🌤 Weather at Franconia Notch State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–63 °F | 49–77 °F | 25–69 °F | 6–33 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Waterville Valley Nepp, 16 mi away, elevation 1,429 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
The park itself ranges from about 1,320 to 3,990 ft in elevation — higher ground runs cooler than the figures above.
Franconia Notch State Park: New Hampshire‘s White Mountain Crown Jewel
Complete Guide: Franconia Notch State Park — Home to the spectacular Flume Gorge and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.
In the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a dramatic mountain pass cleaves through the peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia Ranges. This is Franconia Notch — an 8-mile corridor of such stunning beauty that Interstate 93 narrows to a two-lane parkway to thread through it. Within this narrow notch, you’ll find a roster of New England’s greatest natural attractions packed into a single state park: the ancient Flume Gorge, the soaring Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the legendary alpine circuit of Franconia Ridge, the serene Echo Lake, and the haunting legacy of the Old Man of the Mountain.
Franconia Notch State Park is where the White Mountains concentrate their grandeur. Whether you’re a casual sightseer riding the tramway to a 4,080-foot summit or an experienced hiker traversing the knife-edge of Franconia Ridge above treeline, this park delivers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery east of the Rockies.
Park Facts at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Grafton County, White Mountains, New Hampshire |
| 📐 Park Size | 6,692 acres (8-mile notch corridor) |
| ⛰️ Highest Peak | Mt. Lafayette (5,249 ft) via Franconia Ridge |
| 🪨 Flume Gorge | 800 feet long, 70-90 feet deep, granite walls |
| 🚡 Aerial Tramway | Cannon Mountain summit (4,080 ft) |
| 🥾 Trails | Multiple hiking trails + Appalachian Trail |
| 🏕️ Camping | Lafayette Place Campground (97 tent sites) |
| 🏖️ Beach | Echo Lake (swimming, boat rentals) |
| 💰 Entry | Flume Gorge: $18 adult; Tramway: $24 adult; Echo Lake: vehicle fee |
| 📞 Phone | (603) 745-8391 |
| 🌐 Website | nhstateparks.org |
Flume Gorge
The Flume Gorge is an 800-foot natural gorge at the base of Mount Liberty. Narrow granite walls rise 70-90 feet on either side as you walk through on boardwalks and stairs, passing Avalanche Falls and two covered bridges. The 2-mile self-guided nature walk takes about 1.5-2 hours and is one of New England’s most iconic experiences.
A modern visitor center offers a cafeteria, gift shop, and restrooms. Timed-entry tickets are required — book in advance during summer and peak foliage. Open May through October.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway whisks visitors from the base to the 4,080-foot summit in about 8 minutes. At the top: a cafeteria, restrooms, an observation tower, and walking paths with panoramic views of five states (New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, and even Canada on clear days). In winter, Cannon Mountain is one of New England’s premier ski areas.
Hiking: From Easy Walks to Alpine Ridge
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist’s Bluff & Bald Mountain | 1.5 mi | Easy | Panoramic views of Echo Lake and Franconia Notch |
| Lonesome Lake Trail | 3.2 mi RT | Moderate | Alpine lake with AMC hut, Franconia Ridge reflections |
| Basin-Cascades Trail | 2.0 mi | Easy-Mod | Series of cascades and swimming holes |
| Franconia Ridge Loop | 8.9 mi | Strenuous | Mt. Lafayette (5,249 ft), knife-edge alpine ridge, 360° views |
| Kinsman Ridge Trail | Various | Strenuous | Cannon Mountain summit via trail, Appalachian Trail section |
| Paved Recreational Path | 8.7 mi | Easy | Multi-use bike/walk path through entire notch |
Echo Lake
Nestled at 1,931 feet between Cannon Mountain and Eagle Cliff, Echo Lake is a stunning mountain lake with a small sandy beach, swimming (lifeguards on duty, late June–Labor Day), and canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals. The views from the beach — framed by Mount Lafayette and Cannon Mountain — are among the most photographed in New Hampshire.
The Old Man of the Mountain
For centuries, a natural rock formation on Cannon Cliffs created the profile of a human face — the Old Man of the Mountain. This iconic image became the official emblem of New Hampshire, appearing on license plates, the state quarter, and highway signs. On May 3, 2003, the Old Man collapsed despite decades of preservation efforts. Today, Profiler Plaza uses “Profile Maker” viewing stations to recreate the Old Man’s likeness against the cliff, and small museums at the tramway building tell the story of this beloved landmark.
Camping: Lafayette Place
Lafayette Place Campground offers 97 wooded tent sites in the heart of the notch, served as a base camp for hikers tackling Franconia Ridge and the surrounding peaks. Each site has a picnic table, car parking, and an open fireplace. The campground is tent-only — no RV hookups. Reservations are essential for summer and fall visits.
Note: Pets are generally prohibited in Franconia Notch State Park, with limited exceptions for designated dog walk areas at the tramway and Flume Gorge parking lots.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Conditions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 65-80°F, green canopy, long days | Flume Gorge, swimming Echo Lake, hiking, tramway |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 40-65°F, peak foliage, crisp air | Most spectacular views — Franconia Ridge in autumn color |
| Winter (Nov-Apr) | 10-30°F, heavy snow | Cannon Mountain skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country |
| Spring (May) | 40-60°F, snowmelt, mud season | Flume Gorge opening, waterfall season, fewer crowds |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Flume Gorge?
Flume Gorge admission is $18 for adults and $16 for children (ages 6-12). Children under 6 are free. Timed-entry tickets are required and should be purchased in advance online, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season (October). The Flume is open from approximately May through October.
Is the Franconia Ridge hike safe for beginners?
The Franconia Ridge Loop (8.9 miles, ~3,800 feet elevation gain) is a strenuous hike that is NOT recommended for beginners. The above-treeline ridge section is exposed to severe weather that can change rapidly. For easier alternatives with stunning views, try Artist’s Bluff (1.5 miles, easy) or Lonesome Lake (3.2 miles, moderate). Both offer spectacular Franconia Notch scenery without the alpine exposure.
Can you still see the Old Man of the Mountain?
The original rock formation collapsed on May 3, 2003. However, you can visit Profiler Plaza, where special viewing stations called “Profile Makers” use steel profile replicas aligned with the cliff face to recreate the Old Man’s appearance. Small museums at the tramway building and near the plaza tell the history of this iconic landmark that remains New Hampshire’s state symbol.
Can I swim at Echo Lake?
Yes! Echo Lake has a sandy beach with lifeguards on duty from late June through Labor Day. The lake is surrounded by mountains, creating a stunning swimming experience. Canoe, kayak, and pedal boat rentals are available. A daily vehicle fee applies for beach parking. The water is refreshingly cool even in summer — typical of New Hampshire mountain lakes.
Are dogs allowed at Franconia Notch State Park?
Pets only in designated dog walks at the Flume and Tramway parking lots. Echo Lake Beach and Lafayette Place Campground are closed to pets, so you cannot camp or swim here with a dog.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Flume Gorge (a short drive away) and Gardner Memorial Wayside Park (a short drive away).
⛰️ Ready to experience the breathtaking White Mountains?
Plan your visit to Franconia Notch today.
Do I need a reservation for Franconia Notch?
Reservations are strongly recommended for the Flume Gorge attraction at Franconia Notch, especially on summer and fall weekends. The gorge trail and parking area can fill to capacity on peak days.
Explore More New Hampshire State Parks
Franconia Notch State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New Hampshire. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New Hampshire guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Franconia Notch SP — in a spectacular mountain pass between the Franconia and Kinsman ranges of the White Mountains. The park’s Flume Gorge (a natural 800-foot granite gorge), Echo Lake, and alpine terrain support moose, black bears, and peregrine falcons. Former home of the Old Man of the Mountain — New Hampshire’s iconic granite profile (collapsed 2003).
Nearby Attractions
Lincoln — adjacent. Cannon Mountain — at the park (with aerial tramway). Appalachian Trail — at the park.
⛺ Camping at Franconia Notch State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 97 sites — 97 wooded tent sites at Lafayette Place Campground: 88 reservation-only, 7 first-come/first-served, 1 youth group site. Tent camping only (no RVs/trailers); each site has a picnic table, car parking, and an open fireplace. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets are not permitted in the park. |
| Reservations | Book via ReserveAmerica or nhstateparks.org; park office (603) 823-9513. Camping rate $35/night. |
| Special sites | No RV hook-ups at Lafayette Place; coin-operated showers, camp store, and a lodge with registration desk on site. A separate facility within Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain RV Park (7 sites on the north shore of Echo Lake), offers 3-way hook-ups in season ($50/night Memorial Day weekend–Columbus Day) and reduced carry-in/carry-out service with electric only in the off-season ($25/night); it is open year-round and RVs must be self-contained with an on-board restroom (no pop-ups). |
| Season notes | Lafayette Place Campground is open May 22 – October 24. |
Camping questions about Franconia Notch State Park
Can you camp at Franconia Notch State Park?
Yes. Franconia Notch State Park has 97 campsites. 97 wooded tent sites at Lafayette Place Campground: 88 reservation-only, 7 first-come/first-served, 1 youth group site. Tent camping only (no RVs/trailers); each site has a picnic table, car parking, and an open fireplace.
How do you reserve a campsite at Franconia Notch State Park?
Book via ReserveAmerica or nhstateparks.org; park office (603) 823-9513. Camping rate $35/night.
Are pets allowed at the Franconia Notch State Park campground?
Pets are not permitted in the park.
Source: nhstateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Franconia Notch State Park
Park policy: New Hampshire State Parks bars pets from inside the Flume Gorge and from the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Beyond the two parking-lot dog walks, the park points dog owners to hiking trails in the surrounding White Mountain National Forest.
- Pets allowed?
- Pets only in designated dog walks at the Flume and Tramway parking lots
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Park-specific rules
- Echo Lake Beach and Lafayette Place Campground are closed to pets, so you cannot camp or swim here with a dog.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Keep pets leashed and don't leave pet food out — it draws bears.
Are dogs allowed at Franconia Notch State Park?
Pets only in designated dog walks at the Flume and Tramway parking lots.
Beyond that, New Hampshire’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Franconia Notch State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: Moose are present in the notch, and anglers fly-fish Profile Lake for trout. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs — Franconia Notch hosted New England's first modern cliff-nesting pair in 1981, and NH Audubon documents active nesting on Eagle Cliff, so watch the cliffs and overlooks for falcons and hawks; the park's own page notes to watch for rock climbers, hawks, and falcons on Cannon Cliffs. Black bears also occur on the surrounding mountain slopes.
Watch out for: New Hampshire Fish and Game warns never to feed bears — it is illegal, and a fed bear is a dead bear. When camping, hang food at least 10 feet high or use bear-resistant containers, keep food out of your tent, and store cooking gear away from where you sleep. Because peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs, climbing routes on Eagle and Eaglette Cliffs are closed roughly May 1 through mid-July to protect nesting birds.
Are there bears at Franconia Notch State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Franconia Notch State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
