Franconia, NH: A Complete Community Profile of Franconia, NH, by UpStateNH.com

Franconia, NH: A Complete Community Profile of Franconia, NH.

Franconia, NH

Franconia is, of course home to Franconia Notch , and Cannon Mountain . It sits partly in the White Mountain National Forest and is also home to the Frost Place where Robert Frost and his family spent nineteen summers. Surprisingly, the town is built upon a huge deposit of pig iron - used in making tools and industrial equipment. The town's location, directly off I-93, makes it a great destination for motorists.

Annie Trumbull Slosson was a fiction writer turned entomologist, or bug expert who called Franconia home in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Over one-hundred newly-described insects bear the species epithet slossoni (or slossonae) in her honor.

Cannon Mountain will thrill you in ski season, and surprise you with bike rentals for both adults and children in the warmer months.

Hiking in the area is great, and for the most part, pleasantly unchallenging.

The hike along the Basin is great for families. The path has gravel with some wooden walkways, and wanders through the area for about two miles. The cool granite and rushing water make for the perfect short hike on a summer day.

Lodging in Franconia includes the Gale River Motel and Cottages , 1 Main Street, offers a pool and clean and basic accommodations, as does the Stonybrook Motel & Lodge at 1098 Profile Rd. The Hillwinds Lodge , 33 Dow Avenue is a gem, overlooking the Gale River. There are also a number of bed and breakfasts and country inns in town, including the Franconia Inn .

Dining in Franconia includes Mojo Headquarters , 334 Main Street, that is great for coffee, ice cream and sandwiches. Wendle's Delicatessen & Cafe , Main Street, offers tasty breakfasts and lunches. The Horse and Hounds Inn , 205 Wells Road, is upscale dining with class and charm. Above the Notch , 729 Main Street, has traditional pizzeria offerings. Dutch Treat , 317 Main Street, offers sandwiches and lighter fare.

Lafayette Place Campground has wooded campsites with picnic tables, car parking spaces and open fireplaces. Cannon Mountain RV Park has 7 sites with seasonal three-way hook-ups, fire rings and picnic tables, but no water or sewer: RVs must be self-contained. Winter RV camping is offered with no services of any kind. Some visitors have mentioned that they were somewhat distracted by the whoosh of I-93, nearby, however the benefits of the nearby highway should be considered.

Much of Franconia State Park is located within the town. General aviation is seasonally served by the Franconia Airport . There is ample fishing nearby and horseback riding & weekend sail plane (glider) rides are available.

Sure, Franconia is quite touristy, but for good reason. Close to the highway, and offering spectacular scenery, Franconia offers a great deal to locals and visitors alike.