Franconia Notch
Franconia Notch – Amazing!
A simple drive through a White Mountain Notch – Franconia Notch – is an inspirational treat.
A mountain pass that extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. For eight miles, US Interstate 93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges.
Franconia Notch was the home of the famous Old Man of the Mountain, the same “Great Stone Face” immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster.
While in the notch stop at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center and walk through the beautiful Flume Gorge. You may also go high in Franconia Notch by taking the scenic aerial tramway of Cannon Mountain.
Take your time. Stop for a swim at Echo Lake. Experience that thrill of fly fishing at Profile Lake. Enjoy a bike ride on the Recreational Trail. Climb on some rocks and watch for hawks, and falcons on Cannon Cliffs. Of course, people love to hike on the wonderful trials in and around Franconia Notch.
There is also Franconia Notch State Park.
The Flume Gorge!
The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart.
You may start your excursion into the Flume Gorge at the Flume Visitor’s Center. Guests may choose to walk through just the Gorge or do a two-mile loop. The walk includes uphill walking with many stairs. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns, and mosses found in and around the Flume Gorge.
Framed by a spectacular landscape of Mount Liberty and Mount Flume, the Visitor Center houses the Flume ticket office, information center, cafeteria, gift shop, and the state park system’s historic Concord Coach. A 20-minute movie showcasing beautiful Franconia Notch State Park is available for viewing.
The Flume was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey when she accidentally came upon it while fishing. She had trouble convincing her family of the marvelous discovery, but eventually persuaded others to come and see for themselves.
At the time of the discovery, a huge egg-shaped boulder hung suspended between the walls. The rock was 10 feet (3m) high and 12 feet (3.6m) long. A heavy rainstorm in June of 1883 started a landslide that swept the boulder from its place. It has never been found.
The same storm deepened the gorge and formed Avalanche Falls.
Cannon Tramway
The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway will provide you with excellent long-range views.
The legendary 80-passenger cable care is America’s first aerial tramway and brings passengers to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain under 10 minutes. Don’t forget your camera as the views from the 360-degree observation deck is out of this world.
On a nice day, you can see all the way across New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, and Quebec.