Difficulty wise, I'd rate Artists Bluff as a 3/5. The hike is a 1 mile loop but there's a lot of…read moresteep inclines and the path is pretty narrow. I wouldn't recommend bringing young kids along. The overlook of the lake is the best part of the hike. I hiked this in June during a weekday, and there were only about 3 cars in the entire parking lot. Compared to the Flume Gorge hike, this was pretty solitary and peaceful. There were a ton of bugs and mosquitoes out and about, so bring bug spray.

It was supposed to be a short 1.5 miles loop trail, however, the trail wasn't clearly marked. Many…read morepeople came down from the same trail as how they got up to the top as they were unable to find the other part of the trail. The first part of the trail was going downhill, but that was actually right! It got more difficult and steeply toward the end of the trail (before we got up to the top). Hiking boots are strongly recommended. The view from the top was awesome, especially during foliage season. We actually went during foliage season and the trail got very crowded during mid-day. Please give yourself enough time to enjoy the view from the top, so you should leave yourself about 2 hours for this hike.

Lonesome Lake is a MUST. Our server at dinner suggested this hike and I am so glad that she did…read more.. always pays to ask a local expert! There is a small parking lot at the base (park next to the Lafayette Campground). My suggestion is to arrive early because it fills up. Plus it's always better to battle an uphill hike early anyways. Most of the hike is shaded, but be warned that it's pretty steep. You'll need to climb uphill for at least two miles before you reach the lake. Luckily the payoff is beautiful and you get to hike downhill the entire way back. #WORTHIT Once at the top you'll immediately have beautiful views of the lake, but make sure that you keep walking for another 10-15 minutes up the narrow trail. That will eventually lead you to a wider boardwalk area where you can lay out some towels, enjoy snacks and drinks and jump right into the lake. I'm glad we packed towels and beers because after the long steep hike I was more than happy to chill out with a drink. I honestly could've stayed all day and been content. Definitely add this hike to your list if you are in the area!

How I have I not gushed about Lonesome Lake yet?! This was by far the best hike of our trip. The…read moreuphill hike is steep and a bit tough, but the payoff at the top is so worth it. We were visiting Littleton beginning of November and spent our whole Saturday on different trails. We got to Lonesome Lake a little later in the afternoon. The parking lot was nearly full when we got there but the trails really didn't seem that crowded at all. The entire hike up is all uphill, but not too challenging. But once you see the lake at the top?? So incredibly worth the sore legs. It seriously feels unreal or from a photograph when you first see it. It was partly covered in ice but we were so heated up from the uphill trek. This lake must be pretty wonderful in the summer months when you are just drenched from the hike up and can cool off by jumping in the lake. Little tip, be sure to wander a little further once you get to the lake. You'll see a trail with wooden planks. We basically made our own little outcove off of the trail by the water so I am not sure what is alllll the way farther down that trail. We got there on the late side and didn't want to make the hike down in the dark so we only stayed for about an hour, but I honestly could have spent the whole day there. Bring snack, drinks, anything to make a supremely cozy stay at the top. If you are looking for the perfect hike, ya found it.

Me entire family went hiking together and it was beautiful!! The views, the climb, the weather,…read moreeverything. It was never overly crowded, so we were able to make quick stops along the hike for a snack or to take pics or even just stop to take in the view without feeling like a disturbance to anyone trying to pass. Hiking around Flume Gorge was also pretty lengthy which made for a camera roll loaded with pictures and a tired Sophie by the end of it. :) Such a fun place to check out. W the amazing views and variety of different elevations on this hike! Highly recommend!

Happy Earth Day again. You thought I was finished? HA!…read more Words fail to describe my love of Franconia. I am a Dartmouth alum - not one of the rich ones lmao so I did not have a car at college. If I did tho, you couldn't have pulled me away from the beauty of the White Mountains. I am however one of the old alums so I remember when there used to be an Old Man of the Mountain before his nose fell off lol. Anyways, this place has my entire heart and I only share it with people I trust. I took my friend here for a weekend getaway of rustic camping and hiking last April and I can safely say she also fell in love. We ran up and down I-93, I showed her the remnants of the Old Man, we stopped by the lake (lord it was cold), then we went to the Basin - beautiful in ALL seasons - and hiked a trail on-site. God I love Franconia so much. If you haven't gotten the chance to visit please make it a priority. It's stunning in all seasons! Things to know: -you can access The Basin from either side of 93. If on the far side you just need to cross under the overpass. -The Basin is paved. There are some stairs to get a closer look but it is largely accessible to view. -Still snow in some sections in late April - you're ok without spikes imo -parking was still free as of last year

Fun Fact: The first passenger aerial tramway in North America began operation on this site in 1938…read more Of all the things to do in Franconia Notch State Park, taking a ride in the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is one of the most unforgettable ways to see the park! a single cabin can carry up to 80 passengers, and the fee is $25 PP both ways. Take a scenic eight-minute ride in one of two enclosed cable cars to the 4,200-foot summit of Cannon Mountain. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the distant valleys, mountains, Echo Lake, and black bears (no we did not find any, but the guide said so :P ) Also, you'll be able to view parts of New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, New York, and Canada! Once at the summit you can hang out on the outdoor deck that overlooks the mountains or grab lunch & drinks at Cafe 4080 that's located next to the air tram. Fee: $25 PP but make an online reservation, Time is allotted and if you are late, you would have to wait for another cabin and if that is full, then wait for another cabin. our time slot was 2:!5, we reached 2:30, they stopped us and at 3:15 - there were few spots, so then they allowed us. so be mindful

Love the view location and would definitely go again maybe to try and ride/ but very niceread more

I hiked here twice. One in summer, one in winter. Both are differently nice. Summer I did Franconia…read moreloop, which is a good view, but a little crowded. In winter, I did just Lafayette from Greenleaf. It is tough, but winter view is pretty. I think this is top-ranked for New England hikes.

We hiked this yesterday (fourth of July). We arrived at about 7am - parking lot was maybe 1/5th…read morefull and we were able to park right by the trail head. We took falling waters trail up and old bridal trail down. The views were spectacular, I highly recommend this hike - the reward is high both in the views and the glute workout! This hike took us about 6 hours in including the extra hour we had to hike when we made a wrong turn at the peak. Crowds weren't a huge problem for us. Hike was difficult, but doable. I hike a couple times a summer and workout a lot so I am in pretty good shape. Tips: 1. Wear sunscreen and bring a hat/sunglasses (you start off hiking in the woods under shade cover but once you hit above tree line you are in the sun for a significant amount of time) 2. Bugs: There are black flies once you hit above tree line - a lot of them. I ended up putting my long sleeve on to try to avoid them which helped a little. If you hike fast they won't bite you. I had some bug spray on from the parking lot but it either washed off (from the sweat storm I was) or didn't work. 3. DO follow the signs. We took the wrong trail down from the peak of Mt. Lafayette and ended up having to hike an extra hour BACK up to the peak so we could then take bridal down. DO NOT DO THIS, I was at a breaking point and out of water. 4. Water, water, water. I had three water bottles and all were gone by the time I reached Mt. Lafayette Peak. It was a hot day (93 on the ground). There is a hut that you pass on old bridal trail about 1.1 miles from lafayette peak where you can fill up your water bottle for free, use the restroom, and buy goodies. It was a savior! 5. Wear good footwear. There are LOTS of rocks you need to jump on, crawl up, maneuver around. Having good traction was extremely important on this hike!

So this is just a huge rock BUT how it was formed makes you think how amazing our world is…read more Anyways, signs are clear for the direction for this BUT you could only access if you are northbound of I-93, use the exits at flume gorge if you are from the north and traversing the southbound. There is also a viewing deck which we did not see how far it goes. Parking space is not alot but people would not stay long after taking pics

Just off Rt 93 in White Mountains. Nice picture of it here:…read morehttp://www.cannonmt.com/boise_rock.html. It's a quick 10 minute stop. The precarious balance of this enormous rock is a nice, quick photo opportunity, which has a tale to go with it, as to why it was named after Thomas Boise: a guy who apparently became stranded, killed his horse for it's hide, and was found the next day wrapped inside it. It's no more than a quick stop, but it's a nice photo to add to those you'll take of this amazing area of NH.

My six year old went skiing for the first time. She did a three hour lesson with a friend and the…read moreinstructor was so wonderful. She then spent several hours skiing afterwards. They make everything easy with rentals. We bought unnecessary lift tickets when we just needed the family lift. The online sign up didn't suggest the family lift so we spent extra $$$ on lift tickets we didn't use. The lodge could use more comfortable chairs but it was a warm place to hang out and get work done while everyone else was skiing. Food was pricy but there were options. We would come back for sure.

Cannon Mountain is a popular destination for parkgoers in all seasons due to its historic Aerial…read moreTramway. it is home to the oldest passenger tramway in North America; it celebrated its monumental 80th year in 2018. it offers nearly 100 ski trails and glades covering 25 miles and the highest ski area summit in NH! But Cannon offers plenty of summer attractions as well. though I am not an expert in skiing, after reading about skiing, I am planning to come here again in winter. you start with Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway- This 80-passenger cable car is the highlight of the day, Be sure to arrive on the allotted time (you need to book in advance). The Tramway Country Store offers a variety of souvenirs and goodies to take home. Come and get some Gifford's ice cream. It was a quick ride (8-10 minutes) to the top. You get a nice view of Echo Lake on the way as well as Franconia Ridge. If you are looking for a quick walk around the summit, the Rim Trail has beautiful views, and a watch tower and is surrounded by beautiful alpine mosses and flowers. It is a short 1500-foot path that loops back around to the tram. Be it winter or summer, Cannon Mountain has something for everyone.

Profile Lake is a beautiful spot that is designated only for fly fishing (trout). this is also…read morefamous for the old man of the mountain, but that collapsed in 2003. the north side of the lake the "tourist side". That is where the viewing area of the "Old Man of the Mountain" was for years. The viewing area is still there and is accessible from the parking lots of the Cannon Mountain tramway. Unfortunately, the "Old Man" is gone. His visage literally fell off the side of the mountain that he inhabited for millennia.

Mount Liberty is a 4,000 ft mountain. The trail is arduous, and it seems like you are a staircase…read moreto nowhere, very heavily wooded. Once on the trail, there are few views, until you reach the summit, then the views are spectacular. The peak itself is quite interesting to hang out and picnic on. This is also part of the Appalachain trail There are several tent sites near the peak, that I believe are first come and first served. They looked really cool! I have heard during peak seasons, rangers will do grocery runs to keep you moving without leaving the trail. We did not camp, this was a day hike for us. In the book I had used to navigate the trail, it incorrectly says the trail is under 6 miles round trip=wrong. It is under 9 miles round trip on the shortest path. This is a pretty intense hike, so plan accordingly. Also there were black flies and mosquitos on top- bring bug spray. As always when hiking large peaks, tell someone where you are going and check the weather conditions. The ranger stations are always full of information. You can also buy your National Forest usage fees there, not needed for this hike, but many spots in the White Mountain National forest do require a parking pass.