From wildflowers and mountain views to beautiful waterfalls, the Western White Mountains are a photographer’s dream. Capture the wildlife, capture family, or just capture the gorgeous scenery.
Located inside of Franconia Notch State Park is a beloved spectacle of nature, The Basin. Turquoise blue waters cascade through the carved granite rocks, emptying into a large pothole known as the basin. This natural attraction is easily accessed from the parking lot, with paved paths.
Bridal Veil Falls
Known as one of the most photographed waterfalls in New Hampshire, Bridal Veil Falls requires a easy/moderate 5 mile out and back hike. It is especially magnificent after heavy rain or spring melt.
Known for the iconic lupine fields that bloom early to mid-June, the roads of Sugar Hill are filled with beauty. From sunset hill you can capture amazing mountain views as a backdrop to the lupine fields. Behind Polly’s Pancake Parlor, take a stroll through fields that aren’t roadside. Please respect private property and stay on established paths.
Artist Bluff & Bald Mountain
Easily one of the most recognizable photographs is of Franconia Notch from Artist Bluff. Locals and tourists alike flock to this small hike year yound, but especially in the fall. It becomes VERY crowded during the foliage season, please be sure to adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. Bald Mountain is next to Artist Bluff, but the view is a bit more to the west and of the slopes of Cannon Mountain. It is generally less busy than Artist Bluff.
Franconia Ridge
This is one of the most popular, but very strenuous hikes in the White Mountains. Ascend Falling Waters Trail cross over the ridge, with stunning views the whole way, descend via Old Bridal Path. These summits are very exposed, please be prepared with the 10 essentials and check the weather forecast the day of your hike.
Cannon Mountain
One of the best things about Cannon is that to reach the incredible views it offers, you don’t necessarily have to hike it! Hop on the tram and skip lugging your gear. Or for the full experience, ascend via Kinsman Ridge or High Cannon Trail. You will see some of the best views of Franconia Ridge and the surrounding mountains 360 degrees from the observation deck.
Lonesome Lake
This is a steep, but relatively short hike to a beautiful lake nestled in the mountains. Franconia Ridge is visible from the far side looking out over the lake. It is a picturesque landscape at any time of the year.
Both of these natural attractions are paid, but well worth it! The Flume offers a boardwalk along the Pemigewasset River that has carved a narrow chasm with towering granite walls and waterfalls. There are also two covered bridges that are part of The Flume Trail.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is a loop walk that climbs through the gorge carved by Lost River. Numerous waterfalls, Paradise Falls being the largest, are passed as you make your way through the gorge on the boardwalk. There are also over ten boulder caves, one of them even has a waterfall inside of it. There is a side trail to a beautiful overlook and a covered bridge as you exit the gorge.
More Ideas
For more information about the hikes that are suggested above and for some additional beautiful spots, check out our Hiking in Franconia Notch blog and our Best Hiking Trails in the Western White Mountain blog.
For state-wide information, head to VisitNH.gov
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