PO Box 755
Franconia, NH 03580
603.823.2000

Photos

Cannon Mtn Aerial View

Cannon Mountain Ski Area & Franconia Notch State Park

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Closed for tramway replacement

___________________________________________
Flume Gorge and Visitor Center

Discovered in 1808, it will leave you spellbound as you stroll the path from the main walkway through the Flume Gorge and Liberty Gorge. The Flume is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. You'll see towering moss-covered granite walls rising to a spectacular height of 90 feet, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial pools, glacial boulders and much more.

The Flume Gorge Trail is a one-way loop. This self-guided walk is 2 miles and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The trail is mostly packed gravel with boardwalk sections, includes moderate uphill walking and stairs within the gorge. Appropriate footwear is recommended. The trail is NOT handicap accessible; please call the park for alternative options.
Gilman Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is open to the public with a Gift Shop, Food Court & Restrooms. For more information, call 603-745-8391.

Rates:
$18 adult
Save $3 a ticket when you purchase online.
Kids 5 & under are FREE with an adult ticket.
All rates are subject to change.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & RULES
Hours: Opening For the Summer Season Friday, May 8.

Flume Trail 9am-5pm daily May 8- October 12. Open 9am-4pm Daily October 13 - October 25.
Gilman Visitor's Center 9am-5pm daily.
Food Court 9am-5pm daily.
Gift Shop 9am-5pm daily.

Reservations
Reservations for admission should be made online in advance as walk-in availability is not guaranteed.
Reservations must be made for a specific arrival window (ex. 1pm-2pm) on a specific date. Limited reservations will be available for each hour time slot.
A reservation MUST be made for all people in your group including ages 5 & under.
Guests MUST arrive and check in during their selected time period. We cannot guarantee entry if you miss your arrival time.
Walk-ins accepted only when space is available. Guests will be turned away when we are sold out.

Refunds
We do not offer refunds due to weather unless we shut down for the day. Come prepared for rain or shine.
Refund request can be made by emailing [email protected] by 9am on the day of the reservation, however requests may be denied and are not guaranteed.

Check-In
Reservation check-in is outside on the walkway in front of the main building.
You can enter the main building before or after your walk for access to restrooms, the gift shop, and cafeteria.
Once you have checked in for your reserved time, you will proceed around the building to begin the Flume Trail.
Restrooms can still be accessed from the back of the building if needed.

Pets are PROHIBITED
Pets are prohibited from the Flume Gorge, Echo Lake Beach, and Lafayette Place Campground. Pets are only permitted in Franconia Notch State Park in the designated dog walks in the Flume & Tramway parking lots.

Reserve your tickets here

___________________________________________
Echo Lake Beach & Boats

At Echo Lake Beach, visitors can enjoy the beauty of a 39-acre spring fed lake with a view of Franconia Notch. The cool clear water and sandy beach is perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day. Pedal boats or kayaks can be rented from the Lakeside General Store for those wanting to explore the lake beyond the shore.

LAKESIDE GENERAL STORE
The Lakeside General Store has ice, drinks, ice cream, snacks and some beach gear available.

Reservations are limited and may sell out.
Reservations will need to be made for every person in your group, even if they are 5 & under as the number of people on the beach will be limited. This includes toddlers and infants. Walk-ups will be permitted if reservations have not sold out for the day.
• A limited number of NH Senior and NH Park Plates entries may be available for walk-ups, but entry is not guaranteed. (ID or proof of Parks plate required)
• Guests must check in at ticket booth.
• Paper printout or phone receipt is accepted on site for check-in.

General Beach Rules
PETS are PROHIBITED at all times.
Swim in designated areas only.
Drones are prohibited at Echo Lake Beach.
Guests are NOT PERMITTED on the beach prior to opening and between the hours of 6pm and 9am.
Reservation is valid only during operating hours.
The beach will be cleared at closing time.
Please notify staff if you leave before closing, so we may add a reservation.

Purchase Echo Lake Admission Tickets here.
___________________________________________
Hiking Trails

Flume Gorge: Mildly Challenging
Walk through a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. You'll see towering moss-covered granite walls rising to a spectacular height of 90 feet, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial pools & boulders and much more. Get more info about the Flume Gorge here.

The Basin: Easy
At the base of a beautiful waterfall at this site is a granite pothole 20 feet in diameter. It is believed to have been eroded 15,000 years ago while the North American ice sheet was melting. The Basin 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. The Basin can be accessed from the northbound and southbound directions of I93 and has its own marked exits. The Basin is handicap accessible with paved paths and moderate uphill / downhill areas.

Artists Bluff and Bald Mountain Loop: Mildly Challenging
Reached by a short hike, Artists Bluff offers some of the best views of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch for the effort. The 1.5-mile loop begins in the big dirt parking area off of Route 18 across from the Peabody Base Area. After .25 mile, a short, steep path diverges left for .1 mile to the open summit of Bald Mountain. The main trail continues on from the junction and bears right, up and across the low ridge. A short, unmarked path diverges left to the open top of Artists Bluff. The main trail continues down to Route 18.

Mount Pemigewasset: Moderately Challenging
This out-and-back trail is just over 3 miles long with 1,259 feet of elevation gain. The route has great views of Franconia Ridge and Lincoln. The trail is uphill to the junction of the Indian Head Trail. Watch your feet as there are steep ledges and these may be slippery when wet. Park at the Flume Gorge parking area (Exit 34A off I-93). Starts out along a bike path then follow the Mount Pemi Trail sign - begin following the blue blazes.

Lonesome Lake: Moderately Challenging
This loop trail is 3 miles long, well-marked and easy to follow with a steady incline. At the top you will find a beautiful and secluded alpine lake left behind by receding glaciers. The trail loops around the entire lake. The Lonesome Lake trail begins at the Lafayette Place Campground. Parking is available in 2 small lots along the highway. Hikers are not permitted to park in the campground or at any campground sites.

Franconia Ridge: Extremely Challenging
The Franconia Ridge is the most popular hiking destination in Franconia Notch. This trail is extremely strenuous and should only be pursued by those prepared for a long day and potentially adverse weather conditions. The Franconia Ridge Loop Trail is just over 8 miles long with around 4000’ of elevation gain. Parking for this trailhead can be accessed from both sides of I93. Southbound via the Lafayette Campground Lot; there is a tunnel to bring you under the highway to the trailhead and Northbound via the Old Bridle Path exit.

Franconia Notch State Park Hiking Map

___________________________________________
Lafayette Place Campground


Nestled in the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, Lafayette Place Campground is the perfect place to set up base camp. Enjoy easy access to hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and all the attractions the White Mountains have to offer. There are 97 campsites (1 is reserved for youth group camping). Each campsite is wooded with a picnic table, parking, and an open firepit. The lodge at the entrance houses the registration desk and Camp Store with a selection of camping supplies, souvenirs and firewood. Restroom facilities and coin operations showers are available 24/7. Facilities 24/7

Shower and restrooms are available 24hrs/day but may close for cleaning.

Camp Store 8am-9pm Daily

The store is stocked with basic necessities and snacks
Delivery to your campsite is available upon request (staff dependent).

Campground Reservations

Online reservations are required- no walk-ins.
Do not occupy a site that you did not reserve in advance.

Reserve Your Site
___________________________________________
The Basin

At the base of a beautiful waterfall is a granite pothole 20 feet in diameter. It is believed to have been eroded 15,000 years ago while the North American ice sheet was melting. The Basin 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.

The Basin can be accessed from the northbound and southbound directions and has its own marked exits. The pathway to The Basin is paved and handicapped accessible. Please keep in mind there is mild up and downhill areas on the path. There are picnic tables and walking paths, as well as hiking trails.

___________________________________________

PETS: Pets are only permitted in Franconia Notch State Park in the designated dog walks in the Flume & Tramway parking lots. Pets are prohibited from Echo Lake Beach, Lafayette Campground, on the Tram and in the Flume Gorge.

 

Location

Contact Information

Address
Cannon Mountain, Franconia, Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States
Phone
Website
Social Info
Back To Top