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Franconia State Park: Recreation Path

Trail Overview

Traversing the length of Franconia Notch, this paved bike and pedestrian path provides access to all park facilities and natural features.
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Trail Activity
Walking Bicycling
Length
8.60 miles, One Way
Difficulty
Moderate
Towns
Franconia (NH), Lincoln (NH)
Surface
Paved/Cement
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
Yes
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Description

The Franconia Notch Recreation Path was built as part of the construction of the Franconia Notch Parkway. It travels from the Skookumchuck Trailhead, south the the Flume Visitor Center, passing by the many park facilities and natural features of Franconia Notch State Park including the hiking trailheads, Echo Lake, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the Basin and the Flume. There are multiple hills along the path and 800 feet of overall elevation gain from south to north.

Please walk your bike in the bike-walk areas. Use caution -- there is high pedestrian traffic in these areas. 

Other Information

Use guidelines
  • No Roller Blades
  • No Motorized Vehicles allowed.
  • No Skateboards
  • No Roller Skates or Skis
  • No Fires – No camping along path.
  • Speed Limit is 20 mph.
  • Watch for pedestrians.
  • Bridges and bike path may be slippery when wet.
  • Please stay to the right at all times.
  • Please obey the two bike walk areas as these are heavy pedestrian use areas.
Bike Rentals

Bike Rentals are offered by Sport Thoma in Lincoln, NH. They offer a full range of Scott all-terrain bikes for adults and children. Shuttle service to Franconia Notch from the store is also available.

Trail Manager

The Recreation Path is part of Franconia Notch State Park. For more information, visit the park website or contact:

New Hampshire State Parks

New Hampshire State Parks
New Hampshire State Parks
172 Pembroke Road
Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-3556
nhparks@dncr.nh.gov
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared to find your way home. Familiarize yourself with the area before you set out and bring your map and compass along.
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Trailhead Information

The Recreation Path can be accessed from multiple parking areas along Franconia Notch. The largest lot is at the base of the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway off of Exit 34B.

Please note that the primary parking lots for the hiking trails, The Flume, Liberty Springs/Whitehouse and Lafayette Place fill quickly in summer and on weekends. 

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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