Franconia Region

An unspoiled paradise for outdoorsmen, the Franconia Region has abundant four-season activities that can be scaled up or down according to your level of expertise. In summer, the mountains yield excellent hiking [1] and biking [2], and the rivers call fly fishermen and kayakers to their banks. Those same pursuits continue through fall, but against a backdrop of jaw-dropping foliage colors. Then comes winter, when many argue the area is at its best: That’s when the slopes glisten with fresh powder, and ski resorts [3] fling open their doors, drawing enthusiasts (both skiing and snowmobiling) by the thousands.

The region is named for Franconia Notch, the V-shaped cut carved out by the glaciers that runs through the mountains for eight miles north of the town of Lincoln [4]. It was through that notch that the railroad was first run through the region in the 19th century, bringing lumbermen and sawmills into the mountains and the Great North Woods [5] beyond.

It wasn’t long before the tourists followed; when the Interstate went through in the 1940s, the route became a prime attraction in the golden age of auto-touring, with family-friendly attractions popping up in Lincoln and around. Many of them still survive today, making the area a curious blend of natural beauty sprinkled with spots of garish commercialism.

Getting to New Hampshire’s Franconia Region

To drive to the Franconia area, take I-93 north from Concord [6] to exit 26 for Plymouth [7] (40 mi., 45 min.), exit 28 to Route 49 east to Waterville Valley [7] (60 mi., 1 hr. 15 min.), exit 32 for Lincoln (65 mi., 1 hr. 15 min.), or exit 38 for Franconia (80 mi., 1 hr. 40 min.).

Concord Coach Lines (800/639-3317, www.concordtrailways.com [8]) runs a daily bus from Boston [9] to Plymouth (Chase Street Market, 83 Main St.), Lincoln (Munce’s Konvenience, 36 Main St.), Franconia (Mac’s Market, 347 Main St., I-93, exit 38), and Littleton (Irving Oil/Circle K, 366 Cottage St., I-93, exit 41). Greyhound Bus Lines (800/231-2222, www.greyhound.com [10]) also runs buses to Lincoln (Munce’s Konvenience), Franconia (Mac’s Market), and Littleton (Irving Gas Station, 326 Cottage St.).