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.
Mark Lowenstein
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).
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.
Mark Lowenstein
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).
A pleasant tour of the North Conway area, with a section along Main St., and then some of the perimeter, out Kearsarge Road to the village of Intervale, then looping back. Good opportunity to get an overview of area.
A simple trail run just outside of North Conway center, Whitaker Woods has some 45 km of well maintained trails, with varied terrain. We've put together a 3 mile loop, or enjoy the many other criss-crossing trails.
A favorite of the local running club The White Mountain Milers, the Pudding Pond trail is a quick and easy loop just outside of town which can be paired with a jaunt up Peaked Mountain for a longer run with views and elevation.
Good running options around Echo Lake Park. There's a pleasant perimeter path around a lake and a 1-mile auto road. White Horse Ledge is one of the signature trail runs in the North Conway area. West Side Rd. is another option.
The “Kanc” spans 32 miles between Lincoln and Conway. The most spectacular views on the road itself are around the CL Graham/Wangan Grounds Scenic Overlook. We have a 5.6 mile out and back route, and a 2.8 mile loop. Hilly!
A gravel trail that runs 18 miles between Gorham and Whitefield. Great wildlife viewing, historic ruins, and panoramic views of Mts. Jefferson and Adams. Run any section! Or, we've mapped a 5.6 mile out and back taking in our favorite section.
A flat and friendly pavement run with river views and a pleasant soundscape of bubbling brooks. We've mapped a 3 mile loop around the paved perimeter road of the campground.
For a longer tour de North Conway, the White Mountain Half Marathon has already mapped a challenging run through the well maintained paved highways that connects town to the scenic West Side Road.
Running up the long driveway of this historic resort, with its red roof, wrap around porch, and extensive grounds, is a special treat. There are also more than 100 km of trails that are part of the resort, with lots of variety and great for running.
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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
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