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Franconia Notch
Attractions Attractions
Courtesy Photo: Cannon Mountain
Things to do

Attractions 

The most spectacular natural attractions in New Hampshire are found in the Franconia Notch Region, due in part to Franconia Notch State Park, the White Mountain National Forest and the White Mountain Attractions Association. Within the state park, attractions surround nature's creations not only to enhance and preserve the heritage and legacies since their discoveries, but also to provide a mecca for recreational pursuits among the mountains, lakes and granite notched out by natural glaciations and melting over ancient millenniums.
 
From Franconia along the top of the National Forest through other New Hampshire notches, the White Mountain Attractions Association is credited with providing a vacationland second to none along the East to West loop of natural wonders in this part of our state.  Many attractions were established by early settlers and relocated entrepreneurs who culled the rich products and fruits of the area beckoning all to visit, while sustaining an economy that attracts folks to the quality of life in our area.  Many have rediscovered the Franconia Region from childhood memories; others have permanent second homes to enjoy the recreation and attractions as often as possible.

Whether you seek adventure, history, respite or remarkable views of natural grandeur, attractions in this locale will bring you back time and time again- to see the wonders and change.

The Basin
Basin & Cascades
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch Parkway, I-93, Signage
Franconia NH 03580

The beautiful waterfall at the Basin, has at its base, a granite pothole 20 feet in diameter that was eroded 15,000 years ago while the North American ice sheet was melting. It has been smoothed by small stones and sand whirled around by the Pemigewasset River. Below the Basin is a water-eroded rock formation called the Old Man's foot. A short walk through 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 extra effort and time to visit. The view from the Kinsman Cascade across the valley to the Mt. Liberty is the best vantage point to see the profile of "George Washington lying in state".


Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway & Ski Area
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch Parkway, I-93, Exit 34B
Franconia, NH  03580
603-823-8800 | Fax: 603-823-8088
info@cannonmt.com

The first passenger aerial tramway in North America began operation on this site in 1938. Almost 7 million passengers were carried to the top by the first tram. Tram II was completed in 1980, and today, you can take a scenic 5-minute ride in one of two enclosed cable cars to the 4,180-foot summit of Cannon Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the distant valleys and mountains. Each tram car has a capacity of 80 persons and ascends 2,022 feet vertically over a horizontal distance of more than one mile. Walking trails to a summit observation platform leave from the tram station. A gift shop and cafeteria are located in the tram base station. Cannon Mountain Ski Area, a favorite among skiers, has 26 miles of trails and slopes for both the beginner and experienced. Cannon is the home of the New England Ski Museum, which is located near the base of the tramway. It is open daily from 10:00-4:00, and is on the same seasonal schedule as the tramway. For more information on Cannon Mountain Ski Area.


    Cog Railway
Route 302, Bretton Woods, NH  03575
603-278-5405 or 1-800-922-8825

The original "little train that could", the Mount Washington Cog Railway has been climbing to the summit of Mt. Washington since July 3, 1869. The track runs along a steep, 3.1 mile long trestle whose maximum gradient is over 37%, making it the second steepest mountain climbing train in the world. The only railroad on earth whose entire run is built on a trestle, the "Cog" takes visitors on a timeless adventure to the summit at 6288' in elevation. Open May-November.

 


Echo Lake

Echo Lake
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch Parkway, I-93, Exit 34C
Franconia, NH  03580

Echo Lake is a beautiful lake at an elevation of 1,931 feet that offers swimming, fishing, and small boat access, as well as views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. It is in a different watershed from Profile Lake as its waters flow westerly toward the Connecticut River.Parking fee Swimming, boating, snack bar and camping available.


The Flume
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch Parkway, I-93, Exit 34A
Franconia, NH  03580
603-745-8391
Open May- October -Admission

Walk through a natural chasm, see covered bridges, waterfalls, a scenic pool & mountain views. Since it's discovery in 1808, visitors have explored this 800' long gorge. The boardwalk through its cool shade is a refreshing hike on a summer day. A loop trail leads over covered bridges to The Pool and Liberty Gorge and Cascades, and passes glacial boulders en route. The Flume Visitor Center houses an information desk, an auditorium for interpretive video programs, a cafeteria, a gift shop and a historic Concord Coach.


  Franconia Notch State Park  
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch Parkway, I-93, Exit 34A, 34B, 34C
Franconia, NH  03580
603-823-5563

Nine mile long state park through the notched pass between the Kinsman Mountain Range on the west and Franconia Ridge on the east. The park was home to the Old Man of the Mountain for thousands of years until his collapse in 2003- and remains forever the state symbol of New Hamphire. All attractions and state park activities, most famous for winter sports on Cannon Mt. and its hiking trails year round, are exits from I-93, the only 2-way interstate highway in America because of this most famous of NH's five mountain notches. Exits lead to Profile Lake; a clear body of water (the headwaters of the Pemigewasset River) directly below the Old Man of the Mountain often called the Old Man's Washbowl. Echo Lake; a beautiful lake at an elevation of 1,931 feet, offers swimming, fishing, and small boat access, as well as views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain, but in a different watershed from Profile Lake as its waters flow westerly toward the Connecticut River. Other exits lead to The Basin, Cannon Aerial Tramway, the bike path through the Notch and Lafayette Campground; the camping and hiking hub of the Notch centrally located in the Park at Lafayette Place. It provides a great base from which to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and many attractions in the White Mountains.

 


Indian Head Resort
664 US Route 3, Lincoln, NH  03251
800-343-8000 
info@indianheadresort.com 

NH Magazine "Best of NH" 2009 Editors Award for Family Friendly Resort. 180 acres of scenic splendor in the heart of the New Hampshire White Mountains. 50" HDTV in all rooms. "Best of Chefs" winning Profile Dining Room daily specials, pub menu and more. Thunderbird Lounge, Gift Shop "Best NH Souvenirs". Heated Outdoor Pool and Hot Spa Open All Year! Indoor Pool, Hot Spa and Saunas. Near area attractions, scenic drives and much more.  A sturdy steel observation tower for closer breathtaking views of the Indian Head rock formation is directly across the road from the Resort.

Loon Mountain
60 Loon Mountain Road, Lincoln, NH  03251
603-745-6281 | Fax: 603-745-8214
Located 20 minutes South of Franconia Notch at 60 Loon Moumtain Road in Lincoln, NH, and just a two-hour drive from Boston,  Loon Mountain Resort offers a world of winter excitement for guests visiting for the day or staying in one of the many hotels, inns, or condominiums around town.  With a wide variety of terrain, a slope-side spa, the Adventure Center, and countless other on – and off-hill activities, it’s also a place where everyone, from the most avid skier to those who have never stepped foot into a pair of bindings, can have fun.  2, 100 Vertical Feet, 55 Trails, 12 Lifts and 336 Acres. 

Mountain View Grand
101 Mountain View Road, Whitefield, NH  03598 
603-837-2100 or 866-484-3843
 
One of America's truly grand hotels that combines 1st class comfort with casual elegance and attentive personalized service.  A classic that presents a dazzling array of offerings and amenities wrapped in a timeless storybook setting thought to have disappeared forever. Floor-to-ceiling views of the White Mts. from the prestigious Spa- this grand resort offers an experience unlike any other.



Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel, LLP
32 Valley Road, Jefferson, NH  03583
603-986-0697 or 603-545-4533
info@dogslednh.com 

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel offers adventures year round with our teams of friendly canine athletes. Enjoy all the adventure and thrill of dog sledding without the cold through our "Rolling Dog Sled Adventures" in Jefferson, NH. Want to learn to drive your own team? Try a Rolling Dog Sled Clinic! Contact us at www.dogslednh.com or 603-545-4533 to reserve your spot today.  Located in the heart of the White Mountains in Jefferson, NH, Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel specializes in providing dogsledding adventures through our dog sled tours, clinics, with an emphasis on education, hands-on activities and fun!   Tours aren't just sitting in the sled and going for a ride, but rather involve interacting with dogs, and learning aspects of a culture that many people just don't get to experience. However, if you prefer to have a relaxing ride, that's fine as well!  

Raft NH by
Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel
196 Main Street, Gorham, NH 03581
603-545-4533
info@dogslednh.com

Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel presents Raft NH, a white water rafting outfitter specializing in family adventure from float trips to Class III whitewater! Whitewater Rafting in NH, family Adventure at its best. Fun for the whole family and maybe even a dog or two! We shuttle you from our convenient location on Main Street in Gorham, NH to the put in locations on the river.  Just show up... we supply all technical and safety equipment. It's all brand new and state of the art. We have the most experienced, licensed, professional whitewater guide in the North Country on every white water trip. The most unique  day of adventure you've ever experienced. Reserve your "Paddles & Paws" Whitewater Rafting & Sled Dog Combo Adventure today! Tailored to those guests that want to pack in as much adventure into one day as humanly possible, we offer whitewater rafting in the morning - afternoon & our signature "Rolling Dog Sled Adventure" after your rafting trip. 


Pollyanna of Littleton New Hampshire, Inc. 
15 Main Street, Littleton,  NH 03561
603-444-6158
pollyana@together.net

New Hampshire's most welcoming attraction is the centerpiece of historic downtown as an ambassador of cheer and community spirit for residents and visitors alike. Today, visitors and passers-by make it a point to return her "welcome wave". Admirers come not only to take a keepsake photo, but to rub Pollyanna's bronze hightop shoe for luck and gladness. Littleton's jubilant bronze sculpture tributes hometown author, Eleanor H. Porter (1868 – 1920) best remembered as the creator of the world's most optimistic character, Pollyanna, 1913.  Eleanor Hodgman Porter’s early residence was in Littleton, and not so far from the Library front lawn…where fittingly Pollyanna, Littleton’s sculpture presides in an artistic and symbolic place “welcoming residents and visitors to the area. 


  Polly's Pancake Parlor   Polly's Pancake Parlor
672 Route 117, Sugar Hill, NH 03586
603-823-5575
info@pollyspancakeparlor.com

Polly's is northern New England distilled to its sweetest essence: stone-ground whole wheat, buckwheat, and cornmeal pancakes, served with country sausage or cob-smoked bacon, and a tray of maple toppings in burnished pewter pots - fancy grade syrup, granulated maple sugar, and thick maple spread; all made in New Hampshire. Gift shop where Polly's special ingredients can be purchased as well as other unique souvenirs of your visit to Sugar Hill and the history of this internationally recognized restaurant, famous for breakfast and lunch. Online shopping is available. e Visitor Center houses an information desk, an auditorium for interpretive video programs, a cafeteria, a gift shop and a historic Concord Coach.

 


St. Matthew's Chapel
Rt. 117 at Birches Road, Sugar Hill, NH, 03586
PO Box 278, Franconia, NH 03580
603-823-9980 or 603-823-5667
info@stmatthewsNH.org

Historic St. Matthew’s is an Episcopal summer chapel in the White Mountains that holds Sunday services during July, August, and the first Sunday in September at 10:00am. This Chapel is one of New England’s most photographed Landmarks. Built in 1893 and originally painted  dark red, the interior paneling and cathedral ceiling in natural wood has mellowed to a beautiful soft patina, Three of the stain glass window were brought from a church on Long Island; one  attributed to Tiffany, and two others are equally exquisite representations of stain glass art work of that era.  The Chapel’s delicate architectural design featuring very narrow width and very high steeple in this picturesque country setting draws photographers from everywhere.  Inquiries for weddings or other special services for up to 125 persons are invited.


The Rocks Estate
Route 302, 4 Christmas Lane, Bethlehem, NH
 603-444-6228 
info@therocks.org

Located in Bethlehem this historic country estate features educational family programs, spectacular views, trails for hiking, including an historic building trail. A Christmas tree farm, gift shop The estate has been featured in Yankee Magazine, Country Living Magazine, Martha Stewart Living and AAA magazine. Farm of Distinction and Wildlife Viewing.  


The Brick Store 
21 Lisbon Road, PO Box 118, Bath, NH
603-747-2074 
proprietors@thebrickstore.com
 
The Brick Store is America's oldest continously operated General Store, dating back to 1790. Unique and distinctive New England specialties are available including our own smokehouse meats and cheese, homemade fudge, gift packs and gift baskets, maple syrup, weathervanes, antiques & memoriablia, deli case & service, one stop shopping by the owners, just as it always was and should be.

The Whale's Tale Water Park
481 Daniel Webster Highway (Route 3), I-93, Exit 33, Lincoln, NH
603-745-8810
info@whalestalewaterpark.net
 
The Whale’s Tale Water Park recently named Best-in-Class Waterpark in America by Aquatics International Magazine.  Perfect to chill out, thrill out, lay out or play out.  It’s an unforgettable day for the entire family at New England’s Favorite Waterpark! Under 4 and adults over 70 free.  Free tube usage.  3pm & twilight specials.  SEASON: early June – Labor Day, 10am – 6pm weather permitting.  Group rates available. 

 



 

Twin River
Campground, Cottages & RV Park

PO Box 212, Bath, NH  03740
603-747-3640
info@twinrivernh.com

The Solinsky Family invites you to stay at our family-run Campground in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire. Located at the junction of Rtes. 302 and 112 on the banks of the Ammonoosuc and Wild Ammonoosuc Rivers in Bath, New Hampshire. Conveniently located near some of New Hampshire's and Vermont's most popular tourist attractions. Whether you stay a few days, a week or month, our facilities will make your stay comfortable and enjoyable for your family. Visit our Website and then give us a call and visit us in the Great White Mountains of New Hampshire.  Facilities include wooded tent sites, full water, electric & sewer hook-ups, spacious RV sites, wooded cabins, hot showers, laundromat, campground store, game room, recreation field, Scooter's Golf & Grill, (18 holes of mini-golf).  Many adventures where you can stay and play, explore, and re-discover old-fashioned Tubing and Panning for Gold on the historical sites of the early 1800's!


White Mountain Attractions

Attitash
Rte. 302, Bartlett, NH
Tel: 603-374-2368

Clark's Trading Post
Rte. 3 Lincoln, NH
Tel: 603-745-8913
Seasonal

Conway Scenic Railroad
Rte. 16, Conway, NH
Tel: 603-356-5251
Seasonal

Hobo Railroad
Rte. 112, Lincoln, NH
Tel: 603-745-2135
Seasonal

Lost River
Rte. 112, N. Woodstock, NH
Tel: 603-745-8031
Seasonal

Mt. Washington Auto Road
Rte. 16, Gorham, NH
Tel: 603-466-3988
Seasonal

Polar Caves
Rte. 25, Plymouth, NH
Seasonal

Santa's Village
Rte. 2, Jefferson, NH
Tel: 603-586-4445
Seasonal

Six Gun City
Rte. 2, Jefferson, NH
Tel: 603-586-4592
Seasonal

Storyland
Rte. 16, Glenn, NH
Tel: 603-383-4186
Seasonal

Wildcat Mountain Gondola
Rte. 16, Pinkham Notch, NH

Other Attractions in Area:

Bretton Woods Ski Area
Rte. 302, Bretton Woods, NH
Tel: 800-314-1752

Hobo Hills Adventure Golf
Rte. 112, Lincoln, NH
Tel: 603-745-2125
Seasonal

Mount Washington Hotel Resort
Rte. 302, Bretton Woods, NH
Tel: 800-314-1752



Local Services

The Franconia Inn - Horses

Indian Head Resort

2010 area discount

Moose Safety Callout

Franconia Notch Region Chamber
Franconia Notch Region Chamber