The weather is HOT (most of the time), the sun is shining (most of the time)… we are so happy to welcome summertime back into New England! With so many different locations to visit and activities to take on, we often loose sight of how perfect our area is for summer fun. Beaches, lakes, mountains – you name it, we got it, and we’re pretty lucky.
So, over the summer months, I will be highlighting some of my personal favorite day trips and sharing them with you, and today’s location is often overlooked due to the other attractions in its surrounding area.
Let's Get There!
Getting to Franconia Notch is simple – find I-93 and head North.
From Boston – 2.5 hours
From Worcester – 2.5 hours
From Providence – 3 hours
Accurate representation of what traffic will probably be like from Boston. Photo Credit: Darren McCollester/Getty Images
Once you get past the exit for the Kancamagus Highway, I-93 turns right into a two-lane that quickly approaches Franconia Notch State Park. You’ll know you’re there when you see the massive Cannon Mountain behind the welcome sign along the road.
Photo Credit: Ben Beaulieu/Beasley Media Group
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
Cannon Mountain is my absolute favorite to ski in the winter. Between the scenes of the mountains surrounding it, to the 80-passenger aerial tramway, it’s just the perfect winter destination. BUT when the summer months roll around, Cannon opens the Tramway for quick shuttles to the summit of the 4,080 foot peak.
View this post on InstagramOn your way up the side of one of New Hampshire’s tallest, you’ll be surrounded by some of the best views in New England. Here’s a picture I took in April (ignore the snow).
A photo taken on the slopes at Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire, with snow covered mountains in the distance. Photo Credit: Ben Beaulieu / Beasley Media Group
Once you’re at the top of the mountain, there is SO much to do. According to the Cannon Mountain website, mountains from four states and Canada are visible from the peak of Cannon on a clear day. There’s also a number of walking paths, an observation deck, and you can be the highest-in-elevation person to enjoy a cold beer in New Hampshire at Cafe 4080′.
Find everything you need to know, including how to purchase tickets here.
Flume Gorge
It’s one of the wonders of nature in the state of New Hampshire. The Flume Gorge within Franconia Notch State Park consists of a 2 mile walking path that takes you through the woods as you take in views of 90 foot granite walls, huge waterfalls, boulders, covered bridges, and more.
Here’s what the Flume Gorge was like about fifty years after it’s discovery.
The entire walk will take about two hours to complete. It’s not handicapped accessible, and appropriate footwear is recommended.
View this post on InstagramFor pricing information, operational status, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Echo Lake Beach
It’s a great spot to chill out. Echo Lake sits right up against the huge slopes of Cannon Mountain, and the beach offers so many different options: swim, relax, take in some amazing views, or even rent boats.
Refreshing or crazy? RT if you still swim after fall hiking. Pic from Echo Lake in FNSP from Sept 22: pic.twitter.com/RVvxXFFB
— NH State Parks (@NHStateParks) September 25, 2012All the information regarding pricing, rentals, and status can be found here.
Once again, pay no attention to the snow. Photo Credit: Ben Beaulieu/Beasley Media Group
