Franconia Stands Apart for its Natural Wonders and Boundless Active Pursuits

Driving towards Franconia, you can tell there is something special about this place. Is it the towering mountains of the Kinsman and Franconia ranges that create Franconia Notch, or is it the miles of lush forests that invite you to explore the spectacular terrain of the White Mountains? While the answer may not be so simple, the beauty and the excitement are unmistakable.

Nestled within the White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park offers 8,000 acres that play host to a variety of recreational activities and picture-perfect attractions. Whether you want to hike along the Appalachian Trail, swim in the refreshing waters of Echo Lake, or cast a line in Profile Lake, this action-packed area has everything you need for a memorable, outdoor-oriented day.

While you could easily fill your itinerary with other active pursuits such mountain biking on the Recreational Trail or rock climbing on Cannon Cliffs, simply exploring nature’s wonders is an activity in itself in this area. To ensure that you don’t miss out on some of the less advertised sights, designate a day for hiking to particular spots, such as Kinsman Falls and Mt. Lafayette.

However, one attraction whose allure will be impossible to resist is the Flume, a natural gorge that is framed by Mount Liberty and Mount Flume. Starting and ending at the Flume Visitor's Center, you can enjoy easy access to this natural chasm in addition to views of covered bridges, waterfalls, and a scenic pool.

Although it may seem that the warm weather months get most of the attention, Franconia rentals are also an excellent option in the winter due to their location near Cannon Mountain. Offering 55 downhill trails, 165 skiable acres, and 9 total lifts all within Franconia Notch State Park, this is one ski area where you can definitely catch the best of the White Mountains.