The mountain pass, or notch, through the White Mountains has long attracted visitors to behold its spectacular beauty. The sheer Cannon Cliffs and the towering Franconia Ridge create dramatic scenery unrivalled in this part of the country. The Franconia Notch State Park, which is the jewel of the NH State Park system, has gained nationwide recognition for its grandeur. Few areas have so many attractive sites within only a short distance of each other.

So slow down, stop at the turnoffs and discover why people have traveled here for almost two centuries.

Visit the Appalachian Mountain Club for lodging, educational programs, and recreational information about the area.

White Mountain National Forest
The public land surrounding Franconia Notch State Park is part of the 780,000 acre White Mountain National Forest. These lands are managed for multiple use (wood, water, wildlife, & recreation).

Pemigawasset Wilderness Area - Lying to the east of Franconia Ridge is the 45,000 acre "Pemi". Its forests and streams have long been the destination for those in search of solitude. Access is via the Kancamagus Highway.
 
Lafayette Brook Scenic Area - Just beyond the northern entrance to the Park is the attractive basin of Lafayette Brook. These 900 acres provide a scenic backdrop, especially in autumn, from the Bike Path. No camping or open fires are allowed.

Appalachian Trail - Some of the most spectacular hiking on this National Scenic Trail, such as Franconia Ridge, is here on the White Mountain National Forest. No camping within 200' of the trail.

Alpine Zone - Above timberline on the Franconia Ridge are stretches of tundra where rare alpine flowers grow. Help protect these plant species by staying on the trails. No camping allowed above where the trees are 8' tall.

POINTS OF INTEREST
Indian Head - The first landmark one notices while driving northward into Franconia Notch is the Indian Head profile on the western side of the highway. A tower at the Indian Head Resort provides a great vantage point of the profile and surrounding peaks. A trail leads to its summit.

The Flume- Since its discovery in 1808, visitors have explored this 800' long gorge. The boardwalk through its cool shade is a refreshing hike on a summer's day. A loop trail leads over covered bridges to The Pool and Liberty Gorge and Cascades, and passes glacial boulders en route.

Flume Visitor Center - Houses an information desk, an auditorium for interpretive video programs a cafeteria, a gift shop and a historic Concord Coach.

The Basin and Cascades - The Basin is a large pothole, with a diameter of 22 feet, in the Pemigawasset River carved by the glacial meltwaters thousands of years ago. A small waterfall pours into the Basin and swirls around its granite walls before passing over the Old Man's Foot, a rock formation at the start of the rapid river.

A short ways thru the woods along the Basin-Cascade Path are a long series of cascades and open ledges leading to Kinsman Falls. These are well worth the slight extra effort and time to visit. The view from Kinsman Cascades across the valley to Mt. Liberty is the best vantage point to see the profile of "George Washington lying in State".

Lafayette Campground - The center of Franconia Notch hiking and the only place to camp within the park boundaries, the Lafayette Place has 97 campsites, a general store, a hikers information center and hot showers. Trails lead westward up to Cannon Mountain or Lonesome Lake and eastward up to the Franconia Ridge via Old Bridal Path to the very lovely, though strenuous, Falling Waters trail.

Boise Rock/ Cannon Cliff - Northward travelers can enjoy the magnificent view of Cannon Cliffs, a rock clumbers most challenging wall in the east, at this site of an ancient boulder. A cold spring empties into a barrel at the rest area.

Profile Lake - Trout fishing in this clear mountain lake is one of the more aesthetic pleasures of Franconia Notch.

Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site - Information, pictures and history of the Great Stone Face.

Cannon Mountain Arial Tram - A 10-minute ride on the Arial tram brings visitors 2000 feet to the top of Cannon Mountain and excellent views down into the Notch and across to the Franconia Ridge. The visitor center has a gift shop and cafeteria. Nearby is the New England Ski Museum.

Echo Lake - Swimming, fishing and boating.

Artist's Bluff - Sitting just north of Echo Lake is a set of cliffs providing a fine viewpoint of the upper Notch for little time and effort. Avoid when wet.

THINGS TO DO
Bicycling - The Franconia Notch Recreation Trail Bike Path was designed for touring thru the Notch. Bike rentals are available in both Lincoln and Franconia.

Swimming - Echo Lake State Beach is the place to swim. Cold water streams are unsafe.

Trout Fishing - There is excellent fishing in the Pemi River, Echo Lake and Profile Lake (fly fishing only). A NH State Fishing License is required.

Skiing - Franconia Notch is a great place for winter activities. Downhill skiing in America began here. There are also several miles of cross-country ski trails near Lafayette Brook, as well as nearby at the Franconia Inn and Sunset Hill House.

Rock Climbing - Experienced rock climbers are challenged by the 1000' vertical cliffs on Cannon Mt and lesser outcroppings in Franconia Notch such as Artist's Bluff, Eagle Cliff and Indian Head. No one should attempt any technical climbing unless under the instruction of a climbing school or with an experienced guide.

For lessons, contact:
The EMS Climbing School (603)-356-5433);
Int'l Mtn Climbing School (603) 356-7064;
Mtn Guides Alliance (603) 356-5310 or
North Country Guides (603) 444-6532.

Climbers must register before and after their climbs at the trailhead parking lot by the south end of Profile Lake. There is an excellent guidebook for mountaineers by Ed Webster called "Rock Climbs in the White Mtns".

Falcon Alert - All climbers on the Eaglette and Eagle Cliffs are requested to avoid the nesting areas of peregrine falcon May 1st - mid-July.

INFORMATION
The White Mountain Attractions Association has a visitor's center in Lincoln just off exit 32 of Interstate 93. Once in the State Park there are visitor's centers at the Flume and Aerial Tramway. There is also hiking information at the Lafayette parking area.

Backcountry Facilities
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) manages two huts and a few shelters for the public along the Appalachian Trail. Lonesome Lake Hut and Green leaf Hut, high on the western shoulder of Mt. Lafayette, each accommodate 46 guests in bunkrooms. Eliza Brook, Kinsman Pond and Garfield Ridge all have shelters for 8 to 12 persons with tentsites nearby. There are also tentsites at Liberty Springs. AMC reservations, tel (603) 466-2727.

Low-Impact Camping
All backpackers should be skilled in limiting their impact on the wilderness lands we all share.

Camp away from trails and choose a level tentsite where you will not have to destroy vegetation.

Carry a stove and fuel rather than building fires.

Keep water sources clean; wash at least 100' away. Bring a garbage bag to carry-out trash.

Day Hikers: Wear sturdy hiking boots, wool socks, and cotton clothes. Carry in a day pack extra warm clothing and a raincoat; food; water; map & compass (magnetic declination is 16 degrees west); sunglasses; flashlight; matches; knife; whistle; first aid kit.

Backpackers: Add a tent, sleeping bag, foam pad, stove, fuel, extra food and clothing.

All information supplied by The Wilderness Map Company, Twin Mt., NH 03595

Hiking Safety
There are many hazards while hiking in these rugged mountains: slippery rocks and roots, difficult stream crossings and open ledges. Many trails are steep and rough, so hikers should be in excellent condition. The weather also demands respect: drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion; dress for wind and rain to prevent hypothermia, excessive heat loss from the body; and wait out thunderstorms before traversing open ridges and summits.

Emergency Contacts: Good judgment, common sense, proper gear and clothing and careful planning should prevent and mishaps in the wilderness. But if an accident or injury should occur, know where you are on the map, send someone to a phone and contact the following for help:
NH State Police:  (800) 852-3411
Franconia Notch State park: (603) 745-8391

Hiking trails
All hikers are encouraged to purchase and use the "AMC White Mountain Guide" for full descriptions of all trails. Disclaimer: Although every effort has been made to present accurate details of trail conditions, due to changes by man and nature we expressly disclaim any legal responsibility for the conditions of any trail. Hikers assume the risks inherent in this outdoor activity and must respect the legal and safety guidelines for a safe visit.

Trail Classifications: (l) = easy, well-graded mostly level; (ll) = moderately difficult, rough footing, steep in places; (lll)= very difficult, rugged, prolonged steepness and may be dangerous in places.

Abbreviations: hr= hours; jct= junction; mi= miles; min= minutes; tr= trails.

Distances and Times: Trail notes are estimates for one-way travel' allow extra time to rest and enjoy.

APPALACHIAN TRAIL: The AT passes thru Franconia Notch as it winds its 2100 mile way from Georgia to Maine. It coincides with segments of the Kinsman Ridge, Fishin' Jimmy, Cascade Brook, Liberty Springs, Franconia Ridge and Garfield Ridge Trails. From Gordon Pond Trail to Mt Garfield is 23 miles.

AROUND-LONESOME-LAKE TR: 0.8 mi/30 min (l). A pleasant walk with excellent views.

BALD MTN, ARTIST'S BLUFF PATH: 1mi/1 hr (ll). These two summits each have fine views and require little effort and time.

BASIN- CASCADES TR: 1 mi/50 min (ll). Leaving the Basin area, the trail ascends near to Cascade Brook and a beautiful series of cascades leading in a half-mile to Kinsman Falls. Soon the brook is crossed on a log-bridge and the trail gets rougher at the AT jct.

CASCADE BROOK TR: 3.1 mi/ 2 hr 20 min (ll). A beautiful trail, part of the AT, this leads in 2.8 mi to Lonesome Lake Hut; there is one difficult stream crossing at 1.5 mi/1 hr from the Whitehouse Tr.

COPPERMINE TR: 2.5 mi/2 hr (ll). Leaving a sideroad0.4 mi off Rte 116, the trail follows Coppermine Brook to Coppermine shelter and beautiful Bridalveil Falls.

DODGE CUT-OFF: 0.3 mi/ 20 min (ll). A steep, short-cut to the Hi-Cannon Tr from Lonesome Lake, named for Joe Dodge.

FALLING WATERS TR: 3.2 mi/3 hr/ elev gain 2900' (lll). One of the most beautiful climbs in the White Mountains, this trail leads pass a few waterfalls, then climbs steeply to the summit of Little Haystack and its fine views. Dry Brook is 0.7 mi/ 30 min from Lafayette Place; last crossing is 1.6 mi/ 1 hr 25 min; Shining Rock is 2.8 mi/ 2 hr 30 min (avoid climbing on the wet, dangerous ledge).

FISHIN' JIMMY TR: 2.0 mi/ 1 hr 40 min (lll). This path has some rough footing and steep ascents. It connects the Lonesome Lake Hut with Kinsman Pond Shelter.

FLUME SLIDE TR: 3.3 mi/ 3 hr/ elev gain 2700' (lll). The path departs from Liberty Spring Tr 0.6 mi from its start at Whitehouse Tr. The first mile ascends moderately, then steepens, and finally becomes very steep, we and dangerous. Watch for loose rocks on the slide; avoid descent of the trail, especially with heavy packs. At the top are excellent views near the summit of Mt Flume.

GEORGIANA FALLS PATH: 1.2 mi/ 1 hr (ll). This trail, on private land, is not well-maintained. From a parking lot off Rte 3 go under the parkway and follow path 0.7 mi to a pool at the base of Lower Georgiana Falls; above this point the trail is rough and obscure.

GORDON POND TR: 5.0 mi/ 3 hr 30 min/ elev gain 1800' (ll). The trail begins on Rte 112 at the Agassiz Basin. At 2.2 mi Gordon Brook is crossed. The trail begins to climb more steeply and comes to Gordon Falls at 3.9 mi/ 2 hr 45 min; above here it levels -off, passes Gordon Pond, then climbs up to join the Kinsman Ridge Tr. 3.3 mi from its start at Lost River.

GREENLEAF TR: 3.8 mi/ 3 hr 40 min/ elev gain 2200' (lll). This trail climbs steeply out of the Notch, with occasional views, to Greenleaf Hut. Beyond here the route is exposed to storms on Mt Lafayette. Eagle Pass is reached in 1.5 mi/ 1 hr 20 min; Greenleaf Hut, 2.7 mi/ 2 hr 30 min; Mt Lafayette, 3.8 mi/ 3 hr 40 min.

HI-CANNON TR: 2 mi/ 2 hr (lll). The trail leaves the Lonesome Lake Tr 0.4 mi from Lafayette Campground and climbs steeply up the south side of Cannon Mtn. The Dodge Cut-Off joins it at 0.8 mi; beyond here are many outlooks over the lake and Notch, but the path is rugged, using a ladder at Cliff House rock. From its end at the Kinsman Ridge Tr, it is 0.4 mi/ 20 min to the summit.

INDIAN HEAD TR: 1.9 mi/ 1 hr 45 min (lll). The path begins at a parking lot off Rte 3 and follows an old logging road for the first q mi thru the woods. The trail then heads north, climbing more steeply and passes below the cliffs of the famous "Indian Head". From the jct with Mt. Pemi Tr it is a short distance to the summit (turn right).

KINSMAN POND TR: 2.5 mi/ 2 hr/ elev gain 1300' (lll). This rough, wild and very beautiful trail leaves the Cascade Brook Tr (2 mi from its start), soon crosses the brook and enters lush forests. The trail is wet in many places and climbs steadily; Kinsman Pond is reached at 2.1 mi.

KINSMAN RIDGE TR: 17 mi/12 hr (lll). This trail traverses the entire western half of the Notch passing over several peaks; much of it is part of the Appalachian Trail. Beginning at the tramway parking lot in the Notch, Kinsman Ridge Tr climbs steeply 2000' up Cannon Mtn. There is a side path at 1.5 mi leading to excellent views down into the Notch and across Franconia Ridge. Further along its length are fine views from the summits of the two Kinsmans and Mt. Wolf. Distances from tramway parking area: Cannon Mtn, 2 mi/ 2 hr; Lonesome Lake Tr, 3 mi/ 2 hr 30 min; Kinsman Jct (AT), 5.4 mi/ 4 hr 30 min; North Kinsman, 6 mi/ 5 hr; South Kinsman, 7 mi/ 5 hr 35 min; Harrington Pond, 8 mi/ 6 hr 15 min; Eliza Brook Shelter, 9.5 mi/ 7 hr; Reel Brook Tr, 10.5 mi/ 7 hr 40 min; Gordon Pond Tr, 13.6 mi/ 9 hr 30 min; Rte 112 at Kinsman Notch 17 mi/ 12 hr.

LIBERTY SPRING TR: 3 mi/3 hr/ elev gain 2700' (lll). From the Whitehouse Tr, 0.8 mi north of the Flume parking area, the Liberty Spring tr climbs east as part of the AT to join the Franconia Ridge Tr near the summit of Mt Liberty. Distances to: Flume Slide Tr, 0.5 mi/ 35 min; stream crossing, 1.1 mi/ 55 min; Liberty Spring Tentsite, 2.6 mi/2 hr 35 min; summit of Mt Liberty, 3.2 mi/ 3 hr.

LINCOLN BROOK TR: 6.9 mi/ 4 hr (ll). This remote trail in the midst of the Pemigewasset Wilderness is reached from the Kancamagus Highway by the Wilderness Tr 5 mi east of Lincoln. Distance from Kanc Hwy to Owl's Head Path, 9 mi/ 6 hr, including 3.4 mi on Lincoln Brook Tr. From Owl's Head Path it is 3.5 mi/ 2 hr north to 13 Falls Campsite, and another 3 mi/ 2 hr north to the Garfield Ridge Tentsite.

LONESOME LAKE TR: 2.3 mi/ 2 hr/ elev gain 1700' (lll). The trail leaves the parking lot of Lafayette Campground and climbs gently to Lonesome lake, 1.2 mi/ 1 hr; the Lonesome Lake Hut is 0.4 mi/15 min away on the far shore. Beyond the lake the trail climbs more steeply to the Kinsman Ridge Tr at Coppermine Col, 2.3 mi/ 2 hr.

MT KINSMAN TR: 3.7 mi/3 hr 20 min/ elev gain 2800' (lll). Trail leaves Rte 116 about 4 mi south of Franconia and follows a logging road for the first mile or so. At 2.1 mi/ 1 hr 50 min from the start, a side path leads west 0.2 mi to fine views from Bald Peak. The next 1.5 mi are moderate, with a few steep scrambles, before Kinsman Ridge Tr is reached 0.2 mi from Kinsman Jct.

MT PEMIGEWASSET TR: 1.8 mi/1 hr 40 min/ elev gain 1100' (ll). From parking area north of the Flume, the trail passes under Rte 3 and the Parkway before entering the woods. It climbs moderately to a ridge, then swings left to the open ledges. Be especially careful with children and in wet weather.

OLD BRIDAL PATH: 3 mi/ 2 hr 45 min/ elev gain 2400' (lll). The trails leaves from the Lafayette Place parking lots on the Parkway and heads east, then north up the "Agony Ridge" to Greenleaf Hut. There are fine views from the upper section into Walker Ravine.

OSSEO TR: 4.1mi/ 3 hr 40 min/ elev gain 3000' (lll). This path is reached by the Wilderness trail 1.5 mi from the Kancamagus Highway. The first mile is level, then it climbs with switchbacks steeply up a ridge, and ascends Mt Flume from the south.

OWL'S HEAD PATH: 1 mi/1 hr 20 min/ (lll). This unmaintained trail climbs a slide up the 4000' peak in the heart of the Pemi Wilderness. Care must be exercised on loose rocks and wet ledges.

PEMI TR: 5.5 mi/ 3 hr (1). This is a gentle path thru the Notch parallel to the bike path. From the parking lot just north of the Flume on Rte 3 it provides access to the Appalachian Trail (Cascade Brook and Liberty Springs Trails), 0.8 mi/30 min. The trail passes under bridges to the west side of the river and continues northward thru the Basin area, Lafayette Campground to its end at Profile Lake.

REEL BROOK TR: 2.9 mi/2 hr (ll). From the Kinsman Ridge Tr a mile south of Eliza Brook Shelter, this trail descends west thru mudding footing, along power lines, to reach Rte 116 in 3.5 mi.

ROARING RIVER NATURE TR: 0.3 mi/ 15 min (l). From the south side of the Flume parking lot this gentle path offers a self-guided route thru the woods.

SKOOKUMCHUCK TR: 4.4 mi/ 3 hr 45 min/ elev gain 2800' (lll). From the parking area on Rte 3 at the north end of the Bike Path, this trail climbs thru the woods to the Garfield Ridge Tr, 0.7 mi/ 45 min north of Mt. Lafayette.