Franconia Notch State Park is a beautiful park with stunning views of waterfalls, mountains and wildlife like eagles, moose, deer, bear, raccoons and porcupines. Outdoor enthusiasts love coming here to try the variety of hiking and biking trails. If you're into snowshoeing, visit those same hiking trails and more to get wonderful views of the snow-covered trees and icicles at the park!
Yes, the park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until August 6. Then the park is open weekends only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where is it?
You'll find the park both in Franconia, NH and Lincoln, NH.
How much does it cost to get in the park?
For adults, the fee is $4. Children (ages 6 to 11 years old) pay $2.
What can I do at Franconia Notch State Park?
Hikes
Flume Gorge Trail - Easy, 2.2 miles
Bald Mountain and Artists Bluff - Easy, 1.5 miles
Lonesome Lake - Moderate, 3.1 miles
Little Haystack - Hard, 5.6 miles
North Kinsman and South Kinsman Trail - Hard, 9.4 miles
Flume Gorge
Walk around the 2-mile loop of Flume Gorge and get gorgeous views of granite walls and a natural gorge. You can also visit the Gilman Visitor Center if you have any questions about the area or how to navigate the gorge. The gorge costs $18 for those who are 13 years or older. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are $2 cheaper than adults, whereas children five years and under are free.
In the winter, the waterfalls of the gorge freeze up, creating a gorgeous winter wonderland. The gorge closes October 24, 2021.
Picnic area
There are various campgrounds at the state park that come with a picnic table for you to eat at. You can also find a nice spot on any of the trails to sit down and enjoy a cold sandwich.
Can I ride a tram there?
Yes, you can visit the cable car station Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway to get to the Cannon Mountain summit. Summer pricing to get a round-trip ride on the tram is $25 for those 13 or older. Kids between 6 to 12 years old are $5 cheaper than adults. Children five years and under ride free with adults.
Are pets allowed?
According to the Cannon Mountain website, "Pets are prohibited from Echo Lake Beach, Lafayette Campground, on the Tram and in the Flume Gorge. Pets are only permitted in Franconia Notch State Park in the designated dog walks in the Flume & Tramway parking lots." BringFido said dogs are only permitted on trails and designated dog walk areas if they have a leash.
Where should I park?
Normally, you'd be able to hop onto the park's Hiker Shuttle, but it has been closed since 2020 for COVID-19. Some of the places you can find spots for parking are at:
Amazing park with stunning views! We visited Flume Gorge. The trail is very well kept and clean. There are many stairs and pathways that take you to the gorge and waterfalls. Loved all of the panoramic views and clear sounds of the running water from the gorge. This was an unforgettable journey.
Jennifer Garcia from Google Reviews
Franconia Notch State Park is a very beautiful park. There are dozens of trails for hiking. The views are unbeatable. I highly recommend taking a ride on the tram at cannon mountain. You can see miles and miles in all directions. You can't count how many mountains are around you.
Toni Mullen from Google Reviews
This was the most amazing place to hike / walk. Very clean and well maintained. Good parking. Gift store. Restrooms. Beautiful geological area
NPT1975 from TripAdvisor
Where can I stay if I want to visit the state park?
One of the best places you can stay at is at the Hibbard House Inn. We're right in Bath, New Hampshire, so you have access to outdoor attractions like this state park and the small town of Bath.
