Your Guide to the Best Hikes in Franconia Notch State Park

Location: Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

Franconia Notch State Park is one of the most beautiful places in New Hampshire and a must-visit for outdoor-loving families. With waterfalls, mountain views, and scenic lakes, there are so many incredible hikes in Franconia Notch to explore. Whether you are looking for an easy walk with kids or a more moderate adventure, this guide covers the best options.

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The Best Hikes in Franconia Notch State Park

1. The Flume Gorge

One of the most popular hikes in Franconia Notch, the Flume Gorge is an unforgettable experience. This natural gorge stretches 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, with towering granite walls rising up to 90 feet.

Formed over 200 million years ago during the Jurassic Period, the Flume was discovered in 1808 by a 93-year-old woman who unexpectedly came upon it while fishing.

The boardwalk trail follows rushing water and leads to a beautiful waterfall. The full loop is about 2 miles and takes roughly 1.5 hours. It is well maintained and very manageable for families.

Tickets are required and should be purchased in advance. There are no dogs allowed.

2. The Basin

Here in New England, we are famous for our potholes, but this giant pothole is the prettiest of all. The Basin is believed to have been eroded 15,000 years ago while the North American ice sheet was melting. It has been smoothed by small stones and sand, whirled around by the Pemigewasset River.

Henry David Thoreau visited the Basin in 1839 and wrote “this pothole is perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.”

It only takes about 10 minutes to walk to the Basin, so it is very family-friendly. If you want to walk further, you can continue on the Basin Cascade Trail which will take you to Kinsman Falls. This is a 20 foot narrow waterfall.

If you want to extend your hike even further, continue on to Rocky Glen Falls, a three-tiered falls that drops about 40 feet. Beyond the waterfalls, the trail will continue to and around Lonesome Lake. I would recommend downloading the AllTrails app to plan your hike.

Parking at The Basin is easy and free, and this is a dog-friendly trail.

3. Lonesome Lake

Lonesome Lake is one of the most scenic hikes in Franconia Notch and a great option if you are looking for something a bit more challenging. This 3-mile loop offers peaceful lake views surrounded by the White Mountains.

The trail is considered moderate and takes about two hours to complete. It is especially beautiful from late spring through fall. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

4. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

For families who want incredible views without a strenuous climb, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is a great option. This cable car will whisk you up to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes.

On a clear day, you can see the mountains of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York and Canada. There is a scenic trail at the summit with an observation deck. The views are spectacular, especially in the fall. This is one of the most unique ways to experience hikes in Franconia Notch.

Reservations are required and dogs are not allowed.

5. Echo Lake Beach

Not to be confused with Echo Lake in North Conway, Echo Lake Beach is a clean sandy beach surrounded by mountain views. It is a great place to swim or paddle with the family. Canoes, Kayaks, and Pedal Boats are available for rent in the summer.

Admission is limited, so reservations are required. No dogs are allowed on the beach.

6. Artist Bluff Trail

Artist Bluff is one of the most photographed hikes in Franconia Notch, and for good reason. The trail is short at about 1.5 miles round trip, but it is steep in sections.

The payoff is a stunning overlook of Echo Lake and the surrounding mountains. This is a great option if you want a quick hike with a big view. Dogs are welcome.

7. Franconia Notch State Park Bike Path

This 8.8-mile paved path connects many of the top attractions in the park, including Echo Lake, the Basin, and the Flume Gorge.

It is ideal for biking, walking, or even using a stroller in certain sections. If you are looking for a flexible way to explore multiple hikes in Franconia Notch, this path is a great choice.

8. Boise Rock

Boise Rock is more of a quick stop than a hike, but it is worth mentioning for its history. There is a short walk from the roadside pull-off to view the rock and learn about the story behind it.

As the legend goes, Thomas Boise was horseback riding during the winter when a blizzard hit. He took shelter under a large rock now named after him. In order to survive, he killed and skilled his horse. He wrapped himself in the hide to keep warm. The following day a search party went out to find him and the men had to use and ax to cut him out of the frozen cocoon.

Final thoughts

There are so many incredible hikes in Franconia Notch, and what makes this area special is how accessible it is for families. You can easily mix short walks with more scenic trails and still have time to relax and enjoy the views.

If you are planning to stay nearby, Lincoln is the closest town and a great base for exploring the park.