Hiking & Hiker Parking

Flume Gorge: Mildly challenging 

Walk through a natural granite gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. You'll see towering moss-covered granite walls rising to a spectacular height of 90 feet, cascading waterfalls, historic covered bridges, glacial pools & boulders and much more. (Link to a Flume Specific Page)

The Basin: Easy  

At the base of the beautiful waterfall at this site is a granite pothole 20 feet in diameter. It is believed to have been eroded 15,000 years ago while the North American ice sheet was melting. The Basin has been smoothed by small stones and sand, whirled around by the Pemigewasset River. Below the Basin is a water-eroded rock formation called the Old Man's Foot. The Basin can be accessed from the northbound and southbound directions and has its own marked exits.

Artists Bluff and Bald Mountain Loop: Mildly challenging 

Reached by a short hike, Artists Bluff offers some of the best views of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch for the effort. The 1.5-mile loop begins in the big dirt parking area off of Route 18 across from the Peabody Base Area. After .25 mile, a short, steep path diverges left for .1 mile to the open summit of Bald Mountain. The main trail continues on from the junction and bears right, up and across the low ridge. A short, unmarked path diverges left to the open top of Artists Bluff. The main trail continues down to Route 18.

Lonesome Lake: Moderately Challenging

This loop trail is 3 miles long, well-marked and easy to follow with a steady incline. At the top you will find a beautiful and secluded alpine lake left behind by receding glaciers. The trail loops around the entire lake. The Lonesome lake trail begins at the Lafayette Place Campground. Parking is available in 2 small lots along the highway. Hikers are not permitted to park in the campground or at any campground sites.

Franconia Ridge: Extremely Challenging 

The Franconia Ridge is the most popular hiking destination in Franconia Notch. This trail is extremely strenuous and should only be pursued by those prepared for a long day and potentially adverse weather conditions. The Franconia Ridge Loop Trail is just over 8 miles long with around 4000’ of elevation gain. Parking for this trailhead can be accessed from both sides of I93. Southbound via the Lafayette Campground Lot; there is a tunnel to bring you under the highway to the trailhead and Northbound via the Old Bridle Path exit. 

You are responsible for yourself. Wherever you plan to hike, no matter the season, whether it’s a short hike or a multi-day trek, plan ahead and be prepared. Hike Safe is a program designed to promote hiking preparedness and safety.

Be prepared:

1. With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.
3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
4. To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
5. For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
6. To share the hiker code with others.

Learn more about Hike Safe - home - Hike Safe

Parking is limited in Franconia Notch State Park and busy trail head lots tend to fill up quickly and early. Overflow parking is located at the Main Base Area of Cannon Mountain. A hiker shuttle is available on weekends and holidays.