Franconia Notch State Park, Mountain state park in Grafton County, US
Franconia Notch State Park is a mountain park in New Hampshire's White Mountains that extends along a narrow pass between two mountain ranges. Interstate 93 runs through the entire length of the park, passing lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
The state of New Hampshire created the park in 1928 to protect the valley and its rock formations from industrial use. The famous Old Man of the Mountain rock formation collapsed in spring 2003 after being stabilized for decades with steel supports.
Several viewpoints in the park commemorate the Old Man of the Mountain, the rock formation that long served as New Hampshire's emblem. Visitors find panels with explanations and historical photographs showing how the profile once stood above the valley.
The park is best visited between early summer and fall, when hiking trails are clear of snow and the hardwood forest shows its full color. The main road stays open year round, while some side routes close during winter months.
Flume Gorge at the southern end of the park is a natural cleft between two granite walls formed by erosion over thousands of years. A wooden walkway runs about 800 feet (240 meters) through the narrow chasm while water flows several feet below over smooth worn stones.
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