This Tiny New Hampshire Town Is The Grandest Winter Wonderland You’ll Ever Visit
By Ken MacGray|Updated on January 19, 2024(Originally published January 26, 2023)
×
Ken MacGray
Author
Hey! I'm a freelance writer and guidebook author. I've authored "New Hampshire's 52 With A View - A Hiker's Guide", serve as editor of Appalachian Mountain Club's "Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide", and and am co-editor of the "White Mountain Guide", also for AMC. I'm currently beginning work on the 6th Edition of AMC's Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide, which will be published in 2025. I live in southern New Hampshire and can usually be found wandering throughout the state's mountains and forests.
Small-town getaways really are the best, no matter if you are staying for a while or just visiting for the day. Fortunately, New Hampshire has many such small towns, so how do you choose? Well, if you’re a lover of being outside in winter in New Hampshire and surrounded by spectacular scenery, the tiny town of Franconia is one you should check out. This quintessential New England mountain town has just what you need from quaint little inns to incredible natural wonders to explore. Don’t forget to pack your winter gear and let’s hit the road!
Franconia was incorporated in 1764, it has retained its quintessential small-town character. The town of Franconia sits in the White Mountains. The White Mountain National Forest is located in portions of the town along with the northern section of Franconia Notch State Park.
The White Mountain National Forest remains one of New England's top wilderness spots with miles and miles of rugged trails, mountainous overlooks, attractions, and waterfalls. We love this area so much and have spent many weekends and week-long vacations exploring the forests. Franconia State Park is also one of our favorite areas of the White Mountains with some of the most scenic views in all of New England.
State-owned Cannon Mountain Ski Area is located in Franconia at the northern end of Franconia State Park. 10 lifts provide access to over 25 miles of trails covering 285 acres. U.S. Olympic skier Bode Miller honed his skills here on the slopes of Cannon.
The Franconia Inn has been welcoming guests and diners to the area since 1863. The inn has a cross-country ski center with over 25 miles of trails and there's also ice skating, tubing, and snowshoeing. It's the perfect place to stay while visiting Franconia. Learn more about this fantastic little accommodation by visiting the Franconia Inn website.
A short hike brings you to the top of Artists Bluff, famed for its views southward into Franconia Notch. This hike is accessible year-round. Hikers should be properly equipped for winter, microspikes have always been a huge help to us when it's icy. However, there is no shame in traveling in and having to turn back if conditions are too icy.
If you are short on time here is a little local secret. Park at the Echo Lake Beach parking lot and head back along the road toward the interstate. There is a guard rail and behind that is the sign for Artist Bluff. If you start your hike there you will have a very steep but short hike to the overlook. but if the trail is too slippery with ice a good alternative is to take the loop by Bald Mountain. It will extend your hike but it has a lot less elevation overall.
Bridal Veil Falls via Coppermine Trail is a longer hike in Franconia at 5 miles round-trip, but the walking is generally easy. The spectacular sight of the multi-tiered waterfall in its frozen splendor is also a great reward for the trek.
There is lots to do and see here in summer, but a winter visit brings added beauty. The sight of the surrounding forests and mountains draped in fresh snow can seem otherworldly.
What do you think about this little town during winter in New Hampshire? There is lots to see and do and we love how this town marries natural beauty with small-town living. To learn more about where to dine, play, and stay in Franconia, visit the town of Franconia website as well as the Franconia Notch Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Looking for more small towns to visit? How about these 7 small towns in New Hampshire towns that come alive during the summer? You can also check out these other small New Hampshire towns, one for each month of the year. What a great way to adventure this year!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Winter In New Hampshire
Chris Dodge|January 19, 2024
What are the best things to do in New Hampshire in the winter?
Here are just some of the best things to do in New Hampshire in the winter:
