Franconia Notch State Park — Attraction in Lincoln

Hike for the Mt. Lafayette and Franconia loop is extremely challenging. While trails are clear on assent, while moving through the end of the hike at the end at dusk trails are less apparent, accented by the actual exit that we almost missed due to no sign when it was dark. All said, rangers are helpful and apparently always siding with caution at the trailhead. We encountered 40 F Temps at start but at the summits, we saw 25 F and 30mph winds. Face coverings for the loop are highly recommended to avoid drying out of lips, or even worse issues at low temperatures. Many people on this trek make it both safer and hectic as constant issues occur to let faster hikers go by. We were 50+ yr old hikers so definitely slower. Being in cardio shape is necessary with strong enduring legs because exhaustion at the top is not a good feeling when the hike across the 4 peaks is equally challenging as you change elevation by traversing down from one peak then hiking up the next, I'm estimating 600+ feet each time. 5000 ft. with wind makes wind resistant top layers a must. Stopping for us was necessary but not for long or cold takes over. Hothands were a guaranteed good idea. The Greenleaf hut was a good break in the middle of the decent but there is still 3 miles left of rough terrain to reach the lot, although not as imposing as the upper elevations. This is a mountain with boulders throughout the trails. To be clear, this hike is constant Boulder climbing up and down. Not a walking trail like you see in VA or PA. This was tough. Very tough. So tough you want to buy a t-shirt saying you finished this thing at our age. Beautiful panoramas at the peaks make it a breath-taking journey - just be prepared with layers and watch Mt. Washington observatory weather to get estimates of conditions. Cold is not a phone friend so pack a small charged battery in case you don't set your phone/camera to no wifi/Bluetooth. Cold reduces battery life as well. One last advice- at first peak (Little Haystack) find cover behind the boulders to get aways from the wind. Very enjoyable to eat a snack if you get a spot with other hikers. A change of shirt at the hut made my hike better since sweating is a guarantee for me. Many seasoned hikers had shorts but had stamina to keep moving. Not sure how they fared on the ridge with wind chill so layer up and leave room in your pack. Water was an absolute necessity, so be prepared to need to carry enough to avoid dehydration. At the hut, I must have drank 32 oz. to recharge. Still needed more for the remaining hike down, so refill there. FYI- no rangers on mountain, just friendly hikers. So be ready to handle your issues. Many hikers ended up finishing later than anticipated so bring headlamps as a safety option. No way down...

This park is a beauty. There are so many things to do here and one might get too overwhelmed. I suggest the following places:

Visit Mt. Washington - There are 3 ways to reach the top: Guided Tours, Cog railway, or your own car. Guided tours are 2 hours from base to base so, it might feel a bit rushed. Visiting with your own car is adventurous - roads get narrower sometimes, and there is no railing, it is a bit challenging but if you're up for it, then definitely do try. It's worth the experience. Cog railway is plain beautiful, you get to enjoy the scenic views without any effort - If driving up with your car is overwhelming, this is definitely the best option.

Take a train - Conway Scenic. They do these guided tours and it's just fun in the train. They have trains starting almost every hour until 1 I guess. I'm not sure, but you can check their website.

Take the Cannon Mountain tramway at Franconia Notch State Park - it's just fun and has breathtaking views. After taking the tramway, you'll have to hike a little - it's a very small hike probably less than 5 minutes. then, you'll reach a building that's 3 stories high. Take the stairs and you'll reach the top. - That's where it has all those views, They say that on a clear day you can even see Canada. From there, definitely do visit Flume Gorge. Funny story, when we were thinking of visiting places for fall colors, we saw a beautiful scenic water falls sliding across our TV in Fire TV wallpapers, the title said "Avalanche Waterfalls" but when we visited this state park, we couldn't find it. Nobody knew those waterfalls, google maps took us to Flume Gorge and from the pictures hanging outside the Flume Gorge, we realized it's the same. Unfortunately we visited after the closing hour and couldn't see those waterfalls. But I heard it's definitely worth visiting.

All in all, NH is a beauty. Always call before visiting these places as they might close during...

As a nature lover, I recently had the pleasure of visiting Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire, and I must say it was one of the most stunningly beautiful places I have ever been. The park is located in the heart of the White Mountains and is home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the region. From the towering peaks of Mount Lafayette and Cannon Mountain to the crystal-clear waters of Echo Lake, Franconia Notch State Park offers a wealth of outdoor adventures and natural beauty.

Franconia Notch State Park has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was once home to numerous logging camps and sawmills, and it played an important role in shaping the economy and culture of the region. Today, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, fishing spots, swimming beaches, and ski slopes all within easy reach.

What I find particularly impressive about Franconia Notch State Park is its commitment to preserving the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the area. The park is home to numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species, and the staff work tirelessly to protect and maintain the delicate ecosystem. Additionally, the park is focused on promoting sustainable tourism and reducing its environmental impact, making it a great choice for visitors who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while also minimizing their carbon footprint. As a visitor, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and awe for the incredible natural beauty of Franconia Notch State Park, and I can't wait to come back and explore more of this...