Road Trip to Franconia Notch State Park
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the tranquility of Franconia Notch, one of America’s most scenic lands. Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the area is filled with natural splendor, deep history and recreational excitement from peak to peak. You’ll traverse the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges, hug the edges of the Flume Gorge, soak up the view at Echo Lake and learn about the celebrated ski culture that Franconia holds dear. It’s time to pack up the car, buckle your seatbelt and take on the adventure of a lifetime driving along New Hampshire’s Interstate 93.
Best Car for this Road Trip: SUV
Hit the pavement in a car perfect for your road trip through Franconia Notch by renting at one of our many neighborhood locations around the Lebanon, Burlington or Portland areas. Flying in? No problem! Get going as soon as possible and pick up your rental car at the airport.
Tips for Your Road Trip to Franconia Notch:
- While the area is open year-round, check to make sure activities or attractions you plan to visit are open (some close during the off-season)
- This area is known to have a lot of moose activity, so be sure to drive slowly, stay alert and keep an eye on the side of the road for loitering wildlife
- Make sure to pack a variety of clothing as the weather can quickly change due to the elevation
- Most places on this list require (or suggest) a reservation in advance
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1. Franconia Notch State Park
If you’re ready to experience nature at its best, this must be on your itinerary. This state park is a truly magical place loaded with impressive mountain vistas and geographic features. Visitors can expect to see, hear and smell the essence of the earth while stopping to take pictures at one of the many overlooks. From hiking and camping to skiing and fishing, there are enough things to do in Franconia Notch State Park to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy. If you’re driving through the Franconia Notch loop, the view from Cannon Mountain is spectacular. Home to a handful of breathtaking formations like waterfalls and gorges, it’s easy to see why this park is considered one of the 12 best in the country. As they say, “Bring the family, stay awhile, and enjoy Franconia Notch State Park.”
- Tip: Plan to visit the park on a weekday as weekends tend to be crowded
- Cost: $4/adult; $2/ages 6–11
- Dog Friendly: Pets are permitted in the designated dog walks
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2. Flume Gorge
This must-see organic wonder is one of the most famous sites within the White Mountains. A reminder of Mother Nature’s glory, visitors will witness a narrow channel of rapids and waterfalls burrowed between sheer cliff walls at the Franconia Notch Flume Gorge. After a nearly 2-mile hike with plenty of benches along the way to catch your breath, the Flume Gorge trail features two covered bridges and lots of wooden stairs. For those who work up an appetite, stop at the Visitor Center to grab a bite at the cafe or gift shop. Featuring spectacular rock walls and overlooks that are undoubtedly worth the visit, this volcanic ravine is an experience that’s well worth the effort.
- Tip: Make sure not to bring anything that you could accidentally drop – if you lose your grip, consider it gone forever
- Cost: Ages 13+: $18 online, $21 at ticket window; Ages 6–12: $16 online, $19 at ticket window; Ages 5 and under are free
- Dog Friendly: Unfortunately, pets are not permitted
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3. Echo Lake Beach
Tucked away in the New Hampshire mountains is Echo Lake, the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re just driving by, sinking your toes in the sand or playing in the lake, the towering mountainside view is a sight to be seen. A great spot for hanging out or taking a quick dip, visitors can rent non-motorized watercraft like paddle boards, canoes and kayaks, or spend an hour or two fishing in the crystal-clear water. While taking in the scenery, snap a photo of the stunning reflections displayed on the lake’s surface. With views of Lafayette and Cannon Mountain, experience the beauty of Echo Lake Beach. You’ll be happy you did.
- Tip: Don’t purchase your admission tickets too far in advance as there are no refunds due to inclement weather
- Cost: $4/adult; $2/ages 6–11; Free/ages 5 and under; Online reservations are required in advance
- Dog Friendly: Sadly, pets are prohibited at all times
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4. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
For the ultimate panoramic view, hop aboard America’s first passenger aerial tramway for a quick ride up the side of Cannon Mountain. After ascending 4,080 feet to the summit, visitors will be met with scenic walking paths, a cafe, an impressive 360-degree observation deck and the sweet smell of pine trees. If the weather cooperates and provides a clear day, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway’s summit will provide stunning views of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Canada. Open from May to October, this ride in the sky offers expansive views of sweeping valleys and mountains as far as the eye can see.
- Tip: Grab a spot near the window to get a great view as the tram goes up or down
- Cost: $25/adult; $20/ages 6–12; Free/ages 5 and under; Reserve your Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway ticket online in advance as visitors will be turned away when the tram reaches capacity
- Dog Friendly: Unfortunately, no
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5. New England Ski Museum
This small museum packs a ton of skiing history into a one-room collection. Visitors can enjoy a quick visit while learning about the sport of skiing followed by a stop at the New England Ski Museum shop. Featuring small exhibits, the museum collects, preserves and displays all things related to skiing and the early pioneers of the sport. Although temporary exhibitions change yearly, the memorabilia and historic photos of skiing in the New England area can put the expansive landscape into perspective. Take a trip down memory lane and browse vintage ski wear, equipment and ski passes from decades past. Guests can also view World Cup trophies and Olympic medals won by Bode Miller, a Franconian native and the most successful male American alpine ski racer in history. Skiers or not, visitors are sure to walk away with a deeper appreciation of the White Mountains and how it came to be one of the most popular skiing sites in the nation.
- Tip: After riding the Franconia Notch tram up Cannon Mountain, hop on over to the museum (approximately a 3-minute walk)
- Cost: Free admission; Donations are appreciated
- Dog Friendly: Unfortunately, no
Ready to explore Franconia Notch? Start your reservation today!
Facts About Franconia Notch
Is Franconia Notch worth visiting?
Visitors will find a spectacular mountain pass traversed by granite rock walls, powdery ski trails and enough outdoor activities to keep even the most avid enthusiast busy for days.
When is the best time of year to visit Franconia Notch?
We suggest visiting Franconia Notch, NH during the months of July, August and June. The summer months provide a comfortable temperature and beautiful sightseeing, while winter can be brutally cold and dangerous for driving.
Why is Franconia Notch State Park Famous?
In addition to the natural grandeur Franconia Notch embodies, it’s home to a series of five granite cliffs called Old Man of the Mountain (also known as “Great Stone Face”). In 1850, the American novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne published a short story titled The Great Stone Face. This novel is said to be inspired by the famous rock formation and rural valley that closely resembles the scenery found in New Hampshire.
Where is Franconia Notch?
Located in northwestern New Hampshire, the scenic pass known as Franconia Notch is positioned within the White Mountain range between two massive peaks, Franconia to the east and Kinsman to the west.
Why is it called Franconia Notch?
The unique landscape of Franconia Notch dates to the Ice Age, roughly four million years ago. After a few millennia, the notch began to form due to glacial activity, leaving behind towering peaks and deep valleys. As the ice melted and water rushed, the notch took shape and became a scenic area for years to come. Due to its substantial landscape, this narrow pass was named after the Franconian Switzerland region in Germany.