Franconia Notch Bike Path

The Franconia Notch bike path is a paved recreation trail that runs the length of the Notch, about 20 miles round trip, separate from I-93. NH State Parks calls it the Franconia Notch State Park Recreational Trail. It's free, open year-round, and links the Flume Gorge, the Basin, Boise Rock, Profile Lake and the Old Man site, the Cannon tram base and Echo Lake. The state's suggested starting point is the base of the Aerial Tramway, Exit 34B. Dogs are not allowed on the path.

Where the Path Goes

The path was built as part of the Franconia Notch Parkway, the 8-mile stretch of I-93 through the Notch, but it is completely separate from the highway. It follows the parkway from the Flume Gorge at the south end to Echo Lake at the north, with an entrance at each end. Along the way it passes, roughly from south to north:

1. The Flume Gorge and visitor center (south entrance).
2. The Basin.
3. Lafayette Place Campground, which sits right on the path.
4. Boise Rock.
5. Profile Lake and the Old Man of the Mountain profile site.
6. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway base (closed for replacement; the lot is still the main access point).
7. Echo Lake (north entrance).

The state's attractions map (PDF) draws the full route with both entrances. New Hampshire named it the state's Millennium Trail.

Is It Hard?

It's paved and built for bikes and walkers, so there is nothing technical about it. It runs through a mountain pass, so check how far you want to go before you set out. If you're unsure, ride a short section out and back from the nearest access point and turn around when you've had enough.

Where to Start and Park

• Cannon tram lot, Exit 34B: the access point NH State Parks names on its park page. It is also the park's overflow lot for hikers.
• Flume Gorge visitor center, Exit 34A: the south entrance.
• Echo Lake, Exit 34C: the north entrance. Note the beach lot is for beachgoers.
• Lafayette Place: the campground sits on the path, so campers can ride straight from their site.

Parking along I-93 is illegal at any time. Full details: parking.

Rules on the Path

• No fee for the path itself. Some attractions along it charge, such as the Flume Gorge and Echo Lake Beach.
• No pets. NH State Parks prohibits pets on the paved Franconia Recreational Path.
• Bikes stay on the path. The state does not permit bicycles on Franconia Notch's other trails, except the bike path.
• Share it. The path is multi-use: walkers, runners and riders all use it.

In Winter

The path is open year-round. In winter NH State Parks recommends it as easy terrain for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The state notes that in the off-season the park is typically unstaffed and restrooms may be closed, so carry what you need.

Good For

• Seeing several of the Notch's sights in one outing without moving the car.
• Families on bikes, on a paved route away from traffic.
• Campers at Lafayette Place.

Maybe Skip If

• You're walking a dog. Pets aren't allowed on the path; try Artists Bluff instead.
• You want mountain biking. Bikes aren't allowed on the park's other trails.

The NH State Parks biking page is the source of record.