Franconia Notch State Park Park

Address: Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire, USA

Website: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park

Hours: Park areas typically open daylight hours; visitor centres have seasonal schedules

Admission: Entrance fees for some facilities and parking may apply

Franconia Notch State Park is a linear state park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire that occupies the narrow mountain pass known as Franconia Notch. The notch contains high peaks, developed recreation facilities and prominent natural attractions in a compact corridor.

Key attractions include Cannon Mountain with its summit facilities and aerial tramway, and the Franconia Ridge corridor that includes Mount Lafayette at 5,249 feet and offers long alpine ridge hikes linked to the Appalachian Trail. The park also contains the Flume Gorge, a walkable granite gorge with boardwalks and waterfalls, plus lakes and picnic areas.

The notch has long been a recreational destination; notable cultural history includes the profile known as the Old Man of the Mountain, a natural granite head shape that was a state symbol until it collapsed in 2003. Over the 20th century the area was developed for winter sport, hiking and scenic travel, with infrastructure concentrated along the I-93 corridor.

Franconia Notch lies in Grafton County between the towns of Lincoln and Franconia in the heart of the White Mountains, with the park corridor traversed by Interstate 93 and state highways that provide access to trailheads, the tramway and visitor facilities.

• Peak elevations: Peak elevations: **Mount Lafayette** reaches 5,249 feet while **Cannon Mountain** is about 4,080 feet, making the park a hub for high-elevation hiking in the White Mountains.
• Best season: Fall foliage from late September through October is a major draw; popular viewpoints include the Cannon summit and the Franconia Ridge corridor along the Appalachian Trail.

What to See#

• Cannon Mountain: Summit reaches about 4,080 feet and is developed as a ski area and outdoor recreation site; an aerial tramway provides visitor access to the summit year round.
• Flume Gorge: A granite gorge with boardwalks, waterfalls and exposed rock walls; the site has established trails and viewing platforms that allow close views of the gorge and cascades.

Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire along Interstate 93 (I-93). Major trailheads and attractions are signed from the highway; the town of Lincoln and Franconia offer accommodations and services nearby.

• Arrive early to hike popular trails like the Franconia Ridge to avoid mid-day crowds.
• In winter expect steep, icy conditions on the notch trails; bring crampons or microspikes.
• The Flume Gorge and nearby Conway Lake are good alternatives when visibility on alpine trails is poor.