlin.
Topography and Surrounding Terrain
Glen occupies the
relatively flat, broad floor of a glaciated valley at low elevation,
with abrupt, steep rises to the surrounding peaks. The town of Bartlett
(75.2 sq mi total area, mostly land) is almost entirely enveloped by the
White Mountain National Forest. Key nearby summits include:
Mount
Tremont (highest in Bartlett): 3,371 ft (1,027 m)
Bear Mountain:
3,200 ft (980 m, southern boundary)
Mount Parker: 3,004 ft (916 m,
north)
The landscape features classic Appalachian ruggedness with
deep glacial notches (U-shaped valleys), steep slopes, and dramatic
elevation changes. To the west lies Crawford Notch (a steep, scenic
pass); to the north/northeast is Pinkham Notch, leading directly toward
the Presidential Range and Mount Washington (6,288 ft / 1,917 m, New
England's highest peak, visible in the distance from higher vantage
points in the valley).
Hydrology
The area drains into the Saco
River watershed. The Saco River originates at Saco Lake in Crawford
Notch (~1,887 ft elevation) and flows eastward/southward through
Bartlett and near/through Glen (with waterfront properties and
recreation noted), descending dramatically before reaching Conway and
Maine. Tributaries include the Ellis River (with Goodrich Falls nearby
in northern Bartlett) and the East Branch Saco River (along Lower
Bartlett, between Glen and Intervale).
The river creates sandy
beaches, clear cold water, and opportunities for tubing, kayaking,
swimming, and fishing (trout). It has shaped the valley and supports
local ecosystems and tourism.
Geology
The White Mountains
result from the Acadian Orogeny (~Devonian, ~400 million years ago)
involving tectonic collisions that produced igneous (notably granite)
and metamorphic bedrock. Pleistocene glaciation (Wisconsinan stage)
profoundly sculpted the landscape: advancing ice sheets carved the
notches, cirques (e.g., Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington), U-shaped
valleys, potholes, and deposited till, moraines, and outwash that form
much of the valley floors and soils.
Climate and Vegetation
Glen experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) with strong
orographic influences from the mountains. At lower valley elevation,
conditions are moderated compared to higher peaks, but still feature:
Cold, snowy winters (average lows well below freezing; annual
snowfall often 80–100+ inches from lake-effect and mountain lift).
Mild summers (highs typically 70s–80s°F).
Evenly distributed
precipitation, with frequent showers; rapid weather changes common due
to proximity to extreme Mount Washington weather (highest wind speeds
recorded on Earth).
Vegetation zones transition sharply with
elevation: northern hardwood forests (sugar maple, yellow birch, beech,
eastern hemlock) dominate lower slopes around Glen; higher elevations
shift to boreal spruce-fir; above ~4,500–5,000 ft: krummholz and alpine
tundra. The area is renowned for vibrant autumn foliage.
Ecology
and Human Context
Wildlife includes moose, black bear, deer, bobcats,
and diverse birds. The White Mountain National Forest protects vast
areas for hiking (Appalachian Trail segments nearby), skiing
(Attitash/Bear Mountain Resort adjacent), and scenery. Glen itself is
tourism-oriented (home to Story Land amusement park) amid this dramatic
natural setting.
In summary, Glen’s geography is defined by its
protected low-elevation valley position at the convergence of major
routes and river systems, framed by towering glaciated peaks and
notches—making it a quintessential microcosm of the White Mountains’
beauty, recreation, and climatic variability. For precise mapping or
current conditions, topographic tools or local resources are ideal.
Early Settlement and the Founding of Bartlett (Late 18th to Early
19th Century)
The region encompassing Glen and Bartlett was part of
the untamed wilderness of northern New Hampshire in the colonial era.
Settlement began after 1769, when land grants were issued to encourage
development in what was then a remote area under the jurisdiction of
Strafford and later Coos Counties. Many grantees did not settle the land
themselves, leaving it to hardy pioneers who braved dense forests, harsh
winters, and isolation to establish farms and homesteads.
By 1790,
the area had enough residents to incorporate as the town of Bartlett,
named in honor of Dr. Josiah Bartlett, a prominent New Hampshire
physician, statesman, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Dr.
Bartlett, who also founded the New Hampshire Medical Society in 1791,
served as the state's first governor and was a delegate to the
Continental Congress. Early settlers included families like the
Garlands, who played key roles in local governance—such as Richard
Garland serving as the town's first constable and tax collector. These
pioneers faced immense challenges: clearing land for agriculture,
building rudimentary roads, and surviving in a landscape prone to
natural disasters like floods and landslides.
Glen, as a specific
locale within Bartlett, emerged along the Saco River and key travel
routes. Areas like the West Side Road, which starts in Glen and winds
through Cooks Crossing and Hilltown, were vital for early transportation
and farming. Hilltown, now largely a memory with visible cellar holes
and the Hilltown Cemetery, housed families such as the Drowns and was
struck by tragedy in 1936 when a landslide caused by spring floods
killed resident Eugene Hill, a local watchmaker. Nearby landmarks like
Pitman's Arch, a cavern in Humphrey's Ledge discovered in 1885,
attracted early explorers and added to the area's allure as a natural
wonder.
Throughout the early 19th century, Bartlett (and by extension
Glen) remained primarily agricultural and logging-based, with
small-scale farming on marginal land. The population grew slowly,
supported by the Saco River for milling and transport.
The Rise
of Tourism and The Glen House Era (Mid-19th to Early 20th Century)
The mid-19th century transformed Glen from a backwoods settlement into a
burgeoning tourist hub, driven by improved transportation and the
romantic appeal of the White Mountains. In 1851, the completion of the
Grand Trunk Railway from Portland, Maine, to Gorham, New Hampshire,
dramatically increased visitor traffic to Pinkham Notch, just north of
Glen. This influx of travelers seeking the sublime scenery of Mount
Washington and surrounding peaks spurred the development of grand
hotels.
Central to this era was The Glen House, a series of hotels
built on a site offering stunning views of Tuckerman Ravine and the
northern Presidential Range. The first iteration began in the early
1850s when John Bellows converted a farmhouse into a modest inn to
accommodate railway visitors. He soon sold it to Col. J.M. Thompson, who
renamed it The Glen House and expanded it into a luxurious resort. By
the late 1860s, following Thompson's death, the Milliken brothers took
ownership and further developed the property.
Tragically, fire
plagued The Glen House's history: the original burned in 1884, was
rebuilt and expanded, then destroyed again in 1893. The Libby family of
Gorham acquired the site and converted the surviving servants' quarters
into a 40-room hotel, which also eventually burned. A fourth version met
the same fate in 1967. At its peak, The Glen House was a symbol of
Gilded Age opulence, featuring amenities like lawn tennis, croquet, an
orchestra, game rooms, parlors, and a library. Guests could access Mount
Washington via the newly opened Carriage Road (now the Mount Washington
Auto Road), fostering a culture of adventure tourism.
The railroad's
expansion in 1875, with the Maine Central Railroad's Mountain Division
reaching Bartlett, solidified Glen's role as a transit point. This
connectivity brought artists, writers, and affluent vacationers,
boosting local economy through hotels, guiding services, and outdoor
pursuits. Swiss-style chalets in Glen, originally built as ski lodges in
the early 20th century, reflect the influence of European ski
instructors who popularized winter sports in the area.
Mid-20th
Century: The Birth of Family Entertainment and Modern Attractions
The
post-World War II era marked Glen's shift toward family tourism. In
1954, Bob and Ruth Morrell founded Story Land on affordable land in Glen
that was deemed unsuitable even for pasture. Inspired by dolls
representing fairy tale characters purchased from Frau Edith Von Arps in
Germany during Bob's Korean War service, the Morrells created a
whimsical park where nursery rhymes came to life. Opening a year before
Disneyland, it featured colorful buildings, live animals, and simple
rides, delighting young visitors.
Story Land expanded rapidly despite
early economic hurdles in the late 1950s. Key milestones include:
1957: Addition of Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach and Castle.
1960s:
Introduction of the Tree House, ancient German Carousel (still
operational), Swan Boats, and CP Huntington Train.
1970s: Safari
Ride, Moroccan Bazaar, Polar Coaster, and Ted E. Bear Jamboree.
1980s-1990s: Pirate Ship, Alice's Tea Cups, Voyage to the Moon, Dr.
Geyser’s Remarkable Raft Ride, Bamboo Chutes, and Oceans of Fun
Sprayground.
2000s-Present: Cuckoo Clockenspiel, Roar-O-Saurus roller
coaster (2014), and ongoing additions like shows and dining options.
The park has remained family-run, with generations of Morrells and
loyal employees contributing to its success. It has been voted New
Hampshire's Best Amusement Park for Kids multiple times, emphasizing
experiences for young children.
Adjacent to Story Land, Heritage New
Hampshire opened in the 1970s as a walkthrough museum chronicling 400
years of New Hampshire history inside a large building. It offered
immersive exhibits on colonial life, industry, and culture but closed in
2006. The 1960s also saw the establishment of Attitash ski area in
Bartlett, enhancing Glen's year-round appeal.
Modern Glen:
Preservation and Continued Growth (Late 20th Century to Present)
In
the 21st century, Glen has preserved its historical legacy while
adapting to contemporary tourism. The fifth Glen House hotel opened in
2018, designed in classic New England style with nods to its
predecessors, including clapboard siding and painted trim. Owned by the
family with deep roots in Pinkham Notch (including ties to the Mount
Washington Auto Road), it revives the site's tradition of hospitality.
The Bartlett Historical Society, based in Bartlett, actively documents
and shares the history of Glen, Intervale, and surrounding areas through
exhibits, events, and a museum displaying artifacts from local life,
railroads, and tourism. As of the 2020 census, Bartlett's population was
3,200, reflecting steady growth tied to recreation.
Today, Glen
embodies a blend of natural splendor and nostalgic charm, drawing
families for Story Land adventures, hikers for Pinkham Notch trails, and
history enthusiasts for its resilient past. Its story is one of
adaptation—from frontier hardship to railroad glamour, fiery
destructions to whimsical rebirths—mirroring the enduring spirit of New
Hampshire's White Mountains.
Glen is a hub for family-friendly and outdoor activities, with
attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Below are the
highlights:
Story Land
Overview: Story Land is Glen’s crown
jewel, a children’s amusement park operating since 1954. Spanning 35
acres, it features over 30 rides and attractions themed around fairy
tales and adventure, including the Roar-O-Saurus (a wooden roller
coaster), Polar Coaster, and Bamboo Chutes log flume.
Experience: The
park offers live shows, character meet-and-greets, and themed areas like
Humpty Dumpty’s Wall and the Little Dreamers Nursery Rhyme Play Area.
It’s designed for young children, with gentle rides and interactive
elements.
Season: Open from late May to October, with peak crowds in
summer. Tickets typically cost $40–$50 per person, with discounts for
multi-day passes.
Impact: Story Land draws thousands of visitors
annually, making it a cornerstone of Glen’s tourism economy.
Living Shores Aquarium
Overview: Adjacent to Story Land, this indoor
aquarium opened in 2019 and is operated by the same company. It features
over 32,000 square feet of marine exhibits, including touch tanks with
stingrays and sharks, and displays of tropical fish, otters, and
penguins.
Experience: Interactive elements like the “Aviary
Adventure” and educational programs appeal to families. The aquarium is
open year-round, with shorter hours in winter.
Pricing: Admission is
around $20–$30, with combo tickets available for Story Land.
Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center
Overview: Located just north of
Glen, this center offers year-round outdoor activities on 45 km of
trails. It’s a hub for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking,
and mountain biking.
Winter Highlights: The center provides access to
the SnowCoach, a tracked vehicle that transports visitors up the Mount
Washington Auto Road for winter views without the hike.
Summer
Activities: Kayaking, fishing, and guided tours of the Saco River and
nearby trails.
Cost: Trail passes range from $10–$20, with equipment
rentals available.
White Mountain National Forest
Overview: Surrounding Glen, this
forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife
viewing. Popular trails include the Moat Mountain Trail (moderate, with
panoramic views) and Diana’s Baths, a series of waterfalls near North
Conway.
Skiing: Glen is close to ski resorts like Cranmore Mountain
Resort (5 miles away) and Attitash Mountain Resort (10 miles), which
offer downhill skiing, tubing, and terrain parks.
Cost: Most trails
are free, though parking passes ($5/day) are required at some
trailheads.
The Glen House
Overview: A modern hotel with a
nod to its 19th-century predecessor, The Glen House offers 68 rooms, a
heated indoor pool, and The Notch Grille, which serves locally inspired
dishes like maple-glazed salmon.
Location: Near Pinkham Notch, with
views of Mount Washington.
Pricing: Rates range from $150–$300/night,
with off-season discounts in spring (March–May).
Cultural and
Seasonal Events
Return of the Pumpkin People (October): Nearby
Jackson hosts this whimsical event, where local businesses create
elaborate scarecrow displays.
Fall Foliage: Glen’s location makes it
a prime spot for leaf-peeping, with peak colors typically in late
September to early October.
Winter Festivals: North Conway and
Bartlett host events like the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest,
featuring ice climbing demonstrations.
Glen’s small population—part of Bartlett’s 2,788 residents as of the
2010 census—fosters a tight-knit, welcoming community. The village lacks
a formal downtown but revolves around its key attractions and
businesses. Locals take pride in their connection to the White
Mountains, with many working in tourism, hospitality, or outdoor
recreation.
The Red Parka Pub is a cultural institution, known
for its lively atmosphere, live music, and hearty fare like steak tips
and lobster mac-and-cheese. Its walls, adorned with ski memorabilia,
reflect the area’s love for winter sports. Nearby, Margarita Grill in
Glen offers Southwestern-inspired dishes and a family-friendly vibe.
Glen’s demographic is diverse for a small village, with a mix of
year-round residents, seasonal workers, and second-home owners. The
area’s schools, part of the Bartlett School District, serve a small but
close community, with Conway’s Kennett High School providing secondary
education.
Glen’s economy is heavily tied to tourism, driven by Story Land, ski
resorts, and outdoor recreation. The village benefits from its proximity
to North Conway, a retail hub with tax-free shopping at outlets like
Settlers Green. Seasonal employment spikes in summer and winter, with
jobs in hospitality, retail, and guiding. Small businesses, including
inns, restaurants, and gear shops, thrive on visitor traffic.
The
Glen Junction, a diner-style restaurant, and convenience stores like
Circle K cater to both locals and travelers. Real estate is a growing
sector, with vacation homes and condos popular among out-of-state
buyers, though median home prices in Bartlett (around $300,000–$400,000)
remain lower than in urban areas.
Glen experiences a cold, humid continental climate typical of
northern New England:
Winter (Dec–Feb): Temperatures range from
10°F to 30°F, with heavy snowfall (80–100 inches annually) supporting
skiing and snowmobiling.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mild, with highs of
70–80°F and lows around 50°F. Humidity is moderate, and rain is common.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Crisp, with highs of 50–70°F and vibrant foliage.
Spring (Mar–May): Muddy and variable, with temperatures of 30–60°F.
The area’s microclimate, influenced by the White Mountains, can lead to
sudden weather changes, especially at higher elevations.
Glen is accessible by car, with Interstate 93 (40 miles west) connecting to Boston (2.5 hours) and Portland, Maine (1.5 hours). The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), 60 miles away. Public transit is limited, but Concord Coach Lines offers bus service to North Conway. Within Glen, walking or biking is feasible for nearby attractions, but a car is essential for exploring the broader region.