The beautiful area of Franconia Notch is well known for its year-round outdoor opportunities including ski slopes, cross-country trails, beautiful clean fishing lakes and streams, challenging hiking trails and Old Man of the Mountain whose profile prominently looks down on Profile Lake. This outcropping is a unique feature which has become a New Hampshire symbol. Early settlers discovered this craggy facade back in 1805 and ever since has captured the attention of tourists, writers and painters. Orator Daniel Webster wrote of the Old Man: "Men hang out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoe makers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mounts of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men." The trail itself can barely be categorized as a "trail." It is actually a paved path which is barrier free and allows everyone to enjoy the natural silhouette. The uniqueness of the outcropping makes for a fun place to visit because everyone present has an interesting comment. In addition to this walkway, there is also a trail that allows access down to the lake where one can view more interesting cliffs and jagged rocks.
Directions from Lincoln or Franconia, NH: Old Man of the Mountain has two exits off I-93. Exit 2 is the quickest exit to the large parking lot. It is well marked. Handicapped parking is at the lower level lot.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
Year-round .
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New Hampshire, long recognized as the Granite State, was without its symbol as dawn broke over Franconia Notch. Estimated at five slabs of granite weighting approximately 700 tons and measuring 40 feet 5 inches from forehead to chin, the sacred symbol is mourned. Perhaps the profile's tumbling is best described by members of the Abenaki tribe, "When great ones turn themselves to stone, and the stone gives way, that is a release of spirit. Our chief has come home." Updated: 2003-05-06 13:09:00.0
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