Erickson’s guidebook
Hiking
Easy hiking and interesting natural formations. Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. For eight miles, I-93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges.
100 locals recommend
Franconia Notch
Easy hiking and interesting natural formations. Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. For eight miles, I-93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges.
The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. The entire loop takes approximately 1.5 hours and finishes at the Flume Building. The walk includes uphill walking and lots of stairs. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns and mosses found here.
107 locals recommend
Flume Gorge
852 Daniel Webster HighwayThe Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. The entire loop takes approximately 1.5 hours and finishes at the Flume Building. The walk includes uphill walking and lots of stairs. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns and mosses found here.
Sightseeing
Lost River is so-named because the brook draining from the south east part of Kinsman Notch disappears below the surface in the narrow, steep-walled glacial gorge. The Gorge is partially filled with immense blocks of granite, through which the brook cascades along its subterranean course until it eventually emerges and joins the Pemigewasset River, which flows south from Franconia Notch.
93 locals recommend
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
1712 Lost River RoadLost River is so-named because the brook draining from the south east part of Kinsman Notch disappears below the surface in the narrow, steep-walled glacial gorge. The Gorge is partially filled with immense blocks of granite, through which the brook cascades along its subterranean course until it eventually emerges and joins the Pemigewasset River, which flows south from Franconia Notch.
https://alpinezipline.com/
Cool off road Unimog 6-wheeler trails and zip-lining.
96 locals recommend
Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation
45 Main Sthttps://alpinezipline.com/
Cool off road Unimog 6-wheeler trails and zip-lining.
http://clarksbears.com/
Great family attraction - trains, bear shows, rock climbing, water slides and other adventures. Great for kids and families.
165 locals recommend
Clark's Trading Post
110 Daniel Webster Hwyhttp://clarksbears.com/
Great family attraction - trains, bear shows, rock climbing, water slides and other adventures. Great for kids and families.
The Washington Cog Railway is a steep ride up the tallest mountain in NH. Amazing views.
15 locals recommend
Mount Washington Cog Railway - Mt. Washington Top Station
3168 Mt Washington Auto RdThe Washington Cog Railway is a steep ride up the tallest mountain in NH. Amazing views.
https://www.santasvillage.com/
Theme park that is great in both warm and cold weather. Visit while it is cold and snowing - very unique experience as they light up the entire park with Christmas lights.
235 locals recommend
Santa's Village
528 Presidential Hwyhttps://www.santasvillage.com/
Theme park that is great in both warm and cold weather. Visit while it is cold and snowing - very unique experience as they light up the entire park with Christmas lights.
https://whalestalewaterpark.net/
Local water park that is the largest around. Beat the heat at this local attaction.
136 locals recommend
Whale's Tale Waterpark
481 Daniel Webster Hwyhttps://whalestalewaterpark.net/
Local water park that is the largest around. Beat the heat at this local attaction.
https://www.polarcaves.com/
Polar Caves is a family-owned and operated nature attraction located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Since 1922, the park has offered visitors the opportunity to explore beyond the boundary of time, to touch and explore caves created millennia ago when the last Ice Age moved across the earth.
117 locals recommend
Polar Caves Park
705 Rumney Rte 25https://www.polarcaves.com/
Polar Caves is a family-owned and operated nature attraction located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Since 1922, the park has offered visitors the opportunity to explore beyond the boundary of time, to touch and explore caves created millennia ago when the last Ice Age moved across the earth.
https://www.storylandnh.com/
Story Land is the best children's theme park in New Hampshire, offering rides and entertainment to thousands of families with young children for over 65 years.
324 locals recommend
Story Land
850 NH-16https://www.storylandnh.com/
Story Land is the best children's theme park in New Hampshire, offering rides and entertainment to thousands of families with young children for over 65 years.
City/town information
Littleton is a historic town that has much to offer. Breweries and quaint stores are some of the better attractions. https://golittleton.com/
83 locals recommend
Littleton
Littleton is a historic town that has much to offer. Breweries and quaint stores are some of the better attractions. https://golittleton.com/
Exit 32 off of Route 93N. Loon mountain and other attractions are in the area. Traffic is no bueno.
44 locals recommend
Lincoln
Exit 32 off of Route 93N. Loon mountain and other attractions are in the area. Traffic is no bueno.
Recreation
Mountain Lakes has a lodge, tennis courts, basketball court, swimming pool, two lakes, ice skating and events.
Mountain Lakes
Mountain Lakes has a lodge, tennis courts, basketball court, swimming pool, two lakes, ice skating and events.
Swimming Hole - Big Eddie swimming hole is very popular. Unique experience to slide down smooth rocks into a plunge pool.
14 locals recommend
Swiftwater Bridge
7 Porter RoadSwimming Hole - Big Eddie swimming hole is very popular. Unique experience to slide down smooth rocks into a plunge pool.
Food scene
Unique breakfast joint with some great views of Cannon mountain.
104 locals recommend
Polly's Pancake Parlor
672 Sugar Hill RdUnique breakfast joint with some great views of Cannon mountain.
Yup. Everyone goes here. Haven't heard a bad thing from our guests.
146 locals recommend
Schilling Beer Co.
18 Mill StYup. Everyone goes here. Haven't heard a bad thing from our guests.
Winter
Tons of guests go here. Skiing & Snowboarding, Snow Tubing, Zipline, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing, Ice Skating
178 locals recommend
Loon Mountain Resort
60 Loon Mountain RdTons of guests go here. Skiing & Snowboarding, Snow Tubing, Zipline, XC Skiing/Snowshoeing, Ice Skating
Cannon Mountain Ski Resort
2650 Profile RdCannon is super close. Skiing & Snowboarding
Great for families.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Snow Tubing
Canopy Tour
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Ice Skating
Carriage & Sleigh Rides
Spa
125 locals recommend
Bretton Woods
99 Ski Area RdGreat for families.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Snow Tubing
Canopy Tour
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Ice Skating
Carriage & Sleigh Rides
Spa
Ski Hearth Farm
392 Streeter Pond RdXC skiing. Tel: 603.823.5560
XC Skiing.
The Franconia Village X-C Ski & Outdoor Recreation Center
Tel. 603.823.5542
https://franconiainn.com/cross_country_ski_center.php
The Franconia Inn maintains a network of trails totaling over 65km. Most of the trails are single track in width, winding through the woods, over brooks and across meadows. We believe our single track trails create a very intimate feeling with the forest, unlike the larger double track commercial touring centers. Rentals available.
30 locals recommend
Franconia Inn
1172 Easton RdXC Skiing.
The Franconia Village X-C Ski & Outdoor Recreation Center
Tel. 603.823.5542
https://franconiainn.com/cross_country_ski_center.php
The Franconia Inn maintains a network of trails totaling over 65km. Most of the trails are single track in width, winding through the woods, over brooks and across meadows. We believe our single track trails create a very intimate feeling with the forest, unlike the larger double track commercial touring centers. Rentals available.
Woodsville Community Field
28 Connecticut StIce Skating
1 Academy St
1 Academy StreetIce Skating in Franconia.
Remich Park
165 Pine Hill RdIce Skating in Littleton
Traveler advice
Getting around
AWD, snow tires or studded tires in the winter
It is best to have good tires when traveling in the NH winter.