Lincoln & Franconia Notch

A resort town on the western edge of the White Mountains, close to the Flume Gorge boardwalk, Franconia Notch and the Cannon Mountain tram, and the starting point of the Kancamagus Highway fall foliage drive heading east.

Lincoln and Franconia Notch lie on the western side of the White Mountain National Forest in northern New Hampshire. Lincoln sits at Exit 32 of Interstate 93, about 2 hours' drive from Boston, and is the western gateway to the White Mountains. North of town, Franconia Notch State Park is squeezed between Cannon Mountain and Franconia Ridge, with I-93 running through the notch as a two-lane parkway. There are three main areas: in the notch itself are the Flume Gorge boardwalk, The Basin potholes, Echo Lake, Artist's Bluff and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, while the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza commemorates the famous rock face that collapsed in 2003; hikers head first for the Franconia Ridge Loop and Lonesome Lake; and to the east is the Kancamagus Highway, whose overlooks and waterfalls make it New England's most famous fall foliage drive. In town, family attractions include Clark's Bears, the Hobo Railroad and a water park, and in winter Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain are popular ski areas. The best time to visit is the foliage season from late September to mid-October (book accommodation months ahead), followed by the June–August hiking season; Flume Gorge and most attractions are open May–October, and winter is mainly for skiing. Getting there: you'll need a car—rent one at Boston or Manchester airport; parking in the national forest requires a pass. Allow 2–3 days, and consider linking up with the White Mountains sights around North Conway for a loop.

Top sights

• Franconia Notch State Park – A glacier-carved valley between Cannon Mountain and Mount Lafayette, home to the Flume Gorge, the Basin, Echo Lake and the Old Man of the M…
• The Flume Gorge – A roughly 244-meter narrow gorge between granite cliffs, with wooden walkways running alongside the rushing stream; it is the most popular…
• Kancamagus Highway – A 56-km national scenic byway from Lincoln to Conway through the White Mountain National Forest, the most famous fall-foliage drive in New…
• Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway – The site of North America's first passenger aerial tramway, which rises in about 8 minutes to a summit of roughly 1,244 metres with views o…
• Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza – New Hampshire's emblem, the Old Man of the Mountain, a rock profile that collapsed in 2003, is recreated in outline by steel frames at a la…
• Artist's Bluff – A rocky lookout above Echo Lake, reached by a 20-minute climb, with views of the lake, Cannon Mountain and gorge foliage, and a classic Whi…
• Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves – A glacial boulder maze in Kinsman Notch where the river disappears and reappears beneath the rocks, with wooden boardwalks for exploring th…
• Loon Mountain – A ski resort in the town of Lincoln at the western end of the Kancamagus Highway, where in summer and autumn you can ride a gondola up for…
• The Basin – A giant granite pothole carved by the Pemigewasset River, where emerald water swirls into a round pool, and a must-stop free attraction in…
• Franconia Ridge Loop – A classic loop over Mount Lafayette and Little Haystack, where the razor-edged ridge above the treeline is hailed as one of the most beauti…
• Lonesome Lake – A high-mountain lake halfway up Cannon Mountain, facing the Franconia Ridge across the water, and a popular half-day hike that the whole fa…
• Echo Lake (Franconia Notch) – A mountain lake at the foot of Cannon Mountain with a sandy beach for swimming and boating, backed by Artist's Bluff, and a relaxed spot at…
• Lincoln Woods & Franconia Falls – A gentle forest trail starting from the Kancamagus Highway, crossing a suspension bridge and following the river into the Pemigewasset Wild…
• Clark's Bears – A roadside attraction run by the same family for nearly a century, famous for well-trained black bear shows, with a steam train and a nosta…
• Hobo Railroad – A vintage tourist train departing from Lincoln Station and running along the Pemigewasset River, with an 80-minute round trip and optional…
• The Frost Place – The farmhouse where American poet Robert Frost lived from 1915 to 1920, with views of the White Mountains from the front porch and poetry t…
• Whale's Tale Water Park – A family water park on the northern outskirts of Lincoln beside I-93, with slides, a lazy river and a wave pool, a great way to cool off wi…

Where to eat

• Woodstock Inn Brewery – A longtime brewpub on North Woodstock's main street, brewing its signature Pig's Ear Brown Ale since 1995, serving brea…
• Black Mountain Burger – A popular burger bar in Lincoln's The Depot, opened in 2011; the burgers and gravy fries draw lunch and dinner crowds.
• Gordis Fish & Steak House – A family restaurant opened in 1986; the giant lobster sculpture and live lobster tank at the entrance make it the go-to…
• Flapjack's Pancake House – A breakfast pancake house on Lincoln's Main Street serving oversized, fluffy pancakes with maple butter, plus a little…

Itineraries

• Vermont & White Mountains Fall Foliage Loop – Depart from Boston, drive north along Vermont's Route 100, and cross the White Mountains for spectacular autumn colors
• White Mountains Gorges & Mount Washington – Head north from Boston for a weekend to experience Franconia Notch, the Kancamagus Highway, and Mount Washington all in…