Skip to main content

Franconia Notch Parkway

Possibly one of the most scenic stretch of Interstate highway along the East Coast, The Franconia Notch Parkway -- which carries Interstate 93 -- is one of the last stretches of two lane Interstate in the country. After over two decades of controversy, it was decided that the route would best remain a two lane parkway through Franconia Notch State Park. The highway itself is extremely scenic as it passes the former site of the 'Old Man in The Mountain', the unique granite formation that served as the symbol of New Hampshire for decades. 

Just north of Exit 33 the Parkway begins.

Looking northbound along the two lane highway at the visitor's center.

Franconia Notch is formed by two converging mountain ranges; the Kinsman Ridge to the west and the Franconia Ridge to the east. The Parkway serves as the Gateway to the North Country and includes endless scenic views made accessible from numerous marked pullouts. Most access to the various outdoor activities within the Park is via the Parkway so traffic can be very heavy, especially on weekends.

The site of the collapsed 'Old Man' from one of the vista points along the Parkway.

In October 2003, I rode through the Notch not long after the Old Man rock formation collapse.  In early May 2003, after a series of heavy rains, cold temperatures, and high winds, the 40 foot rock formation that poked out from Cannon Mountain collapsed and was no more.  

Vista from the visitor center parking area - Exit 34A.

The Franconia Notch Parkway is an amazing drive and really showcases the ruggedness and beauty of New Hampshire. 

Low clouds cover the peaks Cannon Mountain (elevation 4180')
 
All photos taken by post author - October 2003.

Further Reading:



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Dillon Road

Dillon Road is a 34.2-mile highway located in northern Coachella Valley of Riverside County, California.  Dillon Road begins at Avenue 48 on the outskirts of Indio and ends to the west at California State Route 62 near San Gorgonio Pass.  Dillon Road was developed the 1930s as a construction road for the Colorado River Aqueduct.  Dillon Road serves as a northern bypass to much of the development of Coachella Valley.  Dillon Road is known for it's frequent dips and spectacular views of San Gorgonio Pass.   Part 1; the history of Dillon Road Dillon Road was constructed as a haul road for the Colorado River Aqueduct through Coachella Valley.  The Colorado River Aqueduct spans 242 miles from Parker Dam on the Colorado River west to Lake Mathews near Corona.  Construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct began during January 1933 near Thousand Palms and was made functional on January 7, 1939.  West of Berdoo Canyon Road the alignment of Dillon Road is largely concurrent with the Colorado

Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road

Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road is an approximately 21-mile highway located in southeast Kern County.  Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road begins at Tehachapi Boulevard (former US Route 466) in Tehachapi and crosses the Tehachapi Mountains via the 4,820-foot-high Oak Creek Pass.  Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road enters Antelope Valley of the wider Mojave Desert and passes by the historic stage station of Willow Springs to a southern terminus at Rosamond Boulevard.  Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road has historic ties to the Havilah-Los Angeles Road and Stockton-Los Angeles Road due to the once reliable presence of water at Willow Springs. Part 1; the history of Tehachapi-Willow Springs Road Oak Creek Pass and Willow Springs were known to the local tribes of the Tehachapi Mountains for generations.  The first documented European crossing of Oak Creek Pass was during 1776 as part of an expedition by Francisco Garces.  Oak Creek Pass is as used again by John C. Fremont during an 1844-1845 expedition to e

The 1928 Iowa Hill Road Bridge

The 1928 Iowa Hill Road Bridge is a derelict structure located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Placer County, California.  The 1928 Iowa Hill Road Bridge can be found between the communities of Colfax and Iowa Hill.  The 1928 Iowa Hill Road Bridge is a wire suspension structure which spans the North Fork American River.  The 1928 Iowa Hill Road Bridge was replaced by a modern span and converted to pedestrian use following floods during 1963.   Part 1; the history of the 1928 Iowa Hill Road Bridge During 1853 gold was discovered at what to become Iowa Hill.  The gold mining claims soon led to a small community known as Iowa City being established.   By 1854, Post Office Service began at the mines of Iowa City.  By 1856 gold production at Iowa City was estimated to be around $100,000.  Iowa City was burned in fires during 1857 and 1862 but the community was rebuilt with more modernized structures.   The location of Iowa City can be seen as "Iowa Hill" on the 1873 Bancroft