If sweater weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and colorful foliage are your aesthetic, then your season has arrived and Franconia Notch is the perfect fall backdrop. We love to watch the colors change and to share this wonderful season with you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to visit during peak foliage season: Franconia Notch is extremely busy this time of year, please be patient and be kind to others! Follow the direction of park staff and rangers. Park only in designated lots and spaces. DO NOT PARK ON ROADWAYS. Pack in, Pack out. Please make sure all trash and belongings are not left behind.
If you plan to hike, be prepared with proper footwear, clothing and supplies, even for a short hike (looking at you, Artists Bluff). Drones are prohibited in Franconia Notch State Park.
For 10/3-4: Please note that the Cannonball Pub and Tramway Country Store will be CLOSED. In an effort to maintain an enjoyable and safe experience for all, Franconia Notch State Park is enforcing a one-way trail loop for the fall. Hikers will be asked to walk the entire loop in a counterclockwise direction. The full loop is 1.2 miles.
There is no roadside parking; please park in the Big Dirt Lot across from the Cannon Base Area. There will be rangers on-site issuing a $250 fine for littering. Hiker overflow parking and shuttle services are available at the Aerial Tramway base at Cannon Mountain (Exit 34B). The Hiker Shuttle is available on weekends and holiday Mondays from 8am-7pm and costs $5 per person (round trip). Well-behaved dogs are welcome and ride for free!
The Flume Gorge is open daily from 9am-5:00pm through 10/12. The Flume is a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, featuring towering moss-covered granite walls rising to a height of 90 feet, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial pools, glacial boulders, and much more. Hours have been extended to 5:30pm for the summer.
Echo Lake Beach is open Thursday-Sunday, 9am-5pm through 10/12. It is a 39-acre spring-fed lake with views of Franconia Notch, perfect for relaxing on a hot day. Pedal boats or kayaks can be rented from the Lakeside General Store for those wanting to explore the lake beyond the shore.
Lafayette Place Camp Store is open 8am-3pm Monday-Thursday and 8am-8pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Stop by the store for supplies, snacks, gifts, and information.
Cannon Mountain has several winter positions available, including Snowmaking, Grooming, Lift Attendants, Auto Mechanics, Ski & Snowboard Instructors, Rental Techs, and Ticket Sellers. Visit the Employment page to find positions.
Upcoming events include the Franconia Notch Half Marathon on Saturday, October 24. This run follows the iconic recreational path alongside Echo Lake, the former Old Man viewing sight, Cannon Mountain, Profile Lake, Boise Rock, Lafayette Campground, the Basin, the Flume, and the Pemigewasset River. All proceeds from this run benefit ASP, The North Country and The NEK’s local adaptive sports organization.
Winter's Brewing: A Cannonball Pub Brewfest will return to the Cannonball Pub on Saturday, November 14. Tickets include a tasting session from 2-5pm, entry into the Après Party in the pub from 5-8pm, and a commemorative tasting glass.