Franconia Notch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franconia Notch State Park |
|
|---|---|
A composite image of the Franconia Notch State Park's famous Old Man of the Mountain, created from images taken before and after its collapse
|
|
| Location | Lincoln and Franconia, Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States |
| Area | 6,692.8 acres (2,708.5 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,067 feet (630 m) |
| Established | 1928 |
| Administered by | New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation |
| Designation | New Hampshire state park |
| Website | Franconia Notch State Park |
Franconia Notch State Park is a beautiful outdoor area in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire, United States. It's a special place for fun and nature. The park stretches for about 8 miles along Interstate 93. This highway goes through Franconia Notch, which is a mountain pass. This pass is located between the Kinsman Range and the Franconia Range.
The park is split into two main parts. The northern part, which includes Cannon Mountain and Echo and Profile lakes, is in the town of Franconia. The southern part, with Lonesome Lake and the Flume, is in Lincoln. Visitors can enjoy many activities here. These include exploring the Flume Gorge, learning about the Old Man of the Mountain, fishing in Echo Lake and Profile Lake, and hiking or biking on many trails.
Contents
Cannon Mountain Adventures
Cannon Mountain is a big part of Franconia Notch State Park. It's a ski resort owned by the state. This resort first opened in the 1930s. The mountain got its name from a rock shape at its top that looks like a cannon.
The Old Man of the Mountain
Even though Cannon Mountain has a cool name, the "Old Man of the Mountain" was much more famous. This was a natural rock formation that looked like a man's face. Sadly, it collapsed in May 2003. Cannon Mountain is also known for having some of the toughest ski slopes in New England.
Ride the Aerial Tram
Cannon Mountain has an aerial tram that runs all year. In the summer, it takes people to the top for amazing views. In winter, skiers use it to reach the slopes. At the bottom of the tramway, you can find the New England Ski Museum. This museum shows the history of skiing in New England and America.
Exploring Lonesome Lake
On the west side of Franconia Notch, halfway up Cannon Mountain, is Lonesome Lake. It's an easy hike to get there from the park's Lafayette Place campground. The trail is called the Lonesome Lake Trail.
Stay at Lonesome Lake Hut
At the southwest end of Lonesome Lake, you'll find the Lonesome Lake Hut. This is one of many well-kept huts in the White Mountains. The Appalachian Mountain Club takes care of these huts. They offer meals and places to sleep, but it's a good idea to make reservations ahead of time.
Eagle Cliffs and Greenleaf Hut
Across from Cannon Mountain, on the east side of the notch, are the Eagle Cliffs. They are named this because eagles sometimes rest there. A hiking trail called the Greenleaf Trail goes around the south side of the cliff. It leads up to Greenleaf Hut, which is another hut run by the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Franconia Ridge Trail
East of Greenleaf Hut, outside the state park, is the 5,249-foot summit of Mount Lafayette. This area is part of the Franconia Range and the Franconia Ridge Trail. The famous Appalachian Trail also passes through here. It continues north towards Mount Washington and eventually reaches Mount Katahdin in Maine.
The Basin and Old Man's Foot
Beneath a waterfall in the Pemigewasset River, there's a large granite pothole called "the Basin." It's about 20 feet across. This natural bowl was formed by stones dragged by the melting North American ice sheet thousands of years ago. Over 15,000 years, rapidly spinning pebbles and grit made it smooth. Below the Basin, you can see "Old Man's Foot." This is a uniquely shaped rock formation. It was also created by the river's erosive power.
Images for kids
-
A composite image of the Franconia Notch State Park's famous Old Man of the Mountain, created from images taken before and after its collapse
-
Covered bridge near the Flume
-
A hiking trail through Franconia Notch
-
The Basin
