Franconia Notch
On this Page: General Information Climbing Areas Emergency Checklist Recommended Books Area Information
General Information
As you enter Franconia Notch form the south you enter a different world. Often times the weather in the Notch is completely different than outside. Clouds and rain seem to get trapped when nearby towns are dry.
The first exit on the right is the Flume. A visitors center that services crowds during the summer is completely shut down in the winter. Ice climbing about ten minutes behind the visitors center is worth a day trip to the notch.
Further in is the Lafayette campground. In the summer and fall a blanket of campfire smoke hangs over the trees rending us that we could be relaxing instead of huffing it out to the climbs in the notch.
As you approach Cannon, you can see the prominent protrusion of the Whitney-Gilman ridge with the Black Dike in its shadow. Whitney-Gilman may be the summer's most popular climb in the notch, but the Dike is the most popular ice climb in the winter.
Soon the Old Man of the Mountain profile is seen on the left. If you climb Lakeview on Cannon, you will be able to climb this feature. The climbing on Cannon can be seen all along the left of the highway and the sliver of the Eaglet can be seen on the right side if you are at the proper angle.
The final exit in the Notch brings you to the Cannon Mountain Tramway where you can enjoy a ride to the top of Cannon, a walk around the lake, or the use of a public washroom after a day of climbing. In the winter, there is skiing on Cannon.
Climbing Areas
Cannon has a lot of rock fall and is very dangerous. Disclaimer: If you climb here, you will likely be crushed to death or at least hit by rock fall.
Franconia Notch Climbing - The Eaglet and Cannon
Emergency Checklist
Climbing on Cannon is serious. The approach is difficult, there is a lot of rock fall, and many of the routes and descents take a long time. There are many parties out there and your ascent can be slowed by others. It is important that you have everything you will need in an emergency, for example a change of weather. The storms often come from behind the cliff so you don't nkw it is coming until it is there.
- Helmet
- Rain Gear
- Rappel stuff - be ready to bail if you have to. We bring rappel rings and extra slings.
- Head lamp
- First Aid kit
- Fleece jacket or insulation layer - it can get very cold in the summer, too.
- As the routes are long, many climbers take a photocopy of the route description and topo with them, either laminated or placed in a zip lock baggy
Recommended Books
Rock Climbs in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, 2nd edition, Ed Webster (Mountain Imagery)
The only published guide to this cliff that we know of is Ed Webster.s Second Edition of Rock Climbing in New Hampshire's White Mountains. It is, unfortunately, a little outdated but still indispensable. The Third Edition has come out, but only the East volume, and Cannon is to be in the West volume. Hopefully the Second Edition is still available, but some information regarding routes may be found on the internet.
Area Information
Places to StayPlease note this is for reference only. Do not email requesting reservations. Lafayette Place $16/night for first two people. +8/extra person 98 sites. Bathrooms and coin-op showers. 1/2 of all sites are up for reservation at least 7 days in advance. 1/2 of all sites are first come first serve and fill up quickly on Friday. No hookups. Franstead
Campground About 15 minutes from Cannon climbers' parking lot. Very nice campground with toilets and showers. We have stayed here before and really liked it. Apple Hill Campground Stony Brook Motel & Lodge Very close to the notch, indoor and outdoor pools, river, nice. Indian Head Resort Places to EatPlease note this is for reference only. Do not email requesting reservations. Truant's Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train May-October and December. 20 mile train trip and dinner. Cost is over $40 for adults, and the food is fancy. Useful PlacesPublic Bathrooms
The Basin |
