3 Best Things To Do at Franconia Notch State Park This Fall
Located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Franconia Notch State Park puts on a vibrant display of colors during the fall. From hikes to one of the most popular scenic drives in America, here are 3 of the best things to do at Franconia Notch State Park!
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When to Visit
If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you plan to visit Franconia Notch State Park during the fall. However, if you’re trying to visit when the fall foliage is at its peak, the time to visit is usually around mid-October. Peak foliage can vary each year, so check out this foliage tracker, so you don’t miss it this year!
How to Get There
The state of New Hampshire has only three commercial airports. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is a little over an hour from the state park. This is the main airport for visitors arriving in New Hampshire. Lebanon Municipal Airport and Portsmouth International Airport are both options as well.
Where to Stay
Camping
Franconia Notch State Park has a campground and an RV park that offers visitors easy access to all the park has to offer.
Lafayette Place Campground
This campground has a total of 97 sites that include a picnic table, open fire pit, and parking. Pets are not allowed at this campground. Reservations can be made here.
Cannon RV Park
This RV park has only 7 sites available. Pets are not allowed. Reservations can be made here.
Other Accommodations
Franconia Heights Sustainable Mt. Apartment
Things To Do at Franconia Notch State Park This Fall
Day Use Fees:
Adult: 12 and over $5
Child: 5 & under – $0, 6-11, $3
*If you’re visiting in the fall season, the park will be unstaffed. Payments can be deposited in the pay stations.
Artist’s Bluff
Parking: Parking for this hike is located off Route 18 across from the Cannon Mountain Base Area. It is a large dirt lot, and you’ll see the signs for the trail as you enter straight ahead.
Artist’s Bluff is a moderate 1.5 mile out and back hike. The trail is quite steep is some areas and can be extremely muddy depending on recent rainfall. Hiking boots are recommended for this trail. We recommend hiking early in the morning and avoiding the weekend if possible. Don’t let the negative reviews on AllTrails scare you; we hiked on a Monday morning and had the trail almost completely to ourselves.
When you reach the top, there is plenty of room to spread out and take in the views of Echo lake surrounded by orange and yellow treetops.
Flume Gorge
Entry Fees:
Adults: Ages 13 and over: $18 online and $21 at ticket window
Children: Ages 6-12: $16 online and $19 at ticket window
Ages 5 & Under: $0
*This entry fee for Flume Gorge is in addition to the park entrance fee.
The Flume is a natural gorge that extends 800 feet with walls of Conway granite towering above. This scenic 2 mile loop will take you over boardwalk bridges and past a waterfall. If you plan on visiting this fall, the time to reserve your ticket is now. Guests can reserve a timed entry slot online at newhampshirestateparks.reserveamerica.com; there is no guaranteed entry if you try to purchase tickets the day of your visit. This is a moderate hiking trail that includes lots of stairs.
Echo Lake
Entry Fees:
Adult: 12 and over $4
Child: 5 & under – $0, 6-11, $2
After you’ve seen the view of Echo Lake from above at Artist’s Bluff, visit Echo Lake Beach. While you won’t be able to canoe or kayak during the fall, you will be able to take in views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain from the shore. If the weather is right, you might catch the reflection of the vibrant trees surrounding the the lake.
Read More: Top 3 Places to See Fall Foliage in Vermont
Bonus: Drive the Kancamagus Highway
While it’s not located inside Franconia Notch State Park, you don’t want to miss the Kancamagus Highway, otherwise known as the Kanc. The Kancamagus Highway is just over 30 miles of scenic views and is one of the most popular scenic byways for viewing fall foliage. You can simply enjoy the drive and take in the fall colors from the car, or you can make a few stops along the way. Some points of interest along the Kancamagus Highway:
Hancock Overlook
Sabadday Falls
Albany Covered Bridge
If you need to stretch your legs, here are a few hikes with beautiful views along the way:
Champney Falls-3.1 miles roundtrip
Mt. Chocorua-7.1 miles roundtrip
Arrive early if you plan on hiking this trail; it’s a popular hike in the fall.
Diana’s Baths-Half a mile to some waterfalls
We hope you enjoy your visit to Franconia Notch State Park!
