Franconia Notch State Park
A mountain pass concentrates cliffs, lakes, trails, and transportation history
Artwork inspired by New Hampshire WPA murals
A mountain pass concentrates cliffs, lakes, trails, and transportation history. The Flume, Cannon cliffs, Echo Lake, the Basin, bike path, and Old Man memorial occupy a narrow glacial corridor. Its character becomes clearest where Cannon cliffs meets Echo Lake, with Notch Parkway adding a less obvious but equally useful point of comparison.
Choose one major walk and one short geologic stop instead of treating the notch as a drive-through checklist. Parking and reservations fill early; weather, construction, and separate attraction fees require advance planning. The experience feels complete when Notch Parkway is read alongside Echo Lake, not saved as an optional detail after the headline view.
- Length
- About 8 miles
- Road
- I-93 parkway
- Icon
- Old Man legacy
Quick guide
- Start with
- Choose one major walk and one short geologic stop instead of treating the notch as a drive-through checklist.
- Look closely at
- Notice how Echo Lake changes the meaning of Notch Parkway rather than treating either as background.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Choose one major walk and one short geologic stop instead of treating the notch as a drive-through checklist.
- Look closely at
- Notice how Echo Lake changes the meaning of Notch Parkway rather than treating either as background.
- Connect the story
- The Flume, Cannon cliffs, Echo Lake, the Basin, bike path, and Old Man memorial occupy a narrow glacial corridor.
- Plan around
- Review hours, admission, parking, and access together before planning Franconia Notch State Park; each addresses a different practical constraint.
Good to know
Parking and reservations fill early; weather, construction, and separate attraction fees require advance planning.
Notice these
- Cannon cliffs
- Echo Lake
- Notch Parkway