One of the columns at Profiler Plaza helping to show what the view of the Old Man used to be The bike path actually turns left and goes through another highway underpass just before Profile Lake, but I’d absolutely recommend walking down to Profiler Plaza to see where the Old Man once stood and check out the installment of viewing columns that re-imagine what the view used to be. Riding between the highway and Echo Lake (Tramway just ahead on the right)Īfter passing the Tram you’ll quickly arrive at the Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site. The New England Ski Museum is right next door to the Tram and has some incredible old films, photos and artifacts telling the story of our alpine heritage if you have time for a quick stop. Crossing under the highway Underpass tunnel just before Echo Lake View of Cannon’s ‘Front 5’ alongside Echo LakeĪfter you pass Echo Lake, the trail comes up next to the highway and then crosses the road at the entrance for the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. You’ll see the beach area on your right and get some excellent views of Cannon’s ‘Front 5’ trails as you continue alongside Echo Lake. After a gradual climb you’ll go through a neat little underpass tunnel beneath Route 18 and come up quickly to Echo Lake. Soon you’ll see the slopes of Cannon Mountain in front of you and the rocky face of Artists Bluff on the right. Skookumchuck Brook Clearing and mountain view just before the Governor Gallen Memorial Taking in the view from Governor Gallen Memorial (Sunset Bridge)īear right after the bridge and follow the bike path as it travels under the highway. From the bridge you can look down over 1-93 and some coin operated binoculars offer a magnified view of the mountains to the northeast. Here, there are some excellent views of Mount Lafayette and down into Lafayette Brook. It passes over Skookumchuck Brook before reaching stop #1 – Governor Gallen Memorial (Sunset Bridge). The trail starts out pretty flat with a few gentle downhills. Heading southward on the FNSP Bike Path from Skookumchuck Trailhead Besides the newly fallen snow, the trail seemed to be pretty clear and ok for riding so I decided to go for it. I had heard that the bike path was pretty much clear of snow/ice and ready for biking, however, on the day of my ride, I arrived to find 3 inches of fresh snow and flakes still coming down. I started at the Skookumchuck Trailhead off of exit 35 and rode the path southward. Maps: Franconia Notch State Park Hiking Map | Map of FNSP Attractions Riding the route northward will be more uphill and riding the route southward is more downhill. The bike path is paved, flat doubletrack, however there are some hills to climb/descend that can be moderately challenging. You can also access the bike path from many of the FNSP attraction parking areas including Echo Lake Beach, Cannon Tram, Profiler Plaza, Lafayette Place and The Basin.ĭistance: 9 miles (one way) or 18 miles for the complete down and back.ĭifficulty: Moderate (difficulty really depends on how much distance you want to do). Parking: The trail starts/ends at the Skookumchuck Trailhead (exit 35 off 93) and the Flume Gorge Visitor Center (exit 34A). Start of the Franconia Notch Bike Path at Skookumchuck Trailheadįranconia Notch Bike Path – Trip Details: From end to end the trail is about 9 miles, so you might want to arrange for a pick-up or drop off at one of the points if you aren’t up for the full 18 mile down and back ride. Several bridges, highway underpasses and picnic areas offer additional points of interest. Along the way there are plenty of mountain views and the trail follows the Pemigewasset River for much of the way. The paved bike path runs from Skookumchuck Trailhead all the way down to the Flume Gorge Visitor Center, passing Governor Gallen Memorial (Sunset Bridge), Echo Lake Beach, Old Man of the Mountain Historic Site, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Lafayette Place Campground, and The Basin. Biking down the Franconia Notch Bike Path is one of the best ways to see the natural wonders and attractions of the notch – while getting some much needed exercise.
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