Along bubbling streams that wend their way through the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is the beautiful starting point for many hikes into the White Mountains.

Those short on time should opt for the Flume Gorge, a 2 mile hike to see the natural canyon.

The same parking lot is the start point of a 9 mile paved but hilly recreation path that passes key points: the Basin, Echo Lake, Old Man of the Mountain Historic Side, and culminates at the Skookumchuck Trailhead for The White Mountains National Park.

Campgrounds and well marked trailheads for peaks that range from moderate to challenging branch off the recreation path and parking lots that provide access to sights.