Road Trip To Franconia Notch State Park

If you’re ready to experience nature at its best, this must be on your itinerary. This state park is a truly magical place loaded with impressive mountain vistas and geographic features. Visitors can expect to see, hear and smell the essence of the earth while stopping to take pictures at one of the many overlooks. From hiking and camping to skiing and fishing, there are enough things to do in Franconia Notch State Park to keep outdoor enthusiasts busy. If you’re driving through the Franconia Notch loop, the view from Cannon Mountain is spectacular. Home to a handful of breathtaking formations like waterfalls and gorges, it’s easy to see why this park is considered one of the 12 best in the country. As they say, “Bring the family, stay awhile, and enjoy Franconia Notch State Park.”

• Tip: Plan to visit the park on a weekday as weekends tend to be crowded
• Cost: $4/adult; $2/ages 6–11
• Dog Friendly: Pets are permitted in the designated dog walks

This must-see organic wonder is one of the most famous sites within the White Mountains. A reminder of Mother Nature’s glory, visitors will witness a narrow channel of rapids and waterfalls burrowed between sheer cliff walls at the Franconia Notch Flume Gorge. After a nearly 2-mile hike with plenty of benches along the way to catch your breath, the Flume Gorge trail features two covered bridges and lots of wooden stairs. For those who work up an appetite, stop at the Visitor Center to grab a bite at the cafe or gift shop. Featuring spectacular rock walls and overlooks that are undoubtedly worth the visit, this volcanic ravine is an experience that’s well worth the effort.

• Tip: Make sure not to bring anything that you could accidentally drop – if you lose your grip, consider it gone forever
• Cost: Ages 13+: $18 online, $21 at ticket window; Ages 6–12: $16 online, $19 at ticket window; Ages 5 and under are free
• Dog Friendly: Unfortunately, pets are not permitted

Tucked away in the New Hampshire mountains is Echo Lake, the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Whether you’re just driving by, sinking your toes in the sand or playing in the lake, the towering mountainside view is a sight to be seen. A great spot for hanging out or taking a quick dip, visitors can rent non-motorized watercraft like paddle boards, canoes and kayaks, or spend an hour or two fishing in the crystal-clear water. While taking in the scenery, snap a photo of the stunning reflections displayed on the lake’s surface. With views of Lafayette and Cannon Mountain, experience the beauty of Echo Lake Beach. You’ll be happy you did.

• Tip: Don’t purchase your admission tickets too far in advance as there are no refunds due to inclement weather
• Cost: $4/adult; $2/ages 6–11; Free/ages 5 and under; Online reservations are required in advance
• Dog Friendly: Sadly, pets are prohibited at all times

For the ultimate panoramic view, hop aboard America’s first passenger aerial tramway for a quick ride up the side of Cannon Mountain. After ascending 4,080 feet to the summit, visitors will be met with scenic walking paths, a cafe, an impressive 360-degree observation deck and the sweet smell of pine trees. If the weather cooperates and provides a clear day, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway’s summit will provide stunning views of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Canada. Open from May to October, this ride in the sky offers expansive views of sweeping valleys and mountains as far as the eye can see.

• Tip: Grab a spot near the window to get a great view as the tram goes up or down
• Cost: $25/adult; $20/ages 6–12; Free/ages 5 and under; Reserve your Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway ticket online in advance as visitors will be turned away when the tram reaches capacity
• Dog Friendly: Unfortunately, no

This small museum packs a ton of skiing history into a one-room collection. Visitors can enjoy a quick visit while learning about the sport of skiing followed by a stop at the New England Ski Museum shop. Featuring small exhibits, the museum collects, preserves and displays all things related to skiing and the early pioneers of the sport. Although temporary exhibitions change yearly, the memorabilia and historic photos of skiing in the New England area can put the expansive landscape into perspective. Take a trip down memory lane and browse vintage ski wear, equipment and ski passes from decades past. Guests can also view World Cup trophies and Olympic medals won by Bode Miller, a Franconian native and the most successful male American alpine ski racer in history. Skiers or not, visitors are sure to walk away with a deeper appreciation of the White Mountains and how it came to be one of the most popular skiing sites in the nation.

• Tip: After riding the Franconia Notch tram up Cannon Mountain, hop on over to the museum (approximately a 3-minute walk)
• Cost: Free admission; Donations are appreciated
• Dog Friendly: Unfortunately, no