Leave at 9:00am with your group to allow for stops and a relaxed drive; target route is I-95 N/I-287 N connecting to I-84 and I-93 to reach the North Conway area. This keeps the trip direct and avoids major detours.
Either pick up bagels/coffee in New Hyde Park (many bagel shops open ~6–8am) or pack sandwiches for the drive; this saves time and money compared with a sit-down stop. If you prefer a sit-down, plan a 30–45 minute stop en route (typical cafe hours 7:00am–2:00pm).
Arrive in the Conway area and have a picnic at Diana's Baths (short walk, scenic pools) or pick a casual lunch in North Conway village; Diana's Baths is usually open dawn–dusk and is a great first leaf-peeping stop. Parking may be limited on weekends—arrive early if possible.
Check in to your reserved campsite or group cabin. Cheapest options commonly: (1) group site or campground in White Mountain National Forest or local private campgrounds/KOA; (2) a large budget cabin or house rental in Conway/North Conway. For 12 people expect group-cabin or whole-home rental estimates USD300–USD650/night; group campsite per-site rates typically USD30–USD80/night. I cannot confirm live availability—book immediately and filter vacation-rentals for 10+ guests or call local campgrounds for group sites.
Drive a short distance to Cathedral Ledge for sweeping valley and foliage views or a stroll around Echo Lake; both are excellent and family-friendly. Most trailheads and outlooks are open dawn–dusk and parking may charge a small fee.
Dine in North Conway at a family-friendly restaurant (pub or pizza) to sample local fare; many eateries are open roughly 11:00am–9:00pm but check exact hours. Eat early to return to campsite/cabin before dark.
Relax by a campfire (where allowed) or enjoy indoor group games if you're in a cabin. Follow campground quiet hours and fire regulations; parks often restrict fires after a certain hour—confirm at check-in.
Sleep at the campsite or cabin to be ready for an early start the next morning; confirm check-out rules and morning coffee options with your host or campground office.
Catch sunrise and morning color on a short, family-friendly hike or drive to an overlook (Cathedral Ledge or a nearby pullout). Most overlooks/trails are accessible at dawn; stick to short routes so you can depart on schedule.
Have a hearty breakfast at your cabin (coffee + simple hot breakfast) or stop at a local bakery in North Conway (usually open ~7:00am–11:00am). Packing breakfast the night before shortens your morning routine.
Finish packing, clean the cabin or campsite to the host/park's rules, and check out. Many short-term rentals ask for a 10:00–11:00am check-out—confirm when you book and aim for a timely departure.
Drive a portion of the Kancamagus Scenic Byway with 1–2 quick stops at popular overlooks or short scenic walks (Sabbaday Falls or a roadside pullout). Limit stops to keep the schedule for a timely return to New York.
Head back to New Hyde Park to meet your required 4:00pm arrival. Estimated direct drive time is about 5 hours depending on traffic; leaving at 11:00am builds a little buffer for short rest stops.
Stop for a quick roadside lunch or pull into a diner along I-84/I-287 to keep to your schedule; aim for a 20–40 minute stop to stretch and refuel. Many diners are open by 11:00am–2:00pm, but times vary—plan a packed lunch to ensure timing.
Estimated arrival back in New Hyde Park by 4:00pm if you depart North Conway by 11:00am and traffic is normal. This meets your requested return time—if you want more time in NH, you'll need to depart earlier or shift the trip one day later.