Lincoln Woods Trail
Easy walking on an old logging railroad grade beside the East Branch of the Pemigewasset. At 1.6 miles there’s a riverside view of the distant Bond range. At 2.6 miles a 0.8 mile side trail leads to scenic Black Pond. At 2.9 miles another side trail leads 0.4 mile to the ledges and cascades of Franconia Falls (permit required). Beyond, the Wilderness Trail leads into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Trail begins at parking area off Kancamagus Highway 5 miles east of Lincoln.
East Side Trail
This trail follows a gravel road up the east side of the East Branch, opposite Lincoln Woods Trail. At 0.5 mile a side path leads to the river’s edge and a view of Scar Ridge. At 2.5 miles there’s a panorama of mountains from a bank high above the river. At 2.9 miles the trail enters the Pemigewasset Wilderness, leading to scenic spots along the river in another 0.4 mile. Trailhead is same as for Lincoln Woods Trail.
Georgiana Falls
These falls on Harvard Brook are accessed by an unmarked trail leaving from a parking area off Hanson Farm Road in Lincoln. An easy 1.3 mile hike leads to the Lower in a beautiful wooded setting. The Upper, or Harvard Falls are a steep 0.5 mile farther. (WATERFALL)
Beaver Brook Cascades
Beaver Brook climbs very steeply alongside a series of long, picturesque cascades, starting at 0.3 mile and ending at 1.1 mile. Trailhead is on Rt. 112 at Kinsman Notch, 6 miles west of North Woodstock. (WATERFALL)
Agassiz Basin
A series of potholes and cascades on Mossilauke Brook beside Rt 112, 1.6 miles west of Rt 3, North Woodstock.
Lost River
This natural attraction, a favorite with visitors for over 100 years, includes ParadiseFalls (admission charged). (WATERFALL)
Hikes in Franconia Notch
Mt. Pemigewasset
Starting off the Franconia Notch Bike Path just north of Flume Visitor Center , the Mt. Pemigewasset Trail climbs at a moderate grade to the ledges atop the famed Indian Head and spectacular views. 3 ½ mi. round trip, 3 hrs.
Basin-Cascades Trail
From The Basin parking area on the west side of the Notch, first visit The Basin, a large pothole pool, then follow the Basin-Cascades Trail to Kinsman Falls at 0.4 mile and Rocky Glen Falls at 0.9 mile. (WATERFALL)
Falling Waters Trail
Three waterfalls can be seen along the easy lower section of this trail: Stair Falls and Swiftwater Falls at 0.9 mile and exquisite Cloudland Falls at 1.4 mile. Trail starts on east side of Franconia Notch Parkway, opposite Lafayette Campground. (WATERFALL)
Lonesome Lake
The Lonesome Lake Trail follows an old bridle path with easy to moderate grades to a high mountain tarn, elevation 2,743 feet. There are magnificent views of the Kinsman and Franconia Ranges from the shores of the lake. Trail starts at Lafayette Campground; 3 ¼ mi. round trip, 3 hrs.
Artist’s Bluff & Bald Mountain
These two rocky outlooks, especially Bald Mtn., provide panoramic views of the Notch and surrounding mountains for little effort. Trail starts off Rt. 18 near Echo Lake parking area. 1 ½ mi. loop, 1 ¼ hr.
The Flume Gorge
The walk through this 800 ft. natural chasm takes you past waterfalls and scenic pools. Your visit is enhanced by a free 15-minute movie on Franconia Notch State Park and the informative displays in the Visitor Center (Admission charged for the Gorge). Avalanche Falls, once called Flume Cascade, is located at the head of the Flume. (WATERFALL)
Hikes North of the Notch
Bridal Veil Falls
This pretty waterfall is reached by the fairly easy Coppermine Trail, which follows scenic Coppermine Brook. Trail begins off Rt. 116, 3.4 mi. south of Franconia. 5 mi., 3 ½ hrs. (WATERFALL)
The Dells
This Littleton park and conservation area features a pond and nature trails, with many possibilities for bird watching, flower and tree identification, picnicking, and leisurely walking. Located between Routes 302 and 10 in Littleton.
Kilburn Crag
From Rt. 18 just outside Littleton, this trail offers an easy climb to a breathtaking view of the town and many White Mountain peaks. 1 mi.round trip, 1 hr.
Hikes Along the Kancamagus Highway
Greeley Ponds
A fairly easy hike on Greeley Ponds Trail to a pair of pretty ponds nestled between steep mountainsides. Upper Pond is reached at 1.7 miles, Lower Pond at 2.2 miles. Trail starts on Kancamagus Highway 10 miles east of Lincoln. Note: Do not hike the muddy Greeley Ponds X-C Trail; the hiking trail starts 0.1 mile farther east.
Sabbaday Falls
An easy stroll up the graded Sabbaday Brook Trail to a picturesque rocky waterfall. 0.6 mile round trip. Trailhead is at picnic area 20 miles east of Lincoln. (WATERFALL)
Hedgehog Mountain
A moderately difficult 5-mile loop on the UNH Trail leads to three rocky viewpoints: Allen’s Ledge, the summit (2532 feet), and the East Ledges. For a shorter hike, Allen’s Ledge is a 2.2 mile round trip. Trailhead is off highway across from Passaconaway Campground, 21 miles east of Lincoln.
Rocky Gorge and Falls Pond
A dramatic gorge and tranquil pond are found just a short walk from the parking area at Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. An easy 1-mile hike including Lovequist Loop around the pond. Parking area is 26 miles east of Lincoln. (WATERFALL)
Franconia Falls
Located off the Lincoln-Woods Trail, the falls are 3.2 miles in on a very level and easy trail. There are cold clear pools and a hip-wide water chute. Park on the Kancamagus Highway, 4 miles east of Lincoln. (WATERFALL)
Thirteen Falls
A series of scenic falls named for their proximity to old logging Camp 13. Reached by an 8-mile hike along old logging railroad beds. (WATERFALL)
TIPS FOR HIKING IN MOUNTAIN COUNTRY
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Choose a hike suited to the interests and abilities of your group. Plan your route with a guidebook or map such as the AMC White Mountain Guide. Note that both distance and elevation gain figure into the difficulty of a hike. Allow ample time to complete your trek.
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Leave word of your itinerary with family or friends.
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Check the weather before setting out. Local recorded forecasts are available for Littleton (444-2656) and Conway (447-5252). Weather can change very rapidly in the mountains. Turn back if the weather goes bad.
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Wear sturdy, broken-in footgear. Dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing suitable for the season and weather. Use layers in cooler weather and when venturing to higher elevations. Synthetics and wool are much better than cotton for warmth, especially when wet.
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Bring a day pack with the hiking essentials: extra clothing, rain/wind gear, snacks and water, map/guidebook and compass, first aid kit, flashlight, pocket knife, toilet paper, matches and sunglasses. Binoculars and camera will add to your enjoyment.
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A steady moderate pace is best on the trail. Watch your footing on rocks and roots. Keep your group together and wait up at trail junctions.
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Take care to minimize your impact on the fragile mountain environment. Carry out what you carry in and stay on the trail, especially above treeline.
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Enjoy your hike, the company of family or friends, and the beautiful natural world that surrounds you in Mountain Country!
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