I have always been a little extra excited for places that burst with activities. Franconia Notch State Park is one such place where every nook and corner has something delightful to offer – scenic views, fun activities, natural wonders, and calming feelings – it will never fail to amaze you. It is so full of adventure and splendid natural sights that you can’t help but immerse yourself completely.
The park provides excellent hiking, photography, and wildlife-watching opportunities. Scenic drives, like the Franconia Notch Parkway, showcase the colorful landscape. The Flume Gorge, with its waterfalls and wooden walkways, is particularly enchanting in autumn.
Whether you seek adventure or serenity, Franconia Notch in the fall is an unforgettable sensory experience. Through this list, I present the best of Franconia Notch to you. So read along and get to know the most amazing activities to do in this stunningly beautiful place.
When To Visit Franconia Notch State Park?
The ideal time to visit Franconia Notch State Park depends on your preferences and the experiences you’re seeking:
- Spring (April to June): Spring ushers in milder weather and a vibrant display of wildflowers. It’s an excellent time for hiking and observing wildlife. Waterfalls can be particularly impressive as the snow melts.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the high season, drawing many visitors with warm weather. This period is perfect for hiking, swimming in the lakes, and enjoying various outdoor activities. Expect larger crowds during these months.
- Fall (September to October): For the most captivating visit, autumn is the prime time. From late September to mid-October, the park’s foliage transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of red, orange, and gold.
- Winter (November to March): Winter enthusiasts can take advantage of this season for skiing, snowshoeing, and other snow-related activities. Franconia Notch State Park offers a serene winter landscape with fewer visitors.
Ultimately, the best time to explore Franconia Notch State Park depends on your weather preferences and the activities you wanted to do.
Near Flume Gorge Visitor Center
Why Visit Franconia Notch State Park In Fall?
Exploring Franconia Notch State Park during the fall season is a unique and unforgettable experience for several compelling reasons:
For me the best time to see Franconia Notch State Park in fall season. During this period, the park transforms into a breathtaking display of red, orange, and gold as maple, birch, and oak trees change their leaves. It’s a magical time to visit and enjoy the vibrant autumn scenery.
Stunning Fall Foliage: The park undergoes a remarkable transformation, displaying some of the most mesmerizing autumn foliage in the entire United States.
Pleasant Weather: Fall provides comfortable temperatures, creating perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking, photography, and simply enjoying the great outdoors.
Tranquil Atmosphere: With fewer tourists compared to the bustling summer months, fall offers a quieter and more serene setting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.
Downsides of Visiting Franconia Notch State Park in Fall
While fall in Franconia Notch State Park is enchanting, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Weather Can Be Unpredictable: In the mountains, the weather can change quickly, so be ready for that. Sometimes it will be dull, cloudy and rainy.
It Can Get a Bit Crowded: Even though it’s not as busy as summer, lots of people still visit in the fall, especially when the leaves change color. This might mean more people on the hiking trails and fewer places to stay. So it will take some additional time while visiting different places/attractions.
Where to Stay Near Franconia Notch State Park?
To make your Franconia Notch visit even better, think about staying in one of the nearby towns:
- Franconia: This charming town has lots of different places to stay, like comfy inns or vacation rentals.
- Lincoln: It’s another nearby town with all sorts of places to stay, from fancy resorts to cabins.
- Bretton Woods: If you want something really fancy, check out the Omni Mount Washington Resort. It’s all about luxury and style in the midst of nature’s beauty.
Make sure to book in advance!
Top Things To Do in Franconia Notch State Park
Here are my favorite things to do in Franconia Notch, based on my own trip to the park, while exploring region.
1. Hike Artists Bluff Trail
Artists Bluff
Trail Highlights
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 1.5 Mile loop
- Time to Hike: 1.5 -2 hours
- Pet Friendly: Yes
- Best time to Visit: Fall
Artists Bluff in Franconia Notch State Park is one of the best trails in New Hampshire with amazing views and a short loop of just 1.5 miles. There are a few steep sections but they’re easy-going. The most rewarding, I must say, are the incredible views of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch.
We visited in the fall and the packed fall foliage was simply jaw-dropping! First, we walked across an empty lot that led us to the start of the trail and then hiked along the Red marked trails. After hiking for about a quarter of a mile, the trail bifurcates into another path on the left that goes up to the summit of Bald Mountain.
However, we continued toward Artists Bluff. On reaching the top, we were blown away by the picturesque scenery all around. The views make for awesome photographs and the spot is really a beautiful, quiet place to relax. I was so overjoyed by the experience that I would never miss a chance of hiking this trail again.
I suggest you too not miss this trail no matter which time of the year you are visiting. It’s distinctly gorgeous in fall though!
That’s me! I’ve made it to the peak
The view of the RV campground from the Artists Bluff
2. Recharge And Reconnect At Echo Lake Beach
You would certainly not want to miss the excellent views of a huge lake. It is a quiet lake with a view of Cannon Mountain, Franconia Range, and Kinsman Range in the surrounding. We visited in the fall when the mountains were packed with beautiful hues of leaves and it made for an incredible view to enjoy.
You can find great hikes and boat rentals including canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats too which make it a perfect picnic spot. You can easily grab firewood, ice, drinks, snacks, and some beach gear from the Lakeside General Store. Echo Lake Beach is a great spot to take a rest after hiking or in between your travel so don’t forget to take a pit stop and relax.
The RV campground is very close to this lake which also makes it a great place to set up your camp. If you’re considering extending your stay, be sure to explore additional information about parking day pass, campsite reservation, operating hours, and associated fee.
A charming lake nestled at the base of Cannon Mountain, offering breathtaking vistas of Mt. Lafayette in all directions.
Eco Lake State Park during fall season
3. The Basin: Relax by the flowing water
Don’t miss having a look at this chasm where the flowing water swirls and cascades into the granite bowl to form a beautiful, 30 feet wide basin. A path towards the north of the basin leads you to spots where you can even access the water.
We found it to be a perfect place to relax and enjoy watching the flowing water. The sound of rushing water felt so calming! You can also enjoy a scenic walk along the basin by hiking on the Basin Cascade Trail which is a 2.6-mile long, dog-friendly, out-and-back trail. The Basin even offers handicapped-accessible viewing.
Note:
The initial segment of the trail leading to the Basin offers an easy and accessible path, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. However, as you continue beyond the Basin, the trail transforms into a more typical New Hampshire hiking experience, featuring rocky terrain and tree roots.
The Basin Cascade Trail covers a round trip distance of 2.6 miles and treats hikers to views of multiple picturesque waterfalls. If you choose to venture further along this trail, you’ll eventually reach Lonesome Lake, a breathtaking destination. For those planning to undertake this adventure, I’ve provided a detailed guide to the Hike to Lonesome Lake Trail.
The Basin – Lincoln, New Hampshire
4. Visit the Boise rock
Boise rock is a large overhanging glacial boulder located right off Route 93 on the northbound side of Franconia Notch Parkway. According to the folklore, there’s an ancient survival story associated with this place of how a person named Thomas Boise found shelter under this rock and survived death in deadly winter.
It’s a popular pull-off amongst travelers as you get to enjoy an amazing view of Canon Cliff from the spot which is all the more stunning in fall. Also, a photograph is a must – so sit and strike a pose under the spacious underpart of the rock and click a picture as an ode to the folklore.
Boise Rock – Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
5. Explore Flume Gorge: A Scenic Trek
Flume Gorge is one of the most fun-filled family hikes in New Hampshire. It is famed as one of the most impressive gorges in North America. The gravel paths and wooden walkways take you past the famous Flume Covered Bridge and rushing waterfalls to the massive, ever-so-beautiful sight of the gorge.
The hike to the gorge is about 2 miles and features amazing views of pools, glacial boulders, and huge mountains. Overall, it’s an easy hike and features wooden platforms as well as steps for uphill hiking. A close view of the flora and waterfalls makes it a highly enjoyable hike.
So don’t miss it out, but, be sure to make a reservation in advance as the tickets frequently sell out, especially on weekends.
The Flume Gorge in Lincoln, NH
Reservation Tips
Ensure a memorable visit to the Flume Gorge by making advance reservations, especially on weekends
6. Enjoy The Serenity Of Profile lake
Imagine what a peaceful experience to stand by a huge lake with a distant view of mountains packed with lovely fall foliage and sky sneaking from between them. Profile Lake is located at the foot of Cannon Mountain and is a great spot to have lunch with an amazing view in sight.
The reflection of mountains can be clearly seen in the lake which is quite interesting to see and capture in photographs. The lake is also a famous spot for fishing, biking, and hiking.
Fall Serenity at Profile Lake, NH
7. Stroll Along The Enchanting Recreation Path
Recreation Path is an 8.7-mile trail with a paved path that will impress you with its unbeatable views and accessibility. It runs across all major attractions in Franconia Notch State Park such as Old Man of the Mountain, Echo Lake, Flume Gorge, Pemigewasset River, etc.
Right from Flume Gorge in the south to Skookumchuck trailhead on US 3, you can find several attractions, trails, campgrounds, biking paths, and viewing areas on this path. You can explore the entire stretch or just a part of it – you’ll enjoy the vibe and views nonetheless.
In the Midst of…
8. Admire the Charming Covered bridges
Visiting covered bridges of the White Mountains is a pleasurable experience any time of the year, but in fall, it’s outstanding. The bridges covered in natural hues of vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows put up a stunning setting to witness and capture in pictures.
Flume Covered Bridge is a famous one whereas there are various others too- Groveton Covered Bridge, Stark Covered Bridge in the north, Barlett Covered Bridge in the east, Bump Covered Bridge, Albany Covered Bridge in the south and Bath Covered Bridge, Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge, etc. Each of them has a unique character.
So whichever bridge comes your way, do stop by, get out of the car and admire its beauty – it will be worth it!
Flume Covered Bridge, NH
Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge, NH
9. No fun without Camping!
Camping at a place as incredible as Franconia Notch is sure to make your holidays even more memorable. Lafayette Place Campground is the heart and camping and hiking hub of Franconia Notch State Park. It provides a perfect base for you to enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, etc.
The campsite is wooded and has picnic tables, car parking, an open fireplace, and a camp store. Another famous campground is at the Cannon Mountain RV Park which is located on the north shore of Echo Lake and is open year-round.
Lafayette Place Campground – Franconia Notch State Park
10. Cannon Cliff and tram: For The Best Panoramic aerial views
Exploring the stunning fall foliage in New Hampshire mostly requires hiking. But if you want to experience it without hiking, taking the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is a great way. It’s a quick 10-minute ride but the mind-blowing aerial views of the fall foliage will give you joy for a lifetime.
The ride brings you to the Cannon Mountain summit where you’ll be awed by the beautiful panoramic views of Franconia Notch all around. The fire tower is at a short walk distance from the summit and offers endless views of New Hampshire’s world-famous fall foliage.
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