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.

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.

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 17 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.

Activities and Amenities:

Beaches/Swimming
Boat Ramp
Boat Rentals
Camping
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cross-Country Skiing
Downhill Skiing
Dump Stations
Fishing
Hiking
Historic Site
Learning Environments
Park Store
Pet-Friendly
Picnic Area
Restrooms
Scenic Geology
Showers
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Walking Trails