New Hampshire has 93 state park properties and each one is breathtaking. Whether it’s a historical site or a large natural area with trails we’d love to explore them all. If you’re on a similar quest, we recommend you start with one of the most notable and beloved in the state. The park we’re featuring today was recently named the best in New Hampshire by Travel + Leisure magazine and we totally agree! Here are just a few of the reasons we love it.
Franconia Notch State Park is located in the beautiful White Mountains. One of the most idyllic parts of the state, this park is worth exploring for a few days at a time. There’s certainly plenty to keep you busy!
Momotazur / TripAdvisor
Established in 1928, the 6,600-square foot park includes some of the state’s most visited natural attractions. The most popular might be Flume Gorge which features 80-foot walls and a boardwalk trail that winds between them. This is perfect for those who want to escape to, what feels like, a different world for a while.
Thomas Young / Google
There are 48 hiking trails in Franconia Notch State Park, too. Each one offers a different experience for hikers ranging from beginner to expert. Many offer views of mountains, forests and the incredible lakes located within.
Arthur Motch / Google
In addition to natural features, there’s a good bit of history here too. Robert Frost had a home here and it can be visited by those who have an interest in writing.
OhPrettyMoon / TripAdvisor
Prior to 2003 the park was home to views of the Old Man of the Mountain, a series of cliffs on Cannon Mountain that looked like the profile of a person when viewed from the North. Today, visitors can come to Profile Plaza to learn more about the feature and how it fell.
lori71774 / TripAdvisor
The park is gorgeous year-round. In the autumn many visitors enjoy the moderately challenging hike on Artist Bluff Trail.
Wm Godfrey / Google
Visitors to the park can also access Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the first passenger tramway in the country. It dates back to 1938, which also means you’ll experience a bit of history. The summit of 4,080-foot Cannon Mountain offers some of the best views in the state.
S_Banerje / TripAdvisor
Before leaving the area be sure to have a look at the Basin, a natural wonder in the park featuring smooth rocks created by water over millions of years.
cheryl h / TripAdvisor These are just a few of the spots within Franconia Notch State Park that put it high on our list of must-sees here in New Hampshire. Plan on seeing these and exploring some of your own choosing. Anything you find will be well-worth the time spent!
Franconia Notch State Park can be visited year-round, though some activities and attractions are best at different times of year. To learn more about visiting the park and camping there, check out the official New Hampshire State Parks website. You can reach the park on 603-823-8800.
Momotazur / TripAdvisor
Thomas Young / Google
Arthur Motch / Google
OhPrettyMoon / TripAdvisor
lori71774 / TripAdvisor
Wm Godfrey / Google
S_Banerje / TripAdvisor
cheryl h / TripAdvisor
These are just a few of the spots within Franconia Notch State Park that put it high on our list of must-sees here in New Hampshire. Plan on seeing these and exploring some of your own choosing. Anything you find will be well-worth the time spent!
While we’ve got you eager to enjoy more outside time remember that you can explore New Hampshire on horseback at Franconia Notch Stables.
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Address: Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251, USA
