Franconia Notch Bike Path
Updated: Jul 24
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Soaring through the White Mountain National Forest on two wheels is the best way to see the “notch” between New Hampshire’s Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges. The 9-mile Franconia Notch Bike Path winds past park attractions including the Flume Gorge, Basin, Old Man in the Mountain, Cannon Mountain, and Echo Lake.
Between those points of interest, the paved path meanders along pristine brooks, dense forest, and miles of peaks that ascend upward. The winding route loosely parallels Interstate-I93. The highlight of the Franconia Notch bike path is cruising the majestic notch between Cannon Mountain and Mount Lafayette.
THINGS TO DO IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
FRANCONIA NOTCH STATE PARK
The bike path is located in northern New Hampshire's Franconia Notch State Park, in the White Mountains National Forest. The park is made up of an 8 mile stretch of forest between the towns of Lincoln (southern end) and Franconia (northern end) that includes a mountain pass ("The Notch").
Franconia Notch Recreation Path (aka Franconia Notch Bike Path)
The recreational trail is located in the White Mountain National Forest and contains some of New Hampshire's best attractions. The 9-mile path is a multi-use trail popular with bikers (pedal and e-bikes), hikers, and joggers.
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. The southern end of the trail starts at the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park. The northern end at the SkookumchucK Trailhead. Much of the route snakes alongside the Pemigewasset River. The bike path crosses over bridges, tunnels under I-93, and treats users to phenomenal mountain and lake vistas.
Traveling north from the Flume Gorge, the trail’s elevation rises about 564 feet. Though there are rolling hills along the entire path, most of the uphill is when riding north (about 5-miles). Conversely, traveling south from Skookumchuck, the majority of the ride is downhill.
Around major attractions, bikers should expect tourists and bike walk zones. Out on the trail, riders will encounter other bikers and many hikers trekking between trailheads. Weekends there are significantly larger crowds than on week days. There is a 20mph speed limit the length of the bike path to ensure the safety of all.
TRIP ESSENTIALS
In New Hampshire, and almost every travel destination, I find myself reaching for my Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Jacket, Frogg Toggs Hat, Merrell Hiking Boots, and Crocs Strappy Sandals (wear to dinner or the pool).
Other items I rely on include my Huk Sunglasses and Contigo Autoseal Water Bottle (no spills in the backpack).
But by far, my number one can’t-do-without essential is my Sony RX100 Compact Camera. It fits perfectly into a pocket. Or, mounted on a Mini-Tripod it slips into my Travelon Sling Bag.
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The path is generally about 5’ wide, and well-maintained. However, in some spots there are bumps, grooves, and cracks in the tar. The trail is located in a northeast climate where the cycle of freezing and thawing can cause the pavement to “heave” up. The park is also carry-in carry-out (whatever you carry into the woods, carry out and dispose of at home).
Franconia Notch Bike Path Safety
Always wear a helmet. Take extreme caution when traveling on the downhill portions of the ride where it is easy to exceed the 20mph speed limit. The trail is twisty, and there are bumps, grooves, and steep ravines to throw riders off course. In addition, there are many hikers, joggers, and park visitors to avoid (as well as animals and trees).
Young riders should be able to demonstrate control over their bikes (shifting and brakes) and the self-restraint necessary to be safety-conscious of others.
Check the weather before heading out and be prepared for quickly changing conditions. The bike path crosses through a mountain pass, and the weather is often different than climate just a few miles away.
Franconia Notch Bike Path Parking
There are free parking lots at the Flume Gorge, Skookumchuch Trailhead, and Echo Lake Beach. At the Flume, drive to the last lot and look for the Recreation Path sign. If possible, arrive early in the day as these sites are popular trailheads.
Franconia Notch Bike Path Fees
The Recreation Path is free to use; although there are fees to see some of the attractions along the bike route such as the Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain Gondolas.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
Facilities and Services
There are restrooms located at the Flume Gorge, Basin, Old Man in the Mountain Visitor Center, and Cannon Mountain. There are restaurants and / or grocery stores located at the Flume Gorge, Lafayette Campground, and Cannon Mountain. In addition, there are picnic tables placed all along the route.
Suggested Routes
Gorge to Skookumchuck and Return: This route is roughly 18-miles. If you choose this route, we suggest starting at the Flume Gorge so your ride will be mostly uphill for the first leg, and mostly downhill on the return.
The route starts at the Flume’s Mt. Pemigewasset Trailhead. It heads to the Basin, and then past the Lafayette Place Campground. Next, riders will cruise the lovely Profile Lake to the Old Man in the Mountain Historic Site. From the Old Man, the route goes on to Cannon Mountain where you can check out the gondolas and ski museum. Next, ride to Echo Lake, Artist’s Bluff, the Governor Gallen Bridge, and finally the Skookumchuck Trailhead.
This ride is gorgeous from start to finish. It begins in heavily forested acreage, and ends cruising past lovely mountain lakes with panoramic mountain views. It is categorized as a moderately challenging ride. Each point of interest is well-signed so riders know what is approaching, and where to go if you would like to see the attraction.
Skookumchuck Trailhead to Flume Gorge (One Way): This route is roughly 9-miles. There is no shame in riding only the downhill leg of the bike path. Many bikers take two vehicles. They park one at the Flume, and the other at Skookumchuck. After riding the downhill portion of the trail, they double back to pick up their second car. (This is much more common than you might think!)
PACKING ESSENTIALS
We rely on a combination of bags: Our Level-8 28” and Level-8 20” spinners are fun and stylish. Our Delsey Helium 28” hardshell is a workhorse. Our Tomtoc Backpack is great for short trips.
Randy doesn’t use them, but I swear by segregating items into Compression Packing Cubes and Wet Bags.
For security, we place an Apple Air Tag in each bag, and keep a supply of RFID Blocking Sleeves on hand.
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Echo Lake Beach to Lafayette Place Campground and Return: This route is roughly 8-miles. If you don’t have two vehicles, and don’t want to tackle all 18-miles of the bike path, we suggest this alternative. The route combines some of the least hilly sections of the trail with some of the most beautiful scenery.
Park in the Echo Lake Beach parking lot and pedal right on the road until you spy the tarred bike path before the first bridge. Note: We recommend starting at Echo Lake instead of Lafayette as the parking is usually better.
Hope you enjoy biking past the Great Stone Face! Laura and Randy
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