Franconia Notch State Park
A majestic mountain pass in New Hampshire's White Mountains, offering stunning gorges, scenic hikes, and aerial tramway rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak foliage & fewer crowds
Franconia Notch State Park
Best Time
Peak foliage & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic mountain pass in New Hampshire's White Mountains, offering stunning gorges, scenic hikes, and aerial tramway rides.
"This is an absolute gem! Such a gorgeous park. Lots of hiking. Tons of waterfalls."
Book Tramway Tickets Early
Cannon Mountain Tramway tickets sell out, especially in fall. Book online ahead of time to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential for exploring the park's many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge Visitor Center
Walk through a stunning 800-foot granite gorge with waterfalls and lush greenery on boardwalks. A must-see natural wonder!
Artist Bluff Trail
Near Echo Lake
A short, rewarding hike offering panoramic views of Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, and the White Mountains. Incredible fall colors!
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Cannon Mountain
Ride to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of the White Mountains. Great for all ages and abilities.
The Basin
Along the Pemigewasset River
A unique pothole carved by the river over thousands of years, showcasing the power of water and time.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Flume Gorge Tickets Online
Prepare for Crowds, Especially in Fall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tramway Tickets Early
Cannon Mountain Tramway tickets sell out, especially in fall. Book online ahead of time to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential for exploring the park's many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Ticks
Ticks are present, especially in warmer months. Thoroughly check yourself and pets after hiking. :bug:
Limited Cell Service
Be prepared for spotty cell reception, especially on trails. Download offline maps. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tramway Tickets Early
Cannon Mountain Tramway tickets sell out, especially in fall. Book online ahead of time to secure your spot! :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be rocky and uneven. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential for exploring the park's many paths. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Ticks
Ticks are present, especially in warmer months. Thoroughly check yourself and pets after hiking. :bug:
Limited Cell Service
Be prepared for spotty cell reception, especially on trails. Download offline maps. :iphone:
Leave No Trace
Help preserve the park's beauty by packing out everything you pack in. :recycle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Franconia Notch State Park for its breathtaking natural beauty, diverse hiking opportunities, and iconic attractions like Flume Gorge. Many highlight the stunning fall foliage and the feeling of being in the 'Wild West' due to the dramatic mountain scenery. While generally less crowded than some other New England spots, popular areas can get busy, and cell service is limited.
"Beautiful area! Don't miss The Flume Gorge, Old Man of the Mountain Plaza, Profile and Echo Lakes. If you ride the Franconia Notch Recreational Bike Path, you will hit most of these sites."
Barb Longello
"This is an absolute gem! Such a gorgeous park. Lots of hiking. Tons of waterfalls. Mountain views. At times you feel like you’re out west! Less crowds. I mean, things can get crowded but nothing like other area I’ve been to."
Katie Robb
"Amazing place to visit in NH. Went here in fall of 2025 and was lucky enough to reserve tickets for Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway before the day of visit because when we arrived on the day of visit, tickets were already sold out. Wonderful scenery, food is decent at their bar/resto."
Alex Bane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Franconia Notch State Park is easily accessible via Interstate 93 in New Hampshire. The park is situated between exits 34A and 34B. Many visitors drive, and parking is available at various trailheads and visitor centers throughout the park. +1
Public transportation options directly to Franconia Notch State Park are limited. Most visitors arrive by car. Consider ride-sharing services or local taxi companies if you are not driving.
The Franconia Notch Recreational Bike Path is a fantastic way to connect many of the park's attractions, including The Flume Gorge and Echo Lake. It's a paved, relatively flat path perfect for biking or walking.
While general access to the park and many trailheads is free, specific attractions like The Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway have separate admission fees.
Parking is available at designated lots for various attractions, including the Flume Gorge Visitor Center, Cannon Mountain, and trailheads like Artist Bluff. Arrive early, especially during peak season, as lots can fill up.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Flume Gorge typically ranges from $16-$21 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. Booking online in advance can save you money and guarantee entry.
Yes, it is highly recommended to reserve tickets for the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in advance, especially during the fall foliage season, as they often sell out.
Flume Gorge is typically open from mid-May to mid-October. Hours vary by season, with shorter days in late October. Always check the official website for the most current operating hours.
The park is accessible in the off-season, but amenities and services may be limited, and some attractions like Flume Gorge will be closed. Be prepared for winter conditions if visiting outside of the main season.
Booking tickets for Flume Gorge online in advance can offer a discount. Check the official Franconia Notch State Park website for any seasonal promotions or package deals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Flume Gorge loop (2.2 miles), Artist Bluff Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip) for stunning views, and the challenging Franconia Ridge Loop (8.9 miles) for experienced hikers. +2
Yes, Franconia Notch is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including those within Flume Gorge, as well as smaller cascades along various hiking trails. +3
Absolutely! The park offers a variety of activities suitable for families, from the accessible Flume Gorge boardwalks to scenic drives and shorter, easier trails.
The 'Old Man of the Mountain' was a famous rock formation resembling a profile, but it tragically collapsed in 2003. A memorial plaza now exists where visitors can learn about its history.
While swimming is not permitted in Flume Gorge or Echo Lake, there are opportunities for swimming in nearby areas. Some visitors have found beautiful, albeit unofficial, swimming spots.
📸 📸 Photography
Artist Bluff Trail offers iconic views of Echo Lake and the surrounding mountains, especially during fall foliage. Flume Gorge's dramatic granite walls and waterfalls are also incredibly photogenic.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, particularly for landscapes. Early mornings can also help you capture shots before the crowds arrive at popular viewpoints like Artist Bluff.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain vistas and the dramatic scale of Flume Gorge. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of foliage and water.
Drone usage is generally restricted in New Hampshire State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the latest park regulations before flying.
Visit during peak foliage season (late September to mid-October) and aim for sunrise or sunset. Look for compositions that include water features or dramatic mountain backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for incredible views without a strenuous hike. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and be sure to check for ticks after your adventures. The park offers a great mix of adventure and accessibility for all ages.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save money, pack your own picnic lunches and snacks. Look for deals on Flume Gorge tickets by booking online in advance.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The dramatic landscapes of Flume Gorge, with its waterfalls and granite walls, offer unique photographic opportunities. Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light. Early mornings can offer a chance for clearer shots before crowds gather, while golden hour at sunrise and sunset provides magical lighting for the mountain vistas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails for Every Level
For those seeking breathtaking panoramic views with a moderate effort, the Artist Bluff Trail is a popular choice. This 1.4-mile roundtrip hike offers stunning vistas of Echo Lake, Cannon Mountain, and the surrounding White Mountains, making it a prime spot for photography, especially during fall.
Experienced hikers looking for a significant challenge will find the Franconia Ridge Loop rewarding. This strenuous 8.9-mile hike traverses the iconic Franconia Ridge, offering unparalleled mountain scenery and a true sense of accomplishment. Remember to be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry essential gear.
Experiencing Fall Foliage in Franconia Notch
Popular viewpoints like Artist Bluff offer postcard-perfect scenes of the colorful mountains reflecting in Echo Lake. The Kancamagus Highway, which borders the park, is also renowned for its scenic overlooks and opportunities to immerse yourself in the autumn splendor.
To make the most of your fall visit, consider visiting on weekdays or arriving early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. The crisp autumn air and the stunning visual display make Franconia Notch an unforgettable fall destination.
The Iconic Flume Gorge
Key features within the gorge include the Avalanche Falls, a picturesque waterfall, and the Wolf Den, a narrow passage that requires some crawling. The trail also passes by the historic Covered Bridge and the Sentinel Pine Bridge, adding to the charm of the experience.
It's essential to book your tickets for Flume Gorge in advance, especially during peak season, as it's a highly sought-after experience. The well-maintained paths make it accessible for most visitors, offering an immersive journey into the heart of nature's artistry.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit