Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Drive
Franconia/Lincoln, NH 03580
Phone: 603-823-8800

Activities and Amenities

Camping

About Franconia Notch State Park

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 Map and Attractions Brochure (color)

Click here to visit our Flume Gorge webpage

Click here to visit our Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway webpage

Hikers Please Note:

Parking can be challenging. We want you to be safe in our state. So please remember the following:

It is not legal to park on Rte 93 / Franconia Notch Parkway;
Doing so is unsafe and ill-advised;

There is limited hiker parking within Franconia Notch. Most parking is specifically for visitors to the attractions in the park, so plan to arrive early;

Liberty Springs (Rte 3, North of Flume): 50 spots. This is a primary hiker parking lot with access to Cascade Brook, Liberty Springs, Pemi Trail and Flume Slide Trail.
The Basin (I93-N): 48 spots. This lot is for visitors to the Basin (parking for hikers may be limited in the future). It provides access to the Basin Cascade Trail, Cascade Brook and Pemi Trail.
Old Bridal Path (I93-N): 133 spots. This a primary hiker parking lot provides access to Lonesome Lake, Pemi Trail, Old Bridal Path, Falling Waters, and Hi Cannon to Kinsman.
Peabody Slope (I93 Exit 34C) 400+ spots. This is a gravel lot on right side of Rte 18 at ski area entrance beyond Echo Beach. It is a primary hiker parking lot with access to Bald Mountain and Artists Bluff.
Cannon Aerial Tramway (I93-S): 80+ spots. Hiker parking is limited to the gravel lot to left of paved lots by the old ski jumps. This lot provides access to Kinsman Ridge, Greenleaf and Pemi Trail.
Old Man Museum (Upper Lot off of I93-S) 53 spots. This lot provides parking for Old Man Museum and Historic Site (hiker parking may be limited in the future). It provides access to Kinsman Ridge, Greenleaf and Pemi Trail.
Lafayette Place (I93-S): 22 spots. This lot has limited hiker parking outside the campground. Parking inside the campground is permitted for campers only. The lot provides access to Lonesome Lake, Pemi Trail, Old Bridal Path, Falling Waters and Hi Cannon to Kinsman.
Lonesome Lake (I93-S, Lafayette Place Exit): 41 spots. This is a primary hiker parking lot for Lonesome Lake Trail.
The Basin (I93-S): 52 spots. This lot is for visitors to the Basin (parking for hikers may be limited in the future). It provides access to the Basin Cascade Trail to Cascade Brook and Pemi Trail.

All information is subject to change.

The main parking areas at our four primary venues are reserved for paying guests at those venues;

Flume Gorge / Lafayette Place CG / Aerial Tramway / Echo Lake Beach

Stay tuned, as alternative hiker parking plans are under discussion!

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 25 - June 15: Open Daily
*No lifeguard on duty*
General Store open 9am-5pm
Boat Rentals open 9am-5pm, Last boat rentals go out at 4pm
June 16 through September 3: Open Daily, full services
Lifeguard on duty 9am-6pm
General Store open daily 9am-6pm
Boat Rentals daily 9am-6pm, Last boat rentals go out at 5pm
September 4 - October 8: Open Daily
*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	5/26-6/16 9/5-10/9	6/16	5/26-6/16: 9am-5pm 6/17-9/4: 9am-6pm 9/5-10/9: 9am-5pm	10/9

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 19 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 26. 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.

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