The Franconia Notch Bike Path is a 20-mile bike path that leads all the way from the south end of Franconia Notch State Park to the north end. The bike path parallels the Franconia Notch Parkway (I-93). The close proximity to the highway has its pros and cons - it is very easy to access via a number of parking areas, and the views from both the highway and the bike path are beautiful. However, the noise and wind from the cars does take away from the serenity of being in a beautiful state park surrounded by beautiful mountains.
In winter, the bike path is used as part of New Hampshire’s vast snowmobile trail network, so it is unplowed and the snow gets somewhat packed by the occasional snowmobile travel. It is also paved for its length, which means it only needs a few inches of snow to be skiable, making it a great option for a tour on classic cross country skis.
To enjoy the most scenic part of Franconia Notch State Park, a great route option begins at the Lafayette Place Campground (where the Lonesome Lake Trail begins). There is winter camping available here and the parking lot is plowed after storms. Head north on the bike path, where you are immediately greeted with a small bridge and a great view of Cannon Cliffs. Continuing north, the path climbs up several long but gradual hills before reaching a parking lot for the south end of Profile Lake 1.4 miles in. The trail passes through a tunnel under the highway and travels on the east side before crossing back under at 2.0 miles. At 2.6 miles, the trail reaches Echo Lake, with great views of the Cannon Mountain slopes. At 3.1 miles, the northern end of Echo Lake is reached.
Returning to the Lafayette Place Campground via the bike path is mostly downhill, making the loop a pleasant and scenic 6.3-mile round-trip cross country skiing route.
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