Cannon Mountain Tramway

The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway has been lifting passengers from Franconia Notch since 1938, when it became the first passenger aerial tramway in North America. Today's modern cars carry visitors on a five-minute ride that climbs roughly 2,000 feet from the base to the summit at 4,080 feet. The view from the summit platform is the reward: Franconia Ridge to the south, the Presidentials to the east, and on clear days the Green Mountains of Vermont and the long blue line of the Adirondacks. A short path and observation tower lead to higher views, and a cafe at the summit serves snacks and drinks. Cannon is also a ski area in winter, with some of the steepest terrain in New England, but the tram runs for sightseers on a seasonal schedule in the warm months and again in winter for non-skiers on selected days. It is a gentle introduction to a mountain environment, accessible to young children and older visitors who cannot hike.

The Tramway is run by the state as part of Franconia Notch State Park. Tickets are sold at the base station, usually by round trip, with a discounted one-way option for hikers who want to ride up and walk down, or the reverse. The summit trails include the Rim Trail and a short walk to the observation tower, and strong hikers can continue to Kinsman Ridge. Plan on an hour at the top if you only want the view, or two if you want to walk the Rim Trail and have lunch.

Visibility is the main variable. Fog and cloud can swallow the summit at any time, so check the webcam or forecast before you go. The mountain is cooler than the notch by ten to fifteen degrees, and the wind is often brisk, so bring a jacket. In fall the tram is among the best foliage vantage points in the state, and the cars sell out earlier on weekends, so go on weekday mornings or the first departures of the day.

The tramway combines easily with the Flume Gorge, the Basin and Echo Lake in the same park, and with the Old Man of the Mountain memorial at Profile Plaza. For families, the combination of tram, lake beach and gorge walk makes an easy full-day plan. The tramway also anchors a summer concert series and special events on selected dates; check the calendar if your visit matches. Lunch in Franconia or Lincoln afterward finishes the day.

Weather and timing deserve a little attention. Mornings are usually clearest and calmest, while afternoon cloud can build over the ridge in summer. If the sky looks marginal, wait and watch the summit through the base-station window or webcam, since clouds in the White Mountains can lift as fast as they arrive.

In fall the cars are full on weekends, and a cold wind on the summit surprises people in light jackets. At the top, walk the short loop to the observation tower for a 360-degree view, then take the Rim Trail for a few hundred yards to look down on Profile Lake and the notch.

Children usually enjoy the novelty of the ride more than the walking. If you are a serious hiker, a route up Kinsman Ridge or down the Hi-Cannon Trail turns the tram into a convenient one-way shuttle. Whatever you choose, build in time to explore the base area and the nearby lakes.