Franconia Notch FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire. Each answer links to the page with the full detail and its sources. Prices and dates are those NH State Parks published for 2026; check the hours and fees page before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franconia Notch State Park free?
Mostly. The Basin, Boise Rock, Profile Lake, the Old Man of the Mountain site, the hiking trails and the bike path are free. The Flume Gorge, Echo Lake Beach and the campground charge fees. See hours and fees.
How much are Flume Gorge tickets?
$18 for adults and $16 for children 6 to 12 when booked online, $3 more at the window. Children 5 and under are free, and NH State Parks lists New Hampshire residents 65 and over as free. Details: Flume Gorge tickets.
Do you need reservations for the Flume Gorge?
They're strongly recommended. Tickets are sold for a date and a one-hour arrival window, some hours sell out, and walk-up entry is not guaranteed. See how to reserve.
How long does the Flume Gorge take?
About 1.5 hours for the 2-mile loop, which includes uphill walking and many stairs. See the Flume Gorge guide.
When is the Flume Gorge open?
In 2026 it was open May 8 to October 25, 2026, from 9am daily. It is closed in winter because the boardwalks are removed.
Is the Cannon Mountain tram open?
No. The tram made its last run on October 26, 2025, and is closed while a third-generation tram is planned and built. No reopening date has been announced. See the tram page.
Are dogs allowed in Franconia Notch?
On hiking trails and in the dog walk areas at the Flume and Tramway lots, on a leash 6 feet or shorter. Not in the Flume Gorge, at Echo Lake Beach, in the campground or on the bike path. See rules.
Can you swim in Franconia Notch?
Yes, at Echo Lake Beach, staffed daily from early June to early September. Day use is $4 for ages 12 and up.
What happened to the Old Man of the Mountain?
The granite profile collapsed from Cannon Cliff overnight between May 2 and 3, 2003. You can see it recreated at Profiler Plaza on Profile Lake, off Exit 34B. See Old Man of the Mountain.
What is the easiest hike in Franconia Notch?
The Basin: a 10-minute paved walk. For a short hike with a view, Artists Bluff is a 1.5-mile loop.
How long is the Franconia Ridge Loop?
8.9 miles and 7 to 8 hours, with around 4,000 feet of climbing. Part of the Falling Waters Trail was relocated on September 22, 2026. See Franconia Ridge Loop.
How far is the hike to Lonesome Lake?
1.5 miles one way from Lafayette Place, climbing to a lake 1,000 feet above the Notch. See Lonesome Lake.
Can you camp in Franconia Notch State Park?
Yes. Lafayette Place Campground has 97 wooded tent sites at $35 a night, and Cannon RV Park has seven RV sites on Echo Lake.
Where do you park in Franconia Notch?
Use the exit for your stop: 34A for the Flume, 34B for the tram base and Old Man site, 34C for Echo Lake and Artists Bluff. Overflow hiker parking is at the tram lot. Parking on I-93 is illegal. See parking.
Is there a bike path in Franconia Notch?
Yes. A free, paved recreation trail runs the length of the Notch, about 20 miles round trip, separate from I-93. No dogs. See bike path.
How old is Franconia Notch State Park?
The state bought the 6,000-acre Notch property in 1927, after a public campaign led by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. See the park's history.