Franconia Notch State Park

Carved between the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges, Franconia Notch State Park occupies nearly 6,700 acres of dramatic glacial landscape in Grafton County, New Hampshire. This narrow pass through the White Mountains delivers some of the most iconic scenery in the Northeast — towering granite cliffs, pristine alpine waterways, and dense northern hardwood forests that erupt in color each autumn.

The park’s centerpiece is the Flume Gorge, a natural 800-foot chasm with granite walls rising 70 to 90 feet above a rushing brook. A network of boardwalks and stairs makes this geological wonder accessible to visitors of all ages. Nearby, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway whisks riders 4,080 feet to a summit panorama stretching across four states and into Canada.

Hikers find trails for every ability here. The Lonesome Lake Trail climbs to an AMC hut perched above a pristine alpine pond, while the Franconia Ridge Loop — one of New England’s premier day hikes — traverses exposed ridgeline with views that rival anything in the Rockies. Echo Lake offers a sandy swimming beach, kayaking, and fishing at the base of Cannon Mountain.

The eight-mile paved recreation path running the length of the notch is perfect for cycling and family walks. Winter brings downhill skiing at Cannon Mountain, one of New Hampshire’s oldest and most challenging ski areas.

Visit mid-September through early October for peak foliage, or June through August for the fullest range of activities. Expect crowds at the Flume Gorge on summer weekends — arrive early.

Explore Nearby

• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Mount Orne Bridge — Covered Bridge in New Hampshire
• Mount Orne Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont