The Flume Gorge Visitor Center at Franconia Notch State Park is open from 9am to 5pm daily. From October 14 to October 27, it operates from 9am to 4pm.
Entrance to Franconia Notch State Park itself is free, but specific attractions have fees: Flume Gorge is $18 online, $21 at the ticket window for adults, $16 online, $19 at the ticket window for children 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. General park parking fees are $4 for NH residents, $5 for non-residents.
Accessible via I-93 from the south (Boston), north (Vermont/Canada), or east (Maine).
Parking at Franconia Notch State Park is available in various lots, including those near Lafayette Campground and specific trailheads like Echo Lake and Flume Gorge. Cars and motorcycles are permitted; RVs up to 20 feet in length are allowed. Overnight parking is permitted for campers. Parking fees apply: $4 for NH residents, $5 for non-residents.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
In New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park stretches through a dramatic mountain pass filled with attractions like Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain, and Echo Lake. Visitors enjoy hiking, skiing, swimming, and more amidst spectacular alpine scenery.
- Area (mi²)
- 10
- Annual visitors
- 60 000
- Established year
- 1928
Top 3 Facts about Franconia Notch State Park
The Flume Gorge, a key attraction, was formed 200 million years ago and features narrow granite passages and scenic pools, with some sections as narrow as 12 meters and depths of up to 24 meters.
Cannon Mountain features the first aerial tramway in North America, rising to 4,080 ft.
The park was home to the famous Old Man of the Mountain rock profile, which collapsed in 2003 but remains commemorated.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check trail conditions, hours, and weather ahead. Some trails are steep and require preparation.
Pack Appropriately
Bring layers, water, snacks, and wear proper footwear for hiking. There are limited food options in the park.
Respect Wildlife
Stay on trails and do not approach wildlife. Help preserve the park’s habitats by packing out trash.
Stay Informed
Arrive early for parking and to enjoy popular sites before they get crowded.
Seasons
Spring features wildflowers, waterfalls at peak flow, and active wildlife, with gradually warming weather. Some high-elevation trails may retain snow.
Summer offers ideal conditions for hiking, swimming, boating, and sightseeing. Crowds peak at attractions like Flume Gorge.
Stunning foliage blankets the park from September–October. Crisp air, cooler temps, and less humidity make hiking especially rewarding.
Cannon Mountain becomes a skiing and snowboarding hub, while snowy trails invite snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Frozen waterfalls add winter charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Franconia Notch State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Franconia Notch State Park, you should stay in one of the nearby towns such as Lincoln, Franconia, or North Woodstock, which are all within the park’s vicinity and offer various amenities and accommodations. These towns are part of the picturesque mountain region in New Hampshire’s Grafton County.
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The Lonesome Lake Trail is a great option for kids, offering a relatively flat and easy 3-mile path along the shores of Lonesome Lake. This trail allows for a picnic at the beach or a refreshing dip in the water. It starts at Lafayette Place Campground and is well-marked and family-friendly.
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Dogs must be on a leash when in designated dog walk areas and on hiking trails. They are not allowed in certain areas like the Flume Gorge Trail, ski trails, or the Aerial Tramway. Leashes are required to keep the dogs under control.
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Yes, there are parking fees. For New Hampshire residents, adults pay $4 and youth ages 0-17 are free. Non-residents pay $5 for adults and $3 for youth ages 6-17. A hiker shuttle service is also available for a fee of $5 per person, round trip.
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Visit the Flume Gorge, a natural wonder at the south end of the park, and walk through its unique gorge. Take a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway for panoramic views and explore the summit. Enjoy swimming at Echo Lake, hike the Artist Bluff Trail or Lonesome Lake Trail, and stop by the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza to learn about the historic rock formation that collapsed in 2003.
