Franconia Notch State Park, located in New Hampshire, is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. This state park is part of the White Mountain National Forest and is renowned for its natural beauty, offering numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing. It’s also famous for the now-collapsed Old Man of the Mountain, a rock formation that once resembled a human face, and the breathtaking Flume Gorge. Visitors often enjoy exploring its scenic trails, waterfalls, and the tranquil Echo Lake, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Franconia Notch State Park Contact Details
- Address: Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, United States
- Phone: 603-823-8800
- Website: https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/franconia-notch-state-park
Franconia Notch State Park RV Sites, Amenities and Rates
At Cannon RV Park, located in Franconia Notch State Park on the north shore of Echo Lake, RV enthusiasts can find a picturesque and convenient spot for their camping needs. The park operates year-round, providing a unique experience for each season. Here’s a breakdown of the amenities and rates:
Cannon RV Park Amenities
- Number of Sites: The park has seven RV sites.
- Utilities: Three-way hook-ups (water, sewer, and electric) are available from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day.
- Site Features: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.
- Bathrooms: Available seasonally at the beach but locked at night.
Reservation and RV Requirements
Situated near the Cannon Mountain Ski Area, offering easy access for winter camping.
Rates and Seasonal Details
- Regular Season (Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day): Full service with three-way hook-ups at $50/night.
- Off-Season (Day after Columbus Day to late-May): Reduced rate of $25/night. During this period, the RV park operates on a carry-in, carry-out basis with no water or sewer hookups. However, electric hookup remains available.
- Dump Station: Accessible only to registered campers and located as per the campground map.
Reservation and RV Requirements
- Reservation: Sites (RV sites 1-7) can be reserved online through Columbus Day weekend.
- RV Specifications: RVs must be self-contained with an onboard restroom. Pop-up campers are not permitted.
Franconia Notch State Park Campground Map
Franconia Notch State Park Recreational Activities
- Franconia Ridge Loop Hiking: This nearly 8.5-mile loop trail is one of the most challenging hikes in the park. It starts at the Falling Waters trail, passes several waterfalls, and leads up to the summits of Little Haystack Mountain, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Lafayette before descending via the Old Bridle Path.
- Recreational Trail: Spanning 8.7 miles, this paved trail is perfect for walking, running, biking, and, during winter, snowmobiling. It offers stunning views of Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake, and Franconia Ridge.
- Camping: The Lafayette Place Campground in the park provides 97 wooded tent sites with amenities like a campground store, bathrooms, showers, laundry services, and a playground. It’s connected to hiking trails and adheres to a carry-in, carry-out policy.
- Swimming, Fishing, and Boating: Echo Lake offers swimming, pedal boat rentals, and fishing for Eastern Brook Trout. Profile Lake is another spot for fly fishing only.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch is the highest ski area summit in New Hampshire, offering diverse terrain for skiing and snowboarding with up to 97 trails and glades.
- The Basin and Cascade Trail: A family-friendly hike that leads to Kinsman Falls and Rocky Glen Falls, and continues around Lonesome Lake.
- Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza: A memorial plaza with steel profilers to envision the historic rock formation that collapsed in 2003.
- Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway: A cable car ride to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain, offering panoramic views and hiking opportunities at the summit.
- Echo Lake Beach: A sandy beach for swimming or paddling with canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals available.
- Artist Bluff Trail: A short but steep hike leading to a scenic overlook, popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- Franconia Notch State Park Bike Path: An 8.8-mile trail for bikers and walkers, passing through main attractions like Echo Lake, Lafayette Campground, and The Basin.
- Boise Rock: A historical site with a legend about Thomas Boise, who took shelter under a large rock during a blizzard.
Nearby Attractions at Franconia Notch State Park
The Basin and Basin Cascade Trail
This natural geological formation is a highlight within Franconia Notch State Park itself. The Basin is a large pothole formed by the erosive forces of the Pemigewasset River. The hike to The Basin and along the Basin Cascade Trail extends for about 2.6 miles round trip, featuring a 626-foot elevation change. This trail offers stunning views of the forest, multiple waterfalls, and the chance to swim under one of them.
Profile Lake
Also located within Franconia Notch State Park, Profile Lake is a serene and picturesque spot ideal for fly fishing, especially known for its native Eastern Brook Trout. The lake is accessible via a short hike, making it a peaceful retreat for anglers. The clear, calm waters and natural surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for a day of fishing. Remember, a fishing license is required for fishing in Profile Lake.
Camping at Franconia Notch State Park
The park offers two camping options. Lafayette Place Campground is a tent-only site with 97 spots, equipped with paid showers and a camp store. Cannon Mountain RV Park, with its 7 spaces, offers year-round camping facilities for RVs, including essential amenities. Both sites are popular among visitors for their proximity to the park’s natural attractions and hiking trails.
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Echo Lake and Profile Lake within Franconia Notch are prime locations for water sports. Echo Lake, the more popular of the two, offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Profile Lake, being smaller and often less crowded, provides a more secluded experience. These lakes are ideal for those looking to enjoy a day on the water amidst beautiful mountainous scenery.
Lonesome Lake Trail
This trail in Franconia Notch State Park is perfect for those looking for a scenic yet moderately challenging hike. Approximately 3 miles long, this loop trail takes you to an overlook offering stunning views of Lonesome Lake. In warmer months, the hike can be combined with a refreshing swim in the lake, making it a delightful experience for both hiking enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Mount Lincoln Trail
For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Mount Lincoln Trail presents a tough challenge. This 7-mile, out-and-back hike offers breathtaking views from the top, as well as scenic vistas along the Franconia Ridge. Given the length and difficulty of the trail, it’s advisable to come prepared with snacks, water, sturdy hiking boots, and hiking poles.
Sugar Hill
A short drive from Franconia Notch State Park, Sugar Hill is a quaint small town known for its scenic beauty. Visitors can drive through picturesque back roads, stop by local attractions such as St. Matthews Chapel, and enjoy culinary delights at Polly’s Pancake Parlor. The town’s serene landscape and charming character make it a delightful detour.
Littleton
A charming town near Franconia, Littleton is celebrated for its delightful Main Street, which offers a unique blend of quaintness and charm. Known for having the longest candy counter in the world, Littleton is a must-visit for those looking to explore local shops, dine in cozy restaurants, and experience the quintessential small-town atmosphere of New England.
Rocks Estate & Christmas Tree Farm
Located in nearby Bethlehem, The Rocks Estate is an intriguing year-round destination. In addition to its Christmas tree selection starting in late November, the estate offers maple tree tours during March. While the property is undergoing restoration, certain activities and areas remain accessible to the public.
Flume Gorge
Approximately 1.7 miles from Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge offers a unique natural spectacle. This deep chasm features boardwalks that allow visitors to explore and marvel at the towering granite walls, flowing waterfalls, and lush vegetation. The Gorge provides a mix of natural beauty and adventure, suitable for those looking for a moderate hike.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
About 2.5 miles from the park, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway provides a breathtaking journey to the summit of Cannon Mountain. The tramway offers panoramic views of the White Mountains, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, and even Canada on a clear day. At the summit, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, an observation deck, and a café.
Whale’s Tale Waterpark
A short drive from Franconia Notch State Park, Whale’s Tale Waterpark offers a variety of water-based activities and attractions. It’s a family-friendly destination with water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river, providing a fun and refreshing experience for visitors of all ages.
Clark’s Bears
Near Franconia Notch State Park, Clark’s Bears is an amusement park that offers a unique family experience. It features bear shows, train rides, and various amusement rides. The park is known for its entertaining and educational bear performances, making it an ideal spot for a family outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for Franconia Notch State Park?
Yes, there is an entrance fee for day use at Franconia Notch State Park. The fees are as follows.
- Adults (12 and over): $4 for New Hampshire residents, $5 for non-residents.
- Seniors (NH Residents age 65 and over): Free of charge.
- Children (5 & under): Free for both residents and non-residents.
- Children (6-11 years old): $2 for New Hampshire residents, $3 for non-residents.
Why is Franconia Notch State Park famous?
Franconia Notch State Park, nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. The park features the famous Flume Gorge, a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. Hikers and nature enthusiasts are drawn to the park’s spectacular mountain pass, scenic trails, and the historical significance of its iron mining heritage. Its varied attractions, including the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and the New England Ski Museum, make it a cherished destination for visitors seeking both adventure and a glimpse into New England’s natural and cultural history.
What are the reviews for Franconia Notch State Park?
Franconia Notch State Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with visitors praising its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly the Flume Gorge and the Basin. The park’s diverse hiking trails, scenic views, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway are often highlighted as major attractions. While most reviews reflect a satisfying experience with the park’s beauty and recreational offerings, some visitors noted crowded conditions during peak seasons and considered certain attraction fees to be slightly high. Despite these minor points, the park is generally celebrated as a stunning and enjoyable destination for nature enthusiasts and families.
Is Echo Lake Beach open year around?
Echo Lake Beach at Franconia Notch State Park operates on a seasonal schedule and is not open year-round. Here is the breakdown of its operating schedule:
- May 26 to June 16: The beach is open on Fridays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. The General Store and Boat Rentals are also available during these days and times.
- June 17 to September 4: During this peak summer period, Echo Lake Beach is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The General Store and Boat Rentals follow the same daily schedule, with the last boat rentals going out at 5 pm.
- September 9 to October 10: Post Labor Day, the beach returns to a limited schedule, opening on Fridays through Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm.
After October 10, Echo Lake Beach closes for the season and does not offer services or rentals until it reopens the following year in late May.