Franconia Notch State Park - New Hampshire

Address:Franconia, New Hampshire
Tel: (603) 823-8800

In this glorious gap in the mountains, which was formed by glacial and river erosive forces, lies Franconia Notch State Park. The Franconia notch is traversed by a parkway starting at Flume Gorge, which extends 800 feet at the base of Mt Liberty, to Echo Lake, a perfect spot for great swimming and fishing. There is a fantastic aerial tramway here which reaches the summit of Mt Cannon in just 8 minutes - a great way to take in the spectacular mountain views and on a clear day, views of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, and even Canada. Perhaps the most intriguing feature here though, is the historic site of the Old Man of the Mountain, a natural facial profile which once hung over Profile Lake and the state symbol of New Hampshire, which collapsed in 2003. Like the Old Man himself, this park is a state landmark which should never be forgotten.

Welcome to Franconia Notch State Park, located in the heart of the popular White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch 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. For eight miles, I-93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges. Franconia Notch was the home of the famous Old Man of the Mountain, the same "Great Stone Face" immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster. While you are here, stop at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center and walk through the renowned Flume Gorge, ride the exciting aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain, and visit the New England Ski Museum. Take your time, stop for a swim at Echo Lake, net a trout while fly fishing at Profile Lake, ride your bike on the Recreational Trail, watch for rock climbers, hawks, and falcons on Cannon Cliffs, or hike on the Appalachian Trail. Bring the family, stay awhile, and enjoy Franconia Notch State Park.