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State park · Lincoln, New Hampshire
Franconia Notch State Park
A park in the gap between the Franconia and Kinsman ranges, crossed by I-93, featuring the stone-punchbowl waterfall The Basin, the Old Man of the Mountain memorial, Echo Lake and trails up to the Franconia Ridge.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park occupies a narrow valley of about 13 km between the Franconia and Kinsman ranges. I-93 runs through it as a parkway with reduced speed and exits for the visitor sites, and a paved bike path follows the valley end to end.
On Cannon Mountain’s cliff face once sat the Old Man of the Mountain, a profile of a face formed by granite ledges and a symbol of New Hampshire. The formation collapsed in May 2003. On the shores of Profile Lake a memorial of steel pillars allows you to see the silhouette of the face from certain viewpoints as it appeared before the fall.
Further south, The Basin is a stone bowl about 6 meters across, carved by the Pemigewasset River over thousands of years, just below a small waterfall. To the north, Echo Lake has a freshwater beach with views of Cannon Mountain, and the short Artist's Bluff trail leads to an overlook above the lake.
The park is the starting point for strenuous trails, such as the Franconia Ridge above the treeline, and easy walks to Lonesome Lake. Near the base of Cannon Mountain is the New England Ski Museum.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the drive-around sights; a full day if you do a trail.
Best time
From late spring through autumn. Early October often brings peak colors and large crowds. Echo Lake’s beach operates in summer. In winter the area is used for skiing.
How to get there
By I-93, between exits 34A and 34C, 8 to 15 km north of Lincoln. The visitor sites have their own parking lots. The Basin and the memorial do not charge admission; Echo Lake beach is paid.
Tip
At The Basin the path to the stone bowl is short and level. For the Franconia Ridge trail, start early, bring warm clothing and check the weather forecast.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Franconia Notch State Park
What happened to the Old Man of the Mountain?
The profile face on Cannon Mountain’s cliff collapsed in May 2003. At the edge of Profile Lake, a memorial of steel rods outlines the silhouette as it once was.
What is The Basin in Franconia Notch?
A stone pot about 6 meters across, carved by the Pemigewasset River just below a small waterfall, with easy access via a short trail.
Is there a fee to enter Franconia Notch?
Driving through the park and visiting The Basin and the memorial are free. Flume Gorge and the Echo Lake beach charge admission.