The Best Things to Do in Franconia NH
New Hampshire is known for its beautiful lakes and incredible mountain views, and Franconia is no different. Franconia is home to one of the most diverse parks in New Hampshire, Franconia Notch State Park.
Franconia offers a little bit of everything, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, waterfalls, a beautiful lake, and incredible fall foliage. It is the perfect place for a getaway year-round.
I have been visiting Franconia for years and love the area, so I know you will, too! This guide has everything you need to know about the best things to do in Franconia!
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How to Get to Franconia NH
Franconia is in central New Hampshire in the beautiful White Mountains. The easiest way to get to Franconia is to fly into Boston Logan International Airport. It is a two-hour drive.
I highly recommend renting a car for your trip to Franconia. Shuttle services are limited in the state park, so renting a car is essential!
Where to Stay in Franconia NH
Franconia and Lincoln are two great towns to find an accommodation with everything conveniently located nearby, including attractions and restaurants.
Hotels and Campgrounds:
Map of Things to Do in Franconia, NH
Best Things to do in Franconia, NH
Franconia has many beautiful things to do and see, so get ready for fun and stunning views! I highly recommend hiking in Franconia Notch because it has some of the best views in the White Mountains. I have been hiking in the area for years, and the views never get old.
**Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Hiking In Franconia
Many beautiful trails in Franconia Notch State Park offer incredible views of the White Mountains. Hiking in Franconia Notch will challenge you and reward you with breathtaking views! Some of my favorite hikes in New Hampshire are in Franconia Notch, so I know you will not be disappointed.
If you want something moderately challenging, the hike to Artist's Bluff and Bald Mountain or Mount Pemigewasset is perfect. Both are beautiful trails leading to viewpoints overlooking Franconia Notch.
If you are looking for a strenuous hike, Franconia Notch has many! You could choose to hike Cannon Mountain, Mount Liberty and Mount Flume, or Mount Lincoln and Mount Lafayette. All these trails are among the most strenuous and require the proper hiking experience and hiking gear to hike them. But if you are up for a challenging hike, you will not be disappointed!
The Flume
If you want to experience beautiful waterfalls, Franconia Notch State Park has you covered! They may not be the tallest waterfalls, but they do not lack beauty and epicness. It is my favorite family-friendly hike in Franconia.
The Flume Gorge is one of the most popular things to do in Franconia, for good reason. The 2-mile hike will bring you along the sides of the 90-foot gorge and offer views of waterfalls along the trail. The trail has a few sets of stairs and steep sections, but it is still a great hike for everyone!
Note: You need to make a reservation in advance.
The Basin
If you want a short and easy hike to a small waterfall, the Basin is perfect! The easy 0.5-mile trail brings you to a viewing platform overlooking the waterfall cascading into a bright blue pool. It is also accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful waterfall!
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is one of my favorite lakes in Franconia and is the perfect place for a picnic, spending the day boating, or swimming in the summer. You can rent a boat in the summer and take in the views of Mount Lafayette and Cannon Mountain from the water. Or you can enjoy the views right from the lake shores.
And the best part? You can enjoy these beautiful views year-round! Echo Lake is accessible every season, so you can explore this beautiful lake no matter when you visit Franconia.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Hiking in Franconia Notch is not the only way to enjoy the beautiful White Mountain views! There are incredible views you can experience from driving around.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is one of the best ways to enjoy stunning views without hiking. It brings you to the summit of Cannon Mountain, where you can take in the incredible mountain views! No hiking is required for these views except a short walk up to the fire tower on the summit.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is one of my favorite ways to experience the foliage in the fall! I love being able to take my entire family up to enjoy stunning views without much effort. You will not be disappointed with the views!
Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway is only a short drive from Franconia, and it is one of my favorite things to do year-round! The beautiful 34-mile scenic byway weaves through the White Mountain National Forest, connecting Lincoln and North Conway, offering overlooks to take in the breathtaking views.
Although it is one of the most beautiful foliage drives in the world, you can drive it year-round! One of my favorite times to explore the Kancamagus Highway is in the winter when the crowds are few and the mountains are snow-covered. You will quickly see why driving the Kancamagus Highway is one of the best things to do in Franconia!
Ski or Snowboard Near Franconia Notch
If you are looking for a perfect winter weekend getaway, grab your warmest clothes and boots (and I mean the warmest of warm because it gets cold) and head to Franconia Notch! Winter is a beautiful time to visit Franconia with its snow-capped mountains.
Are you looking to ski at the highest ski area in New Hampshire? Cannon Mountain sits at 4,081 feet tall and has 97 trails on 285 skiable acres, making it one of the largest ski resorts in New England! Because it sits in Franconia Notch, it has gorgeous views of the White Mountains that will leave you speechless while you ski.
Franconia is also near another fun ski resort, Loon Mountain. Loon Mountain is among the largest ski resorts in New England, with 61 trails on 370 skiable acres. And the best part? You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains as you ski! And do not worry if you do not want to downhill ski! Loon Mountain also offers a tubing park and cross-country ski trails.
Ice Castles
Not too far from Franconia is the magical Ice Castles. This beautiful sight is one of six in North America and the only one in the Northeast. Hundreds of thousands of icicles are built annually to create Ice Castles.
You can walk around the Ice Castle and explore ice slides, fountains, and tunnels. It is easily one of my favorite winter activities in the area! Visiting the Ice Castles is one of the best things to do in Franconia when you visit in winter!
What to Pack for Franconia NH
Franconia has typical New England weather and can be unpredictable. I highly recommend packing layers and a rain jacket, regardless of what season you visit. If you will be hiking in Franconia Notch, I recommend packing proper hiking gear because the terrain in New Hampshire is rugged.
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
If you want to visit Franconia NH, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about the best things to do in Franconia, New Hampshire, year-round.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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