At the Sugar Hill Inn, we realize how lucky we are to be surrounded by the incredible beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. When you visit us this spring and summer, you’ll find that there are plenty of beautiful parks to wander through, peaks to climb, and towns to explore. There’s little doubt that one of our favorite places, though, which we happily refer each and every one of our guests to, is Franconia Notch State Park. It’s a truly special place, and one that certainly needs to be on your itinerary anytime you’re near the White Mountains. Best yet, it’s less than 10 minutes from our luxury Bed and Breakfast, making it easy to get to day after day, taking full advantage of the many delightful things to see and do there. Take the time to explore this gem with us this spring or summer, and book your room at our luxury New Hampshire Bed and Breakfast today.
Your Guide to Franconia Notch State Park
Perhaps the most famous and notable attraction within Franconia Notch State Park is the Flume Gorge. The Flume Gorge is, without a doubt, worth the visit. It opens for the season in May, and stays open until November. The Flume Gorge is a natural 800 ft. long gorge that cuts through the park. Granite walls rise and tower above you on both sides, reaching heights 70-90 feet, and a width of as little as 12, and as many as 20 feet between then. Walk to the top of the gorge, and you’ll enjoy the views of Avalanche Falls, a 45-foot waterfall.
But that’s not all there is to Franconia Notch State Park. Here, you’ll find miles upon miles of hiking trails, biking trails, an aerial tramway that takes you to the top of Cannon Mountain, rock climbing, birding, fishing, or just relaxing, surrounded by the gentle sounds of Mother Nature. Aside from the Flume Gorge, here are a few of our other favorite attractions in Franconia Notch State Park:
- Echo Lake is a beautiful place to sit back and relax for the afternoon, taking in the views of Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. It’s also a great place for both fishing and boating. Boat rentals begin for the season in May.
- The Basin is a large pothole in the Pemigewasset River, and is accessible from just off the highway.
- Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which was the first passenger aerial tramway in North America. The 8-minute ride to the top takes you to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The tramway is open from May – October.
- Franconia Notch State Park is also home to the New England Ski Museum, which offers fascinating insight into the timeline of the development of skiing.
- The Franconia Notch Bike path traverses the length of Franconia Notch, and provides access to all the wonderful features the park has to offer. There are even bike rentals available at Cannon Mountain if you’re interested.
- Birdwatching on Cannon Cliff.
After an adventurous and fun day spent in Franconia Notch State Park, return to the luxurious accommodations of the Sugar Hill Inn. We have a restaurant on site, where you can enjoy a hassle-free gourmet dinner. The Culinary Experience is an integral part of any stay at the Sugar Hill Inn, where our executive chef uses only the freshest local products, including herbs grown in our own garden. Book your room at our luxury Bed and Breakfast in the White Mountains today!