Franconia State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is located in the White Mountain National Forest in Franconia, New Hampshire, This park (just like Crawford Notch State Park) has parking lots and hiking trails off the main highway in the area- Highway 93. There are park signs, but it is not a typical State Park where you drive in through the entrance with all of its trails and activities. There is also very little phone service in the area- so this means you really have to plan ahead and know where you are going. It’s best to download all your hiking trails on All Trails and download a copy of the park map.
The park has a lot to offer- but you do have to be careful because quite a few things are not dog friendly. Dogs are NOT allowed on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (which I believe is retired now anyways), The Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, or in the Park’s Campground. But dogs ARE allowed on all the other hiking trails. So, it might seem like a lot of places you can’t take your dog but as long are you are there to hike, you will be just fine! (If you are planning on camping, the Dry River Campground (about 20 minutes away) is dog friendly and is where we stayed while in the area.
We did one short hike in the park- The Artists Bluff. It is a short 1.5 mile loop that takes you up to a views point of the mountains, ski slopes, highway, and lake below. You can do the full loop or just do the short 0.6 mile out and back sectional called Bald Mountain which takes you to the overlook and back. The Bald Mountain section is super short but pretty much straight up a section of rock stairs. So if you’re doing this trail, just take sure you (and your dog!) are prepared for that! But the views will be well worth it!
If you need something to eat after hiking- I would recommend going into the town of Bethlehem. It has an amazing brewery- Rek’lis Brewing Company- that has not only amazing beer but fresh food. Super Secret Ice Cream is right down the street, with unique, rotating flavors. And if you need something for breakfast I would recommend The Place Above the Notch. They have great coffee and pastries- they roast their coffee beans on site and ground a bag fresh for us on our way out of town. Don’t overlook this state park on your trip to the White Mountains! Enjoy!
Park Details:
ADDRESS: 260 Tramway Drive, Franconia, NH 03580
HOURS: Always open for recreational use unless otherwise posted by signs
ENTRANCE FEE: No Entrance Fee
TRAILS: 30+ trails to choose from
ACTIVITIES: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Canoeing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Cross County Skiing, and Downhill Skiing
DOG RULES: Dogs are allowed on most of the hiking trails (just not the Flume Gorge). Dogs are not allowed in park buildings or in the campgrounds. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 4 feet. Please pick up after your pet.
Check out our videos about this Park on instagram @axel.theadventurepup and on TikTok @axeltheadventurepup
