If you’ve ever been to New Hampshire and enjoyed the beauty of the White Mountains, you may want to consider visiting Franconia Notch. This public recreation area and nature preserve straddles Interstate 93. In the White Mountains, Franconia Notch is a mountain pass between the Franconia and Kinsman ranges. You can drive through this beautiful area, or take a walk.
If you’re looking for a hike in the White Mountains, you’ll love Franconia Notch State Park. There are multiple hiking trails, each with its own unique characteristics. You can visit the Old Man of the Mountain, immortalized by writers Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster. You can also stop by the Flume Gorge Visitor Center for more information about the area. Or, if you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you can tour the New England Ski Museum.
Once upon a time, the Old Man of the Mountain was the symbol of New Hampshire. Today, it’s an iconic sight, featuring many hiking trails, lakes, and rivers. Visitors to Franconia Notch will experience the pristine white mountains, scenic lakes, and moose festivals. If you’re looking for a peaceful holiday or a romantic getaway with your family, this is the place to be!
The town of Franconia is home to Mount Lafayette, a 5,249-foot mountain in the White Mountains. This peak is included on the New England Fifty Finest list. Its upper reaches are classified as “alpine” and have dwarf vegetation. While there are other peaks in the area, Mount Lafayette is the most prominent. At 4,328 feet, Mount Flume overlooks Franconia Notch and is accessible from the northeast via the Franconia Ridge Trail, the southeast via the Osseo Trail, and the west by the Flume Slide Trail. From Mount Flume, you can also enjoy the views to the north and west.
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, you can start at the first cascade, called Kinsman Falls, and work your way up to Rocky Glen Falls. You can even spend the night in the Greenleaf Hut for a spectacular view of the Notch. The trail itself is only about three miles, and is perfect for hikers who want to explore the area. A day in Franconia Notch is not complete without hiking.
You’ll find several types of geological features in Franconia Notch, New Hampshire. The Old Man of the Mountain, also known as the Great Stone Face, was located on Cannon Mountain. It was a prominent symbol of New Hampshire until it fell in 2003. Even though the Old Man of the Mountain was destroyed, the rock still remains on the state’s emblem. This spire stood 1,200 feet above Profile Lake, and was approximately 25 feet wide.
Besides the scenic views of the Notch, there are a number of exciting activities for families. The Hobo Railroad offers daily train rides through a wooded setting, and was recently voted the best ride for kids by NH Magazine. You can also ride the Winnipesaukee Railroad, which runs along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. Other attractions in Franconia Notch include Santa’s Village Amusement Park, the Winnipesaukee Railroad, and Six Gun City and Fort Splash, an Old West-themed amusement park.