Craving mountain views, waterfalls, and alpine adventures? Head to Franconia, New Hampshire! Nestled in the White Mountains, this charming town offers stunning hikes, scenic drives, and cozy inns. Whether you're chasing fall foliage, powdery slopes, or peaceful forest trails, Franconia delivers a nature-filled escape year-round.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Franconia is during autumn (September–October) for peak foliage or winter (December–March) for skiing. Spring and summer offer great hiking, biking, and waterfall views in Franconia Notch State Park.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Located along I-93, Franconia is about 2.5 hours from Boston and 3.5 hours from Montreal.
  • By Bus: Concord Coach Lines serves nearby Littleton, with taxis or rideshares connecting to Franconia.
  • By Air: Fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (2 hours) or Burlington International Airport (2.5 hours), then rent a car for scenic travel to Franconia.

Top Attractions

Hike Through Granite Wonders and Rushing Falls at Flume Gorge

Hike Through Granite Wonders and Rushing Falls at Flume Gorge

© National Parked/stock.adobe.com

Stretching for approximately 800 feet along the base of Mount Liberty, the Flume Gorge is a breathtaking natural chasm that was carved out by Flume Brook. A boardwalk leads hikers through the gorge, passing through covered bridges and alongside beautiful waterfalls, and there's the option to extend your walk into a two-mile loop. Children can also crawl through the "Wolf Den", a narrow path that requires you to squeeze through cave-like rocks. Visitors are welcome to come explore the gorge between May 10th and October 20th, and the admission fee also includes access to a Visitor's Center with plenty of educational exhibits.

852 Daniel Webster Highway, Franconia, NH 03251, Phone: 603-745-8391

Explore Peaks, Lakes, and Legends in Franconia Notch State Park

Explore iconic natural wonders like the Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, and the Basin.

Explore Peaks, Lakes, and Legends in Franconia Notch State Park

© Jorn/stock.adobe.com

Tucked away in the heart of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park stretches from Echo Lake to Flume Gorge, and it's a wonderful destination for outdoor recreation. The lake is perfect for swimming and boating in the summer, and canoes and paddle boats can be rented on-site. Visitors who would rather stay on dry land can cycle along the Franconia Notch Bike Path or visit the beautiful Flume Gorge, and if you want to spend the night in the park, there are also several small campgrounds, including one right on the shore of Echo Lake.

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402, Phone: 603-823-8800

Ride High and Look Far from the Slopes of Cannon Mountain

Ride to the summit for panoramic views of the White Mountains.

Ride High and Look Far from the Slopes of Cannon Mountain

© Barnickel Studios/stock.adobe.com

Formerly known as Profile Mountain, Cannon Mountain is a majestic 4,080-foot peak known for its excellent skiing, rock climbing, and ice climbing. The impressive Cannon Cliff is the Northeast's largest vertical rock face, but if you're not a rock climber, you might want to stick to the hiking trails that meander around the mountain and up to the summit, where you'll find a well-maintained observation platform. An aerial tramway is available to take visitors up to the summit as well, and after admiring the view, you can descend to Echo Lake to go for a swim or a relaxing paddle.

260 Tramway Drive Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-8800

Honor a Granite Icon at the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

Honor a Granite Icon at the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

© Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

The Old Man of the Mountain was one of New Hampshire's most iconic landmarks until it collapsed in 2003, and although the original rock profile can no longer be seen, the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza was created to pay tribute to the incredible formation. A viewing platform overlooks the now featureless cliff face, and visitors can see historic photos and informative exhibits in the on-site Visitor's Center. As an additional special touch, the plaza also features a unique art installation that allows visitors to see how the Old Man appeared before the cliff collapsed.

Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza, Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-8800

Walk in the Poet’s Footsteps at The Frost Place

Walk in the Poet’s Footsteps at The Frost Place

© The Frost Place

Housed inside a historic farmhouse that was inhabited by the famous poet Robert Frost between 1915 and 1920, The Frost Place is a nonprofit center proudly dedicated to the art of poetry. Part of the house is used as a private writing retreat for emerging poets, but the other part has been converted into a small museum that offers a nostalgic look at Frost's life and work. Visitors are also welcome to stroll along the half-mile nature trail meandering through the property, which is dotted with plaques displaying poems Frost wrote during his time here.

158 Ridge Rd, Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-5510

Discover Alpine Legends at the New England Ski Museum

Learn about ski history and legendary Olympians at this compact museum near the tramway.

Discover Alpine Legends at the New England Ski Museum

© New England Ski Museum

A significant part of America's ski history took place in Franconia and the surrounding area, so it's no surprise that the New England Ski Museum was established here in 1977. This small but fascinating museum tells the story of the development of skiing in the United States, and the collection features hundreds of historic skis, ski boots, and ski posters, many of which can be seen in the museum's temporary and permanent exhibits. Museum admission is free, and visitors can also pick up a reproduction vintage ski poster or a DVD copy of an old ski film in the gift shop.

135 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-7177

Bike or Stroll the Scenic Stretch of the Franconia Notch Recreation Path

Bike or Stroll the Scenic Stretch of the Franconia Notch Recreation Path

© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

If you want to explore the Franconia Notch Recreation Path on foot or by bicycle, there's no better way to do so than the Franconia Notch Recreation Path, which runs for 8.7 miles along the entire length of the park. The paved trail offers endless spectacular views of the surrounding White Mountains, but it also provides access to most of the park's main attractions, including Echo Lake and the Flume Gorge. Most visitors choose to come during the summer and fall, but the trail is open year-round, and cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and snowshoers are welcome during the winter.

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402

Where to Stay

Dine Fireside in Rustic Elegance at Horse and Hounds Inn

Dine Fireside in Rustic Elegance at Horse and Hounds Inn

© Horse and Hounds Inn

Modeled after a traditional English country club, the Horse and Hounds Inn has been one of Franconia's most popular après-ski spots since it was built in the mid-1940s. The wood-paneled dining room serves delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients, and the menu changes weekly to showcase the best ingredients the area has to offer. During the summer, guests can also dine outside on the terrace, which offers spectacular views of the landscaped lawn. If you want to spend the night, you can also book one of the inn's eight cozy rooms, all of which come with a complimentary breakfast.

205 Wells Rd, Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-5501

Rest Easy with Mountain Views at the Historic Franconia Inn

Rest Easy with Mountain Views at the Historic Franconia Inn

© Franconia Inn

Constructed in the late 1930s, the Franconia Inn is a three-story colonial inn surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the White Mountains. The property offers plenty of excellent hiking and cross-country skiing trails for visitors to enjoy, and the elegant dining room serves as the property's social hub, welcoming anyone who wants to come enjoy a dinner of gourmet American cuisine by candlelight. The inn also offers 35 charming rooms and suites, and guests who stay the night will have access to amenities like an outdoor hot tub, a games room, and a seasonal swimming pool.

1172 Easton Rd, Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-5542

If You Dream of Country Comfort, Book a Night at Lovetts Inn

If You Dream of Country Comfort, Book a Night at Lovetts Inn

© Lovetts Inn

Formerly known as the Lafayette Brook Farm, Lovetts Inn is a welcoming country inn with a full-service pub and restaurant. The family-friendly dining room features a cozy fireplace, and the menu features tasty home-cooked dinners made by one of the owners, who focuses on using fresh, seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Both the pub and restaurant are open Wednesday through Sunday, and live music is held in the pub every Saturday evening. The space can be booked for weddings and other special events, and the grounds feature a heated pool and access to miles of beautiful trails.

1474 Profile Rd, Franconia, NH 03580, Phone: 603-823-7761

Where to Eat

  • Chef Joe's Catering & Restaurant – Fresh, homestyle comfort food in a relaxed, family-run setting.
  • Franconia Coffee House – Cozy café with locally roasted coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods.
  • Polly’s Pancake Parlor – Iconic breakfast spot nearby in Sugar Hill, famous for made-to-order pancakes and maple syrup.

Local Events

  • Autumn Leaves Craft Fair (October) – Handmade crafts, fall treats, and foliage views in the nearby region.
  • Winterfest at Cannon Mountain (February) – Family-friendly winter celebration with ski events, fireworks, and fun on the slopes.
  • Robert Frost Poetry Festival (Summer) – Literary workshops and readings hosted at The Frost Place.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Franconia, New Hampshire

  • Littleton (15–20 min) – Stroll charming Main Street, explore the Riverwalk, or shop indie boutiques and chocolatiers.
  • Bethlehem (10–15 min) – Visit art galleries, hike forest trails, or catch a show at The Colonial Theatre.
  • Cannon Mountain (10–15 min) – Ride the aerial tramway, ski scenic slopes, or explore the New England Ski Museum.
  • Lincoln (20–25 min) – Drive the Kancamagus Highway, visit Clark’s Bears, or explore Flume Gorge and hiking trails.
  • Sugar Hill (10–15 min) – Tour the famous lupine fields, visit Polly’s Pancake Parlor, or enjoy sweeping mountain views.
  • Crawford Notch (25–30 min) – Hike to waterfalls, photograph dramatic cliffs, or explore historic train depots and trails.
  • Woodstock (25–30 min) – Visit breweries, walk covered bridges, or explore nature trails along the Pemigewasset River.
  • Twin Mountain (25–30 min) – Fish in peaceful ponds, hike Zealand Trail, or drive scenic backroads through the White Mountains.
  • Whitefield (25–30 min) – Stroll around Mirror Lake, golf at Mountain View Grand, or catch community theater performances.

FAQ

  • Where is Franconia located?
    • Nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, the little village of Franconia is one of New Hampshire's hidden gems.
  • What are the main attractions in Franconia?
    • No matter what the time of year, the surrounding mountains are undoubtedly the biggest attraction; visitors can swim in the beautiful Echo Lake, zip up to the top of Cannon Mountain in an aerial tramway, or hike through the magnificent Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park.
  • Where can visitors relax and dine in Franconia?
    • When you've had enough of the great outdoors for the day, you can stop by one of the town's cozy English-style pubs for a hearty meal and a cold drink.

At a Glance


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers, great for hiking and outdoor activities. Franconia Inn – A charming and historic inn with stunning views. Explore Franconia Notch State Park – Enjoy scenic trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and vibrant, perfect for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures. Arms at the Glen – A cozy bed & breakfast in a peaceful setting. Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop – One of the most breathtaking hikes in the White Mountains.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning foliage, ideal for scenic drives. Lovett's Inn & Restaurant – A classic New England inn with beautiful autumn views. Drive along the Kancamagus Highway – Experience some of the best fall foliage in the country.
Winter (December-February) – Snowy and scenic, great for skiing and winter sports. Mittersill Alpine Resort – A ski-in/ski-out lodge near Cannon Mountain. Go skiing at Cannon Mountain – Enjoy excellent slopes and breathtaking mountain views.

Plan Your Trip


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