Franconia Notch State Park Recreational Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Starting from the south end of the trail (north of The Flume Visitor's Center), the trail climbs moderately to the Mount Pemigewasset Trail junction (on left). It passes the north end of Whitehouse Trail (on the left) and coincides with it to the junction to Liberty Spring Trail - AT (on right). Eventually, the trail travels through the Basin parking lot. The Basin is a scenic area of waterfalls, cascades, and pools.

Eventually, the trail travels through Lafayette Place. Lafayette Place is a campground and provides access to many trails. The trail passes on the right of Interstate 93 and Profile Lake, where you can get a good view of the Old Man of the Mountain Profile.

Next, the trail continues past Echo Lake (on left) to Profile Road/ Route 18. At the right turn just before the trail passes under(?) Interstate 93, there is a sign for Notch-Way Trail. Notch-Way Trail is barely mentioned in any of the books, so it's probably a snowmobile trail. The trail passes a monument for Governor Hugh Gallen and a view of Franconia Brook (both on right). The trail continues to it's north end at the Skookumchuck Trailhead.

Flora: birch, daisies, mountain cranberry, ash, rhodora, and wild strawberries.