How to Spend a Day at Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire

Though New Hampshire's beloved Old Man has fallen, Franconia Notch State Park still shows evidence of his profile everywhere. In the Visitor Center at the tramway, an eyewitness, with teary eyes, explains on a wide screen the events leading up to the fall. His profile, evident on state license plates, was New England's natural answer to Rushmore, becoming the symbol for the entire state. Spending a day at Franconia State Park, one senses this symbolism and almost feels the Old Man's presence throughout the park.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Good walking shoes
• Camping and/or fishing supplies
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen
• Bicycles
• Insect repellent
• Camera

A Day at the Notch

1. Drive north from Concord on Interstate 93, through the Notch, to the Echo Lake exit (34C). The highway is actually a two-lane parkway through the park with a barrier between the lanes. While most northbound sites are accessible for southbound traffic, the reverse is not the case.

2. Stop and pay the nominal fee to swim at Echo Lake. The northern shore has a beautiful beach where the chill of crystal blue water may take some getting used to. One may opt instead to rent a canoe or a kayak and explore the lake. There are changing rooms at the beach as well as a snack bar.

3. Return to the highway and take the next exit south (34B) and visit the Cannon Mountain Tramway. The mountainside is a famous ski area with several grassy swaths cleared of timber. The tramway takes the visitor to the top of the mountain where the Old Man once resided. There are trails at the top with great vista points and a place to dine.

4. Return to I-93 south and stop at the Lafayette Campground. This is a great location for a picnic lunch. A paved bicycle lane follows its course along a gentle stream. For those wishing to hike, this is a great access point to Lonesome Lake to the west and the Eagle Lakes to the east. At places, walking the trails can be strenuous. Note that the Lafayette Campground off-ramp is not considered an exit.

5. Take the next off-ramp, also not an official exit, and hike an easier route to Lonesome Lake via the Cascade Basin Trail, a trail that becomes the Cascade Brook Trail and follows the so-named brook up to its source.

6. Take the 34A exit farther south for an abundance of activities including an amazing view of the Indian Head rock formation, reminiscent of a Washington Redskins helmet. The formation looks southward atop Mount Pemigewasset. There is a very challenging looped trail up to Indian Head.

7. Cross beneath the highway at the same exit and take a casual walk through the famous Flume Gorge and around to The Pool. Note the signature New Hampshire covered bridges along the way. Stop at the Visitor Center and discover how the gorge was formed.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many activities for the entire family south in nearby Lincoln. The Whales Tales Waterpark is located at Exit 33. Several cafes and restaurants offer a variety of fare. Resorts, hotels and cabins are common in the area; however, reservations are highly recommended during the summer months. Lafayette Campground reservations are also encouraged, but note that there is a two-day minimum stay. Unless you are planning a ski trip or are a winter enthusiast, the best time to visit is summer or fall. The autumn foliage in northern New Hampshire is stunning.

References

• Franconia Notch Website
• Whales Tale Waterpark Website