Big news for anyone who loves the White Mountains: Hideaway Inn Franconia Notch opens its doors this summer, bringing a fresh, design-forward place to stay right in the heart of New Hampshire’s most iconic mountain pass. Whether you are chasing waterfalls, summiting peaks, or just looking for a beautiful base camp for a long weekend, this is the launch we have been excited to share.
Here is what is coming, plus a guide to the standout attractions waiting just minutes from your room
A New Way to Stay in Franconia Notch
Hideaway Inn Franconia Notch reimagines the classic White Mountains getaway for travelers who want adventure by day and genuine comfort by night. As an independent hotel built around friction-free travel, the experience is simple by design: contactless check-in, no front desk to wait at, and thoughtfully designed rooms that feel like a true retreat after a day on the trail.
Each of our signature suites draws its character from the surrounding landscape:
- Sunset Hill Suite, named for the golden-hour views the property is known for
- White Mountain Suite, a nod to the rugged peaks framing the valley
- Cannon Mountain Suite, inspired by the legendary ski mountain just up the road
The hotel sits within easy reach of Franconia Notch State Park, downtown Franconia, and the wider White Mountains region, making it an ideal home base for hikers, skiers, leaf-peepers, and anyone who simply wants to slow down and breathe the mountain air.
The Best Attractions Near Hideaway Inn Franconia Notch
One of the best things about staying here is how much sits within a short drive. Here are the highlights worth building your trip around.
Flume Gorge
The most famous attraction in the area, Flume Gorge is a natural granite chasm with moss-covered walls rising up to 70 to 90 feet on either side of a wooden boardwalk. The roughly two-mile loop winds past covered bridges, overlooks, and the rushing Avalanche Falls. It is a favorite for all ages and abilities, though it is popular enough that reserving a timed entry in advance is the smart move during peak season.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway
For panoramic views without the climb, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway carries you to the 4,180-foot summit in an 80-passenger cabin. The payoff at the top is a sweeping look across the White Mountains, and on a clear day the vistas stretch for miles. Cannon is also one of the oldest ski destinations in the country, so it is a year-round draw.
Echo Lake Beach
When the summer sun is out, Echo Lake Beach is the place to cool off. You can swim, paddle a rented boat, or simply stretch out on the sand with the mountains reflected in the water. It is one of the most relaxing spots in the park and an easy outing for families.
The Basin
A quick, accessible walk leads to The Basin, a smooth granite pothole carved by the Pemigewasset River over roughly 15,000 years. The swirling water and curved rock walls make it one of the most photographed natural features in the notch, and it is well worth the short detour.
Artist Bluff Trail
If you want a rewarding hike that does not eat up your whole day, the Artist Bluff Trail is a roughly 1.5-mile loop with big views over Echo Lake and the surrounding ridges. It is especially stunning during fall foliage season. Wear proper footwear, since there is some rock scrambling and the trail can get slick after rain.
The Franconia Notch Recreation Path
For a lower-key way to take in the scenery, the paved Franconia Notch Recreation Path runs through the park and connects many of its highlights. It is perfect for walking, running, or biking, and it links several attractions so you can string together a few stops in one easygoing outing.
Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza
Pay tribute to New Hampshire’s most beloved landmark at the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza. The famous rock formation collapsed in 2003, and the memorial plaza now honors the cherished profile that watched over the notch for two centuries.
Where to Eat and Explore Beyond the Park
The towns surrounding Franconia Notch are full of character, and they are an easy add-on to any day of hiking.
- Downtown Littleton is a short drive away, with independent shops, art galleries, and cafes lining its historic Main Street along the Ammonoosuc River.
- Iron Furnace Brewing in Franconia is a relaxed spot for hop-forward craft beers, with wines and ciders also on the menu.
- Schilling Beer Co. in Littleton is known for its European-inspired brews in a riverside setting.
- Cold Mountain Cafe in Bethlehem offers a farm-to-table menu with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
- The Dutch Treat in Franconia is a friendly, casual choice for comfort food after a day outdoors.
Nearby you will also find covered bridges, scenic train rides, zip lining, and the Frost Place Museum and Poetry Center, so there is plenty to fill the days between hikes.