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Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the 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 State Park
260 Tramway Drive
Franconia/Lincoln, NH 03580
Phone: 603-823-8800
About Franconia Notch State Park
Note: See Franconia Notch Hiker Parking/Shuttle Info for 2019
Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the 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.
Franconia Notch Hiker Parking/Shuttle Info
Franconia Notch Map and Attractions Brochure
Discover the Power of Parks Programming
Interpretive, nature-based programs will be offered at Franconia Notch State Park all summer long as part of the
Discover Power of Parks. Check out the
Franconia Notch Program schedule for more information. All programs are free with paid park admission. No pre-registration is required.
Echo Lake Beach
Beautiful Echo Lake, at an elevation of 1,931 feet, offers views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and
canoe and paddle boat rentals. Last rental boats go out an hour before closure. The waters of Echo Lake flow westerly toward the Connecticut River.
Echo Lake Beach Operating Hours:
- May 24 – June 14: Open Fridays – Sundays (plus Memorial Day)
*No lifeguard on duty*
General Store open 9am-5pm
Boat Rentals open 9am-5pm, Last boat rentals go out at 4pm
- June 15 through September 2: Open Daily, full services
*June 22 the Beach will open at 11am following the White Mountains Triathlon*
Lifeguard on duty 9am-6pm
General Store open daily 9am-6pm
Boat Rentals daily 9am-6pm, Last boat rentals go out at 5pm
- September 3 – October 14: Open Fridays – Sundays (plus Columbus Day)
*No lifeguard on duty*
General Store open 9am-5pm
Boat Rentals open 9am-5pm, Last boat rentals go out at 4pm
Fee |
Weekends (Fri-Sun) |
Full Time |
Operating Hours |
Closing |
Adults: $4 | Children (6-11): $2 |
5/24 |
6/15 |
10am-5pm |
N/A |
Franconia Notch Bike Path
Constructed as part of the Franconia Notch Parkway this path, completely separate from the Parkway, traverses the length of Franconia Notch and provides access to all park facilities and natural features.
Cannon Mountain Now Offers bike rentals and shuttle service. Bike Rentals are being offered by Sport Thoma and you’ll find a full range of Scott all-terrain bikes for adults and children.
Access to the Franconia Notch Bike Path from the base of the Aerial Tramway, Exit 34B, I-93. Shuttle rides will be available from the Flume Gorge back to the Tram. Visit the
Franconia Notch Recreation Path page for more details on the bike path.
Lafayette Place Campground
Lafayette Campground is located in the middle of Franconia Notch State Park, along the Franconia Recreational Trail. The campground is open for walk-ins beginning May 17 and reservable stays from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend. Each campsite is wooded and has a picnic table, car parking space and an open fireplace. Brochures, weather reports and basic provisions such as wood, charcoal, ice, milk, and snacks are available at the lodge between 8 am and 9 pm. Coin-operated showers are open 24 hours. Winter camping is welcome; a vault toilet but no running water is available.
Reserve a campsite
Lafayette Place Campground Map |
Lafayette Place Campground Information/Policies
Cannon Mountain RV Park
The seven-site RV park, located on the north shore of scenic Echo Lake in Franconia Notch State Park, is open year-round. Three-way hook-ups are provided during the regular camping season beginning on May 24. However, there is no water or sewer, including dump station, available from mid-October through May 1. RVs must be self-contained. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bathrooms are available seasonally at the beach but are locked at night. In addition, many campers enjoy the convenience of winter RV camping at the base of popular Cannon Mountain Ski Area.
Cannon Mountain RV Park Map |
Reserve a campsite
Flume Gorge Scavenger Hunt
Here is a fun scavenger hunt for kids and families to use while walking through the Flume Gorge. Print it out and bring it with you to add some adventure to your next visit.
Flume Gorge Scavenger Hunt
Are pets allowed at Franconia Notch State Park?
Pets are permitted in the designated dog walks near the Tramway and Flume parking lots only, not in the campground. See the
NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.
Access for Persons with Disabilities
Please contact the park office directly for information regarding disability access needs.