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The Franconia Notch State Park Recreation Path is one of the best off-road running opportunities in the White Mountains. The 8.8-mile paved multi-use trail parallels the Franconia Notch Parkway from the Flume Gorge parking in the south, to the Skookumchuck trailhead in the north. The path is mainly wooded, but there are some great views. Major sights, south to north: Flume, Basin Viewing Area, Profile Lake, Echo Lake, Lafayette Brook Bridge Scenic Vista. Note that the path climbs 800 feet, south to north. One option is to run one-way and use the Cannon Mountain Shuttle for the return (seasonal). Or, get a partner to drop you at the north end and meet you at the south end! See more info below.
Ambitious runners can take on the entire length of the path, but for a shorter jog, we recommend the southern end of the trail. This slightly uphill 3.3-mile route will take you from The Flume parking lot, over Whitehorse Bridge, and through the Basin viewing area where you can explore the geological formations of the Pemigewasset River. You’ll pass Echo Lake, and Cannon Mountain.
Add-Ons: Lafayette Campground perimeter road; Echo Lake Park trails (trail running).
Path Information & Distances
- Total trail is 8.8 miles. We've also mapped a 3.3 mile route from Flume Gorge to Lafayette Campground
- 800 (243m) foot gain from south to north for whole trail; Our 3.3 mile route is 531 feet
- South: Flume Gorge; North: Skookumchuck & Rt. US 3, or other access points along the way
- South: Flume Gorge parking; North: Skookumchuck trailhead
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