About the 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.
See Designated Franconia Notch State Park Parking- HERE.
Franconia Notch Map and Attractions Brochure
Read a Blog about Recreational Activities in the Notch from our SCA Ranger
Echo Lake Beach at Franconia Notch State Park
Beach Advisories
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, kayak and pedal boat rentals. Last rental boats go out an hour before closure. The waters of Echo Lake flow westerly toward the Connecticut River.
Lafayette Place Campground
Lafayette Place Campground provides a great base from which to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and many attractions in the White Mountains. Each campsite is wooded and has a picnic table, car parking, and an open fireplace. There are coin-operated showers and a camp store. Lafayette Campground provides 97 wooded tent sites.
Winter Camping - Lafayette Campground is a great choice if you're looking for a primitive winter camping spot close to winter hiking, skiing & snowboarding. Winter camping at Lafayette Place Campground is Carry-In, Carry Out.
Primitive Camping - Lafayette Campground has tent sites available with no facilities. A pay station is provided for self-registration.
Only after Oct. 9.
Information about hiking trails, safety, and the natural and cultural history of the park is available at the cabin near the campground entrance. A lodge houses a registration desk and offers a selection of camping supplies.
Lafayette Place Campground Map | Lafayette Place Campground Information/Policies
Cannon 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 Memorial Day Weekend. 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.
Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day, water, sewer & electric hookups are provided at full rate - $50/night.
From the day after Columbus Day through late-May, we go to off-season rates of $25/night and the RV Park will be carry-in, carry-out only with no water or sewer hookups. Electric hookup available.
Dump Station is for use by registered campers only.
Outside use is not permitted. See campground map for dump station location.
RV sites 1-7 are available by online reservation only through Columbus day weekend.
RV's MUST be self-contained with a restroom on board - pop ups are not permitted.
Mid-October to Late-May are at off-season rates and the RV Park is carry-in, carry-out only with no water or sewer hookups. Electric hookup is available.
Cannon RV Park Map
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.
Bike Rentals are being offered by Sport Thoma in Lincoln, NH and you'll find a full range of Scott all-terrain bikes for adults and children. Shuttle service to Franconia Notch is available.
Visit the Franconia Notch Recreation Path page for more details on the bike path.
Access to the Franconia Notch Bike Path from the base of the Aerial Tramway, Exit 34B, I-93.
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.
Group Use Reservations
Pavilions
For information on this parks pavilion rental please visit Pavilions & Group Use page.
Day Use Youth Groups
Keep Your Parks Clean
Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program, you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out whatever you carry in. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.
Access for Persons with Disabilities
Visit our Accessibility page. For more information on specific accessibilty needs or questions, please contact the individual park office directly.
Additional Resources and Information
Top 10 hiking Trails
Franconia Notch Map and Attractions Brochure (color)
Franconia Notch Hiking Map
Old Forest in Franconia Notch
Campground Map
Campground Info/Policies
Cannon RV Park Map
AMC Lonesome Lake Hut
AMC Outdoors with Kids
White Mountain Attractions
Appalachian Mountain Club
Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund
Trailwrights
