Artists Bluff

Artists Bluff is a short hike in Franconia, NH with one of the best views of Franconia Notch for the effort. The Artists Bluff and Bald Mountain Loop is 1.5 miles and starts from a dirt parking lot on Route 18, across the road from Cannon Mountain's Peabody Base Lodge, at the north end of the Notch. From the open ledge you look across at Cannon Mountain and into the Notch, and Echo Lake Beach is just down the road. It's free, and dogs on a leash are allowed. In peak foliage the lot fills early.

The Route, Step by Step

This is how NH State Parks' hiking sheet describes the loop:

1. Start at the dirt parking area on Route 18, across from the Peabody Base Lodge.
2. After about a quarter mile you reach a junction. A short, steep path goes left for one-tenth of a mile to the open summit of Bald Mountain. Add it as a short out-and-back.
3. Back at the junction, the main trail bears right, up and across a low ridge.
4. Watch for a short, unmarked path on the left. It leads to the open top of Artists Bluff, the ledge with the famous view.
5. The main trail then drops back down and runs parallel to Route 18 to the dirt lot where you started.

The state rates it mildly challenging. It's short, but the state calls the Bald Mountain spur steep, and its hiking sheet asks every hiker to wear sturdy walking shoes.

What You See From the Top

Both open tops on this loop, Bald Mountain and Artists Bluff, look out over Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch. NH State Parks says the loop gives some of the best views of Cannon Mountain and the Notch for the effort, which is why it is so busy in the fall. Bald Mountain is a separate open summit reached by the short spur near the start; Artists Bluff is the ledge off the main trail later on. Do both if you have the legs.

Artists Bluff in Fall Foliage

Peak foliage is one of the busiest times of the year in the Notch. To handle the crowds, NH State Parks announced extra staff for traffic control and visitor flow during peak foliage, a one-way hiker traffic pattern on the Artists Bluff Trail, more signs and volunteers, and more food, bathroom and trash facilities. If you come on a foliage weekend:

• Arrive early. The state's own advice is to plan ahead and arrive early.
• Follow the one-way signs when they're posted, even if the other direction looks shorter.
• If the lot is full, choose another trail rather than parking where you shouldn't. Parking on the I-93 parkway is illegal at any time. See parking for other lots.
• Stay on the marked trail. The state asks foliage visitors to stick to durable surfaces and pack out all trash.

Parking

The trailhead lot is a large dirt area off Route 18, across from the Peabody Base Area of Cannon Mountain Ski Area. It's free. NH State Parks also lists hiker parking along Route 18 past Echo Lake Beach, across from the ski area, and notes that hikers may not park in the Echo Lake Beach lot.

Dogs

NH State Parks allows pets on hiking trails in Franconia Notch, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and you must pick up after them. Dogs are not allowed at Echo Lake Beach or in the Flume Gorge, so Artists Bluff is one of the better short outings in the Notch with a dog. More on dog rules.

Good For

• A big view on a 1.5-mile loop.
• Fall color, when the state adds staff and a one-way pattern to manage the crowds.
• Older kids who can handle a short, steep spur.

Maybe Skip If

• You want flat walking. The Basin and the bike path are easier.
• It's a peak foliage weekend and you can't arrive early. Lonesome Lake is a longer, steadier hike to a mountain lake.
• You want a full day in the mountains. That's the Franconia Ridge Loop.