As the long weekend approaches, visitors to Franconia Notch State Park and the surrounding area have several attractions available. While the weather may be hot elsewhere, the Notch offers a cooler escape.
Parking and shuttle services for hikers are limited at the trailheads. Overflow parking is located at the Aerial Tramway base at Cannon Mountain (Exit 34B). The Hiker Shuttle is available on weekends and holiday Mondays from 8am to 7pm, costing $5 per person for a round trip. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and ride for free.
The Flume Gorge is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm. This natural granite gorge extends 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, featuring towering moss-covered granite walls up to 90 feet high, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial pools, and boulders.
Echo Lake Beach is open daily from 9am to 6pm, offering a 39-acre spring-fed lake with views of Franconia Notch. Pedal boats or kayaks can be rented from the Lakeside General Store for exploring the lake.
Lafayette Place Camp Store is open daily from 8am to 9pm, providing supplies and information for camping at Lafayette Place Campground.
Please note that the Aerial Tramway is closed for the 2026 Summer season. The Tram base building remains open with facilities, retail, and Cannon artifacts, and visitors can also visit the New England Ski Museum nearby.
The Cannonball Pub is now open Friday from 5pm to 9pm, Saturday from 12pm to 5pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.
