🌤 Weather at Willey House by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–62 °F | 48–75 °F | 24–68 °F | 6–32 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Pinkham Notch, 10 mi away, elevation 2,025 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Most Famous Tragedy in the White Mountains — Site of the 1826 Willey Slide — a catastrophic landslide that killed an entire family and inspired Hawthorne’s “The Ambitious Guest”
Willey House State Historic Site in Crawford Notch preserves the site of the most famous tragedy in White Mountains history. On August 28, 1826, a massive landslide triggered by heavy rains roared down the mountain toward the Willey family home. Samuel Willey, his wife, five children, and two hired men fled the house — and were killed by the debris. Ironically, the house survived untouched, sheltered by a large rock that split the slide around it. The empty house, with dinner still on the table, became a national sensation and inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Ambitious Guest.”
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Crawford Notch, Hart’s Location, NH |
| Entry Fee | Free (day use) |
| Tragedy | Aug 28, 1826 — entire family killed! |
| Irony | House survived — family didn’t! |
| Literature | Hawthorne’s “The Ambitious Guest”! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Hawthorne?
The cruel irony — the family ran from a house that would have protected them — captivated the nation. Hawthorne’s 1835 story imagines a young stranger visiting the Willeys on the night of the slide, weaving themes of ambition and fate that made Crawford Notch a pilgrimage site for 19th-century tourists.
What happened to the Willey family?
On the night of August 28, 1826, heavy rains triggered a massive landslide on Mount Willey. The Willey family — Samuel, Polly, and their 5 children, plus 2 hired men — fled the house in terror. A large boulder split the slide around the house, leaving it untouched. But the family, running into the darkness, was swept away by debris flows. Their bodies were found scattered in the valley. The tragedy became a national sensation.
More parks nearby: Crawford Notch State Park is a short drive away, while Tip-Top House lies a short drive away.
🏔️ Visit Willey House SHS
1826 — the family fled, the house survived — Hawthorne’s haunting tale.
Insider Tips
Crawford Notch tragedy: In August 1826, the Willey family fled their house during a landslide in Crawford Notch — all 7 family members and 2 hired men died. Pro tip: Ironically, the house survived — a boulder split the landslide around it. If the family had stayed inside, they would have lived. Romantic movement: The tragedy inspired paintings by Thomas Cole and stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne — making Crawford Notch a pilgrimage site for the Romantic movement.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Crawford Notch foliage — among the finest in New England. Summer: Hiking and interpretation. Spring: Waterfalls in full flow. Year-round: Site accessible.
Wildlife & Nature
Willey House — within Crawford Notch State Park — marks the site of the Willey Disaster of 1826, one of New Hampshire’s most tragic and famous events. When a massive landslide swept down the mountain on August 28, 1826, the Willey family of seven plus two hired men fled their house and were all killed — while the house itself was saved by a boulder that split the slide. The site — now a gift shop and information center — sits beneath the still-visible landslide scar. Moose are frequently spotted nearby at dawn and dusk.
Nearby Attractions
Crawford Notch State Park — surrounding — has Arethusa Falls (176 ft, tallest in NH), the Crawford Path (oldest trail in America, 1819), and Silver Cascade (roadside). Bretton Woods — 5 miles north — has the Omni Mount Washington Resort. Conway Scenic Railroad runs through the notch.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Willey House
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
Are dogs allowed at Willey House?
Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Willey House
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
