The 8 Best Free Things to do in Franconia, New Hampshire (NH)

October 30, 2021 Alida England

Franconia is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,104 at the 2010 census. Set in the White Mountains, Franconia is home to the northern half of Franconia Notch State Park. Parts of the White Mountain National Forest are in the eastern and southern portions of the town. The Appalachian Trail crosses the southern part.
Restaurants in Franconia

1. Franconia Notch

Franconia, NH +1 603-823-5661 [email protected] http://www.franconianotch.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 110 reviews

Franconia Notch

The narrow passageway between the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges.

Reviewed By rayt-flaxin - Quincy, United States

If you find yourself in North New Hampshire and area looking for an easily accessible area to be able to enjoy and view first hand one of the most historically and geographically significant areas in the state, then i highly recommend you visit Franconia Notch. Between the Old Man on the mountain, the logging industry, the hiking and tourism, Cannon ski area, etc. There is a ton to see and do. Also, there are lots of viewing spots and picnic areas to pull off into.

2. Mount Lafayette

Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia, NH 03580 http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/huts/greenleaf
Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 58 reviews

Mount Lafayette

Reviewed By sanjeevrsharma - Boston, United States

On a weekend 8 or 9 am may not be early enough to get parking. Go prepared to offload everyone at the base and the take the car to exit 34c to park. Shuttle charges $5 per head (cash only) and makes frequent trips. Shuttle staff is very friendly ????

3. New England Ski Museum

135 Tramway Dr Exit 34B, Interstate 93, Franconia Notch State Pkwy, Franconia, NH 03580-4403 +1 603-823-7177 [email protected] http://www.nesm.org/
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

New England Ski Museum

New England Ski Museum collects, preserves and exhibits objects and memorabilia about the history of skiing. A permanent exhibit has elements such as 5 Olympic medals won by Franconia native Bode Miller, objects from the WWII 10th Mountain Division, material on the National Ski Patrol and more. Temporary exhibits change annually. Print journals of ski history are available free to visitors and members.

Reviewed By nhlefty - Ocala, United States

Wonderful spot to view old equipment and history of the New England ski areas The Bode Miller Medals and ski suits really add to the experience.

4. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402 +1 603-823-8800 https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 990 reviews

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen.

Reviewed By 979jessicao - Bretton Woods, United States

Dos and dont’s - DO expect a beautiful, serene, calm trail that is well marked, and an overall easy walk. Paved in some parts. Great for kids, families, and those that love beautiful water, waterholes and picturesque views. DONT expect a difficult hike or climb up the side of a mountain. DO expect plenty of ‘gram moments. The scenery is gorgeous and plenty of picnic and chill out spots. We spent a couple hours meandering there and it was wonderful!

5. Franconia-Sugar Hill-Easton

Routes 116, 117 and Sunset Hill Road Chamber of Commerce/Main St., Franconia, NH 03580 +1 603-823-5661
Excellent
59%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 22 reviews

Franconia-Sugar Hill-Easton

6. Artist Bluff Trail

Franconia, NH http://blog.nhstateparks.org/artists-bluff-best-view-for-your-efforts
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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Terrible
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4.5 based on 77 reviews

Artist Bluff Trail

Reviewed By yulneverroamalone - Montreal, Canada

It's nice once in a while to reach the view point with minimal effort! If you're looking for a small adventure with stunning views then you're in luck with Artist Bluff Trail! It's a short hike from the parking lot, you will definitely need some good hiking shoes/boots and a camera of course! We recommend visiting during October with all the autumn colors in full swing! We went for sunrise and we were completely alone. Very peaceful. The viewpoint is pretty spacious so even if there are other people you have ample space to move around or sit down and enjoy the view!

7. Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia, NH 03580 +1 603-823-8800 http://cannonmt.com/old-man-of-the-mountain.html
Excellent
38%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 246 reviews

Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

Formerly New Hampshire's best known landmark, this rock formation resembling a man's profile collapsed on May 3, 2003.

Reviewed By mimibev

It's kind of a memorial to the old man. The plaza includes seven profilers, which allow visitors to view the image of the Old Man back on the side of Cannon Mountain it is an amazingly clever way to see what once was there

8. Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center

421 Main St, Franconia, NH 03580-4833 http://www.franconianh.org/iron-furnace.html
Excellent
25%
Good
54%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 24 reviews

Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center

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