Franconia Notch Things To Do

Formed 200 Million Years ago, the Flume Gourge and Cannon Mountain are at the center of Franconia Notch and are still two of New England's most popular and intriguing natural geological wonders.

Spend a day or a week discovering narrow granite passages, natural chasms and scenic pools, or feel the joy of the cool spray of steep fast-moving waterfalls on a hot summer day.

Exit 34A - The Flume Gorge & Gilman Visitor Center
The Flume is a natural gorge with spectacular waterfalls, vistas and covered bridges. The visitor's center has restrooms, a cafeteria, gift shop and historical displays as well as a free introductory movie to Franconia Notch State Park. Also at this exit is the south entrance to the Franconia Notch Rescreational Trail for bikers and walkers, as well as trailhead parking and picnic tables at the at the parking area for visitor's use.

Exit 34A - Exit 34B - Pull-Offs Between These Exits

Basin Pull-Off (north and southbound)
The Basin is a large granite pothole that was created by a glacier more than 15,000 years ago At this pull-off are walking paths to the Basin, picnic tables and an entrance to Franconia State Park

Trailhead parking Pull-Off (northbound only)
Ideal for hikers on the Franconia Ridge trail system (Bridal path and Falling Waters trailhead). Picnic tables are available.

Lafayette Place Campground Pull-Off (southbound only)
Offering 97 wooded campsite, a camp store, showers and information. Reservations for the campground can be made from January-October. At this pull-off there is also a hiker information cabin and parking for hikers and Franconia Notch Park recreational Trail users. (603-271-3628 for reservations).

Exit 34B - Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway / Old Man of the Mountain Museum
parking for both of these sites is located at this exit. The tramway takes visitors to the summit of Cannon Mountain to enjoy pamoramic views. At the summit, there is a cafeteria, restrooms, walking paths and an observations tower. At the base there is a cafeteria, restrooms and gift shop The Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site is a quick way to see where the Old Man called home, and learn about the famous stone profile this is the state emblem featured on the New Hampshire Quarter. From the parking area, paths lead to Prfile lake, a gift shop, restrooms and a museum.

Exit 34B - The New England Ski Museum
Open daily, free of charge, from noon to 5 p.m.

Exit 34C - Echo Lake Beach and Cannon RV Park
The beach - which is open in June, July and August - offers visitors a bathhous, lifeguards, boat rentals and a snack shop. Cannon RV Park is open year-round and the parking area is also a base for hikers. The Governor Gallen Memorial is available for parking to walk onto Lafayette Bridge where visitors will be treated to spectacular views of Franconia Village, Mt. Lafayette and beyond The Cannon Mountain Ski Area base lodge is located at this exit as well.

Franconia Notch Recreation and Trail Maps

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