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New Hampshire
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New Hampshire State Parks

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USA Parks
New Hampshire
Dartmouth - Lake Sunapee Region
Franconia Notch State Park
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Franconia Notch State Park The Pass © Gary Jordan
Franconia Notch is a major mountain pass through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Pictured here is a scenic rest area just after the peak of the pass.
Franconia Notch State Park The Ascent II © Gary Jordan
On a clear day, you can see New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Canada.
Franconia Notch State Park Franconia Notch, entering from the south © Bob Moffatt Sr
The cliffs of Cannon Mountain are first thing you see and only get bigger and better as you approach. Watch for climbers on the rock wall.
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge waterfall © Martha Burger
Near the top of the Flume Gorge you come upon several small waterfalls such as this one.
Franconia Notch State Park Silken Water © Angela Hansen
Inside the beautiful Flume Gorge
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge © Angela Hansen
Its difficult to capture the beauty of Flume Gorge, because its a non-stop series of one beautiful waterfall after another
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge Center © Gary Jordan
The Stagecoach is on display at the Flume Gorge Center.
Franconia Notch State Park The Ascent I © Gary Jordan
An 80-passenger cable car brings visitors to the 4,180-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes.
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge © Gary Jordan
This is the walkway that has to be taken to get through the gorge.
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge © Gary Jordan
Built right into the steep gorge walls, this stairway is the only route.
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park Peaks of Sun © Gary Jordan
Rain was the venue most of the days we spent in the White Mountains but atop Cannon Mountain I was lucky enough to get a few pictures.
Franconia Notch State Park Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway II © Gary Jordan
This location is the site of the first aerial tramway in North America. Placed in operation in 1938 and carried 6.5 million passengers until its retirement in 1980. The present tramway was dedicated in 1980 is more then a mile in length and ascends 2022 feet to the summit.
Franconia Notch State Park Lookout from Cannon Mountain © Angela Hansen
The view from the lookout atop Cannon Mountain, after riding the tram to the top
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge © Gary Jordan
Avalanche Falls is at the top of the climb through Flume Gorge.
Franconia Notch State Park Into the Clouds © Gary Jordan
Cannon Tram IIs ascent this day took us right into the clouds.
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge © Gary Jordan
Flume Gorge is a narrow gorge approx 70 feet deep that extends along the flank of Mount Liberty 4,460 feet.
Franconia Notch State Park Flume Gorge © Gary Jordan
Avalanche Falls
Franconia Notch State Park Observation Tower View © Gary Jordan
The Tram doesnt quite take you up to the top of the summit. There is a path that leads up another 500 feet where an observation tower stands. Climbing this I was literally in the clouds when I took this photo.
Franconia Notch State Park Reference Dial © Gary Jordan
At the top of the tower there is a dial that points to what you are looking at. To be seen are New Hampshire, Maine. Vermont, New York, and Canada.
Franconia Notch State Park Atop Cannon Mountain © Angela Hansen
The view from atop Cannon Mountain, after taking the tram up
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
Franconia Notch State Park © Bonny Turayev
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FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK
FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK
Franconia/Lincoln, New Hampshire

Phone: 603-745-8391
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.
Swimming
1. Echo Lake Beach offers lifeguard-supervised swimming during summer.
2. Profile Lake is popular for its calm, cool waters ideal for a refreshing swim.
3. The Basin has natural pools and waterfalls perfect for wading or dipping in hot weather.
4. Lonesome lake provides an adventurous high-altitude swimming experience after hiking the trail to reach it.
5. Lafayette Place Campground features river access points suitable for quick dips but not recommended as full-swim areas due to currents.

Boating
Boating options within this park are plentiful, with opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Echo Lake is a popular spot where visitors can rent boats during the summer season. However, motorized boating isn't allowed to maintain peace and tranquility in the area.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in Echo Lake, Profile Lake and Lafayette Place Campground. Trout species are abundant here. Fly-fishing is popular at the Pemigewasset River where you can catch brook trout. Lonesome lake offers opportunities to fish for rainbow and brown trout as well.


Location
Franconia Notch State Park is

Picnicking
1. Franconia Notch State Park offers numerous picnic areas with stunning mountain views.
2. Picnic tables are available at Lafayette Place Campground and Echo Lake Beach.
3. Visitors can enjoy a lakeside picnic while swimming or fishing in Echo Lake.
4. The park's Flume Gorge area also provides picnicking spots near natural waterfalls and trails.
5) Tramway Cafe, located on Cannon Mountain, is perfect for an elevated outdoor dining experience.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts should be aware of the 8.8-mile paved path available, but it's not for beginners due to steep sections.

The trail offers stunning views and passes by several attractions including Echo Lake and Flume Gorge.

However, cyclists must exercise caution as there are areas with sharp turns and sudden changes in elevation that can pose challenges even for experienced riders.

Additionally, bike rentals may not always be readily available so bringing your own equipment is advisable.

Remember also that weather conditions can change rapidly; check forecasts before setting out on any ride.

Lastly, respect all park rules regarding biking hours and designated paths to ensure a safe experience.
Birding
Birdwatchers can explore various trails, including the Flume Gorge and Echo Lake. Species include warblers, thrushes, hawks and owls. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide range of bird species year-round. Birding tours are also available for beginners or seasoned watchers alike.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
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New Hampshire
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New Hampshire State Parks

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