Guide to the Best Hiking Trails in Franconia Notch State Park
Last Updated 10/17/2024
A White Mountains Hiking Guide
If you're going to visit New Hampshire, you cannot leave without visiting Franconia notch state park! W’re going to go over the best hiking trails and attractions in Franconia Notch State Park so that you can spend less time planning and more exploring this beautiful area of New Hampshire.
From waterfalls to lakes, there's a hiking trail for everyone in the Notch.
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Growing up right down the road from Franconia Notch meant that weekends were spent on the shores of Echo Lake, or hiking up to Artist’s Bluff. As a result, many of these hikes in this guide I’ve had the pleasure to do multiple times and I cannot recommend these hikes enough. They are quite steep and rocky, but the views are more than worth it.
Before getting into the best of the trails, there are some safety and general precautions that we need to go over. So before making the drive up to Franconia Notch state park, consider these key points.
Tips Before Getting to Franconia Notch
The weather is full of surprises and changes quickly. It can be a clear day everywhere else in the state of New Hampshire, but Franconia Notch could be experiencing a downpour. The weather in the notch is a bit erratic and often changes quickly and without warning, so you’ll want to watch the weather report carefully. I like to check mountain-forecast.com to get accurate weather reports from the peaks, and not just the valley.
Pack the right layers. Because the weather is so unpredictable and can change quickly and without notice, it’s best to come fully prepared with the right layers for hiking. Remember to make sure the layers and clothing that you pack should be made out of wicking materials such as merino wool or polyester rather than cotton. We will go over what clothes to pack in this section of the blog post, but we also do a deep dive on hiking outfits in these blog posts:
Get to the trailhead early. Starting around 2019, parking on the side of I-93 became a no-go, and those little trailhead parking spots fill up fast. If you don’t snag a spot early, you’ll have to park over at the Cannon Tramway and hop on a free shuttle to your starting point. The Flume Gorge Parking Lot is also a key access point for various hiking trails, including Mount Flume and Mount Liberty. Especially on weekends and in the fall, aim to get to the trailhead by 6:00 or 7:00 AM to beat the rush. I would say most parking lots are going to be full by 8-9 AM most weekends.
These trails are rocky and rooty. I’ve hiked all over the country, and no where have I experienced rougher trails than in New Hampshire. Most of these hikes listed below will require proper footwear that has solid and grippy treads, ankle support, and are waterproof. You want to make sure you reduce the likelihood of a trip or a slip on these rough and rocky trails by wearing comfortable hiking boots. We go over the best hiking boots in this blog post.
Ultimate Hiking Boot Guide for Women
Remember to Leave No Trace. As you visit this beautiful park, don’t forget to pack in what you pack out, don’t litter, and be respectful of others on the trail enjoying the beauty of the park too.
View from the top of Mt. Garfield.
About Franconia Notch State Park
Nestled in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park is a breathtaking mountain pass that offers a sample of New Hampshire’s natural beauty. Located along I-93 between the Kinsman and Franconia Mountain Ranges, this park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Whether you’re driving through the scenic parkway, exploring the numerous hiking trails, or simply soaking in the gorgeous views from Echo Lake's shores, Franconia Notch State Park promises an unforgettable experience. The park’s unique blend of rugged landscapes, serene lakes, and towering peaks makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure in the great White Mountains.
Best Hiking Trails in Franconia Notch
Franconia Notch State Park boasts an impressive array of over 34 official hiking trails, catering to all skill levels from novice hikers to seasoned adventurers. Many of these trails are hundreds if not thousands of years old. Many of the trails started out as Native American footpaths before they were "officially" blazed by the settlers.
These trails wind through some of the most picturesque landscapes in New Hampshire, offering everything from a gentle stroll to a strenuous hike. As you hike along, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, cascading waterfalls, and scenic vistas that show off the park’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly hike or a true adventure, Franconia Notch State Park has a trail that will suit your needs.
Easy Hiking Trails
Lonesome Lake: This 7 mile moderate hike is perfect for those looking to enjoy the serene beauty of Lonesome Lake. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a favorite among hikers of all ages. If there has been sufficient rain that season, there are even beautiful waterfalls to enjoy on your way up to the mountain lake.
Basin Cascade: At just 2.6 miles, this easy hike takes you to the beautiful Basin Cascade waterfall. It’s a short but rewarding trail that showcases the park’s lush greenery and roaring rivers. Note that the locals shorten this to simply, "The Basin".
Flume Gorge: Explore the scenic Flume Gorge on this 2.2-mile easy hike. The trail winds through the gorge, offering breathtaking views of its waterfalls and unique rock formations. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Franconia Notch State Park. The gorge is a gap between two tall rocks where the Pemigewasset river cascades down, creating a unique experience.
Moderate Hiking Trails
Cannon Mountain: This 3.8-mile moderate hike offers stunning views of Cannon Mountain and the surrounding landscape. The trail is a bit more challenging but rewards hikers with panoramic vistas that are well worth the effort. And, if you're too tired to hike down you can take a ride on the Cannon Mountain tramway!
North and South Kinsman: Spanning 8.2 miles, this moderate hike takes you along portions of the Kinsman Ridge, offering breathtaking views of the White Mountains. If you wanted to turn this into a backpacking trip, you could hike up Cannon mountain, go over to Lonesome lake trail, and then end on the Kinsman ridge trail. However, in this blog post we're going to go over the day hike version.
Mt. Pemigewasset AKA Indian Head: A popular “quick and dirty” hike that is only 3.5 miles in length, with incredible views is Indian Head, also known as Mt. Pemigewasset. Its nickname comes from the rock outcroppings resembling a Native American in a headdress. Though a surprisingly steep trail, the effort is rewarded with stunning views of Lincoln and the Franconia Ridge.
Challenging Hiking Trails
Mount Lafayette: For those seeking a challenge, this 7.6-mile hike to the summit of Mount Lafayette offers breathtaking views of the White Mountains. The trail is demanding but provides a truly unique hiking experience.
Mount Garfield: Mount Garfield is a rewarding 9.6-mile trail that offers a good challenge without being overly strenuous. The hike provides stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding White Mountains, making it a satisfying experience for hikers seeking both a moderate challenge and breathtaking scenery.
Mount Liberty and Flume: At 9.8 miles, this challenging hike takes you to the scenic Flume Slide. The trail is known for its steep and rocky terrain, making it a tough but rewarding adventure for experienced hikers.
Note: The difficulty level of the trails may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It’s always recommended to check the park’s website and trail conditions before embarking on a hike. Keep in mind that after a recent rainfall, many of these trails will be quite dangerous, and we recommend proceeding with caution.
Hiking Trip Details for Franconia Notch
View from Lonesome Lake looking towards Cannon Mountain.
Lonesome Lake Trail
Mileage: 7 miles
Trail type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time: 3-4 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 1,210 ft
AllTrails: Lonesome Lake via Cascade Brook and Pemi Trails
Lonesome Lake is one of the most enjoyable hikes in Franconia Notch, featuring a pristine albeit slightly swampy mountain lake, views of Cannon Mountain, an AMC hut, and beautiful waterfalls along the way. Starting from the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park, this loop trail is best tackled clockwise, beginning with the Basin Cascades Trail. After a mile, you’ll join Cascade Brook Trail, passing waterfalls and lush forest before reaching Lonesome Lake.
At the lake, you’ll cross Cascade Brook and can either visit the nearby AMC Lonesome Lake Hut for snacks or continue on the Pemi Trail to circle the lake. The views of Franconia Ridge and Cannon Mountain are stunning. The hike back is straightforward, following the Pemi Trail down to the bike path and parking lot.
For a smoother experience, download a trail map in advance, as finding the trailhead can be a bit tricky. Trekking poles are recommended for crossing the brook and navigating rocks around the lake.
Basin Cascade Trail
Mileage: 2.6 miles
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 626 ft
AllTrails: Basin Cascade Trail
The Basin Cascade Trail in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is a fantastic destination for families and hikers looking for a scenic and accessible experience. Most of the trail is paved, making it an easy and comfortable walk for people of all ages, especially children.
With plenty of restroom facilities along the way, it’s a well-equipped spot for family outings and picnics. The trail follows along the Pemigewasset River, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the beautiful surroundings. On warmer days, this is also a great place to go swimming.
At the heart of the trail is The Basin, a stunning natural feature formed over thousands of years by the rushing water of the Pemigewasset. This deep, circular pool was carved out of granite by erosion, and today, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Franconia Notch. The smooth rock formations and swirling waters are mesmerizing, and the sound of the cascading water adds to the peaceful ambiance of the area.
The beginning of the Flume Gorge.
Flume Gorge Trail
Mileage: 2.2 miles
Trail type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Dogs: No
Elevation Gain: 462 ft
AllTrails: The Flume Gorge Trail
Walk along a wooden boardwalk attached to granite boulders with a river slicing between the two slick, tall walls, all while following a steep and winding trail through the woods. You will also get to walk over two covered bridges and get gorgeous views of the Pemigewasset river along the way. This is a state park requiring an $18 per person admission ticket, but it is well worth it I think.
You will enter through the Flume Gorge visitor center after paying your admission, and follow a paved trail that takes you through gorgeous woods littered with glacial boulders and occasional views of the roaring Pemigewasset river below. Don’t forget to stop at every lookout, which offers something new and beautiful at every turn.
View of the Franconia Ridgeline including Mt. Lafayette from the viewing platform on Cannon Mountian.
Cannon Mountain Via Kinsman Ridge
Mileage: 3.8 miles
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4-5 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 2,263 ft
AllTrails: Cannon mountain Via Kinsman Ridge Trail
Cannon Mountain is rocky, rooty, and intense, offering a challenging hike that’s not for the faint of heart. Though only about 2 miles to the top, the trail is steep and relentless, with slippery gravel and plenty of rock scrambling. Despite the difficulty, the effort is rewarded with sneak peeks through the trees on the way up and a café at the summit for a well-deserved treat.
The trail starts at the Cannon Tram parking lot (exit 34B off I-93), with a wooden sign marking the way. The hike is consistently steep, so take your time and enjoy the scenic rest spots as you go. Near the summit, a platform offers stunning views of Franconia Notch, and clear days reveal Lake Willoughby Gap in Vermont. Be aware, this platform isn’t the true summit—you’ll need to hike another half mile to reach it if you're working on the 48 4,000-footers.
Once you've reached the summit, you can either hike back down the same way or take the tram for a fun alternative—though if you're bagging the peak, you'll need to hike both ways. Trekking poles are highly recommended for this tough trail. If you want the views without the intense hike, the tram ride offers great scenery and a fun experience.
A cloudy view from South Kinsman.
North and South Kinsman via Kinsman Mountain Trail
Mileage: 8.2 miles
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 5-6 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 3,218 ft
AllTrails: North and South Kinsman via Kinsman Trail
North and South Kinsman, both over 4,000 feet tall, offer beautiful views of Easton Valley, Cannon Mountain, and the subpeaks of Cannon called the Cannon Balls. North and South Kinsman are part of New Hampshire's 48 4,000-footers, but even if you're not working on the list, this hike provides a unique perspective of Franconia Notch State Park.
For a day hike, the Mt. Kinsman Trail is the best option, avoiding the rocky, steep Fishin’ Jimmy Trail and shaving off over a mile. The trailhead is off Route 116, with a small parking area, so it’s best to arrive early. The first part of the trail is moderate, with a scenic side trip to Bald Peak about 2 miles in, offering stunning views and a large rock slab to relax on.
North Kinsman is the first summit, with a small viewing area despite being wooded. From there, it’s another mile to South Kinsman, which is steeper and requires some rock scrambling. At the South Kinsman summit, there’s a fun rock "throne" for photos. This is an out-and-back hike, so simply retrace your steps when you're ready to head down.
View from Indian Head/Mount Pemigewasset looking towards Lincoln New Hampshire.
Mount Pemigewasset via Indian Head Trail
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3-4 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 1,525 ft
AllTrails: Indian Head Trail
One of the best “quick and dirty” hikes with stunning views is Indian Head, or Mt. Pemigewasset, named for the rock outcroppings that resemble a Native American in a headdress. Though short and steep, the 3.5-mile round trip offers rewarding views of Lincoln and Franconia Ridge.
There are two trails to the summit: the Indian Head Trail and the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail. The Indian Head Trail is more accessible and has easier parking, though the Pemi Trail is shorter and a good option if you’re already visiting or parked at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center. The Indian Head trailhead is across the road from the Indian Head Resort, but the lot fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early.
Despite its short length, the hike is steep with few flat areas and can be rocky, and after rain there are often rivers running down the trail. Trekking poles are recommended to ease the descent. Near the summit, the two trails merge, leading to a breathtaking overlook of Lincoln and the Franconia Ridge. Just be sure to follow the right trail on your way back down.
View from Mount Lafayette.
Mount Lafayette via Old Bridle Path
Mileage: 7.6 miles
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Challenging
Time: 5-6 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 3,526 ft
AllTrails: Mount Lafayette via Old Bridle Path
The Lafayette Trail in New Hampshire is a challenging yet beautiful hike that offers some of the most stunning views in the White Mountains. Spanning about 8 miles round trip, the trail leads to the summit of Mount Lafayette, standing at 5,249 feet. Starting from the trailhead at the Lafayette Campground in Franconia Notch State Park, it’s important to arrive early as parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. To get there, take exit 34B off I-93, and you’ll find the trailhead on the west side of the highway.
Looking towards Lafayette on top of Lincoln.
As you ascend, the trail passes by the AMC Greenleaf Hut about 2.9 miles in, which is a great place to take a break, refuel, or refill water. The hut offers a stunning resting spot with views of the surrounding peaks before you tackle the final, most challenging part of the hike. The last mile or so to the summit is rocky and exposed, so be prepared for uneven terrain and potentially windy conditions. Trekking poles come in handy here, and it’s important to bring layers as the weather can change quickly.
The inside of Greenleaf Hut.
Reaching the summit of Lafayette is incredibly rewarding, with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Franconia Ridge, the White Mountains, and on clear days, even distant peaks in Vermont. The effort it takes to get to the top is more than worth it for the sweeping vistas you’ll experience. On the way down, just retrace your steps and take your time navigating the rocky descent. It’s a tough hike, but the combination of the challenge and the unforgettable views makes it one of the most popular hikes in the region.
If you're up for the challenge and want to make this a loop, once you summit Mount Lafayette follow the Appalachian trail heading south, and take the Falling waters trail back down to the trailhead. Be warned: the falling waters trail is dangerous to hike down, and I don't recommend taking it after fresh rainfall. Also, I would caution against taking this trail solo. This is called the Franconia Loop Trail, which we go over in detail in this post.
View from Garfield looking towards Littleton.
Mount Garfield Trail
Mileage: 10 miles
Trail type: out and back trail
Difficulty: Challenging
Time: 9-10 hours
Dogs: yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 3,011 ft
AllTrails: Mount Garfield Trail
If you’re looking for stunning panoramic views without the strenuous effort of Lafayette, Mount Garfield is a great alternative. Offering equally unobstructed vistas of the surrounding White Mountains, this hike provides a rewarding experience with a more moderate challenge.
To begin your journey, park at the well-marked Garfield Trailhead off Gale River Loop Road, just off Route 3. The hike is straightforward, featuring a steady but gradual incline. The toughest part is the final 0.5 miles, where you’ll encounter some rock scrambling. Keep an eye out for where the Mt. Garfield Trail intersects with the Appalachian Trail and Garfield Ridge Trail for the last 0.2-mile stretch to the summit.
At the top, you’ll find the remains of an old fire tower—perfect for a little exploration while you soak in the sweeping views. Once you’ve enjoyed the summit, simply follow the same trail back to your car.
View of Mount Liberty and Mount Flume from the Flume Gorge Trail.
Mount Liberty & Flume via Liberty Springs Trail and Franconia Ridge Trail
Mileage: 9.8 miles
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Challenging
Time: 7-8 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 4,153 ft
AllTrails: Mount Liberty and Flume via Liberty Springs
Mount Liberty and Mount Flume offer incredible views of Franconia Notch and the Franconia Ridge but come with a tough climb. The trailhead for Liberty Springs Trail is at the Flume Gorge parking area off Route 3 in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Park on the left side of the lot, near the bathrooms, where the trail begins.
This steep, rocky trail offers few breaks, so take your time, bring trekking poles, and rest as needed. After 3.5 miles, you'll reach the Franconia Ridge Trail and start to see the stunning views of the ridge and notch, motivating you to the summit of Mount Liberty. From there, it’s another mile of steep, rocky terrain to reach Mount Flume, with impressive views of the ridge, Cannon cliffs, and the occasional rock climber.
Once you’re done at the summit, follow the same trail back to your car.
Pro Tip: Avoid the Flume Slide Trail for your descent, as it’s extremely steep and dangerous. Stick to Liberty Springs Trail for a safer return.
View of Echo Lake, Cannon, and the rest of Franconia Notch from the top of Artist's Bluff.
And that's a wrap on the best hiking trails in Franconia notch state park! Let me know in the comments below if you've hiked any of these mountains or if you have any questions that I can answer for you.
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