We came to the Rocks for a Spring Break trip in March. I actually had found it a couple weeks…read morebefore our trip because I was looking for a place to show my kids the process of making maple syrup. I saw they did private tours so I booked it with me and the family we were traveling with. It ended up being a GREAT experience and we had Nigel as our guide. He was very knowledgeable and kind and allowed our kids (4 boys) to interact with the process and tap some trees. We also got to sample some syrups and candies while there. It was so neat to learn about everything and walk around this beautiful area. Thank you so much for your kindness. We will remember this forever.

Each year we visit The Rocks Estate as a family event to select a Christmas Tree and wreath. After…read morethe devastating fire last year and COVID this year we were concerned about their ability to open for the season. So, we were pleasantly surprised to not only find that they were open but also had an online reservation system to support social distancing. We had a great experience, wearing masks, and came home with a great looking tree! We even spent some time chatting with the farm's manager, Nigel, about their plans for the future: a great guy! Highly recommended! And it supports the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, too.

Diana's Bath is a natural pool with some small waterfalls. The walk from the parking lot is about…read more.6 miles one way, it's a quick and easy hike to reach this gorgeous spot. There is a parking lot and we were able to find parking but I'm sure it gets full at peak times. We enjoyed the hike and the waterfalls. It was in late May so there were quite a few people there. It's a peaceful spot to relax, sit in the pool, and just enjoy nature. I'm glad my family and I got to visit during this trip!

Parking instructions here were very unclear. What we initially believed were parking spaces turned…read moreout to be a line of cars waiting to park, with no visible signage where we entered. When we noticed an opening, we asked nearby drivers if we could squeeze in, and they had no issue with it. As we were parking, an employee approached us in a very aggressive and unprofessional manner and told us we could not park there. We apologized and explained that we were not from the area and had not seen any signs. We were told that the rule was "well known to locals" and that a sign existed at the front of the line--more than 25 cars ahead, making it impossible for us to see. Despite the surrounding drivers having no objection, the employee demanded we leave and became increasingly hostile when we asked questions or requested a manager. At that point, the interaction escalated unnecessarily, and we decided it wasn't worth the confrontation and left. I've never experienced such a level of rudeness from a staff member over an honest misunderstanding. Clear signage and more professional communication would have avoided the entire situation. Someone even yelled out "stop being a parking nazi". I would have otherwise liked to review the venue itself, but we were unable to do so as we never made it inside.

Me entire family went hiking together and it was beautiful!! The views, the climb, the weather,…read moreeverything. It was never overly crowded, so we were able to make quick stops along the hike for a snack or to take pics or even just stop to take in the view without feeling like a disturbance to anyone trying to pass. Hiking around Flume Gorge was also pretty lengthy which made for a camera roll loaded with pictures and a tired Sophie by the end of it. :) Such a fun place to check out. W the amazing views and variety of different elevations on this hike! Highly recommend!

Happy Earth Day again. You thought I was finished? HA!…read more Words fail to describe my love of Franconia. I am a Dartmouth alum - not one of the rich ones lmao so I did not have a car at college. If I did tho, you couldn't have pulled me away from the beauty of the White Mountains. I am however one of the old alums so I remember when there used to be an Old Man of the Mountain before his nose fell off lol. Anyways, this place has my entire heart and I only share it with people I trust. I took my friend here for a weekend getaway of rustic camping and hiking last April and I can safely say she also fell in love. We ran up and down I-93, I showed her the remnants of the Old Man, we stopped by the lake (lord it was cold), then we went to the Basin - beautiful in ALL seasons - and hiked a trail on-site. God I love Franconia so much. If you haven't gotten the chance to visit please make it a priority. It's stunning in all seasons! Things to know: -you can access The Basin from either side of 93. If on the far side you just need to cross under the overpass. -The Basin is paved. There are some stairs to get a closer look but it is largely accessible to view. -Still snow in some sections in late April - you're ok without spikes imo -parking was still free as of last year

Nice place to walk. Opens at 9. Get there early before all the other tourists come and then it…read moregets crowded.

It is really near the carpark so you actually dont sweat when you reach it. And the roads are paved…read moreespecially going to the handicap viewing area. Not that stroller friendly due to the natural landscape of the ground. On the way to the basin you could see the river and some minor falls for more enjoyment of the walk.

This is a fantastic public campground ($25/nt) and beach ($5/day). The water at the lake is clean,…read morewarm (in the summer), and the beach is well cared for. There are watercraft available for rental ($20/hr). The campground is professionally managed with DNCR staff ready to help. Firewood is sold on site (no outside firewood permitted) at $7/bundle. The patrons for the most part are kind and respectful (sadly, not all). Reserve online and come and enjoy this gem!

We loved it here! Absolutely gorgeous beach. We did not camp but spend several days here. You can…read morepay to leave and re-enter the beach area. The beach has a picnic area and trees so you don't have to be in the sun the entire day. The water is shallow so it's great for small kids. They do allow you to bring or buy floats. Snack stand was a typical camping store with Keurig Coffee and teenagers. They also had a great playground in the beach area so it's excellent for families!

Lonesome Lake is a MUST. Our server at dinner suggested this hike and I am so glad that she did…read more.. always pays to ask a local expert! There is a small parking lot at the base (park next to the Lafayette Campground). My suggestion is to arrive early because it fills up. Plus it's always better to battle an uphill hike early anyways. Most of the hike is shaded, but be warned that it's pretty steep. You'll need to climb uphill for at least two miles before you reach the lake. Luckily the payoff is beautiful and you get to hike downhill the entire way back. #WORTHIT Once at the top you'll immediately have beautiful views of the lake, but make sure that you keep walking for another 10-15 minutes up the narrow trail. That will eventually lead you to a wider boardwalk area where you can lay out some towels, enjoy snacks and drinks and jump right into the lake. I'm glad we packed towels and beers because after the long steep hike I was more than happy to chill out with a drink. I honestly could've stayed all day and been content. Definitely add this hike to your list if you are in the area!

How I have I not gushed about Lonesome Lake yet?! This was by far the best hike of our trip. The…read moreuphill hike is steep and a bit tough, but the payoff at the top is so worth it. We were visiting Littleton beginning of November and spent our whole Saturday on different trails. We got to Lonesome Lake a little later in the afternoon. The parking lot was nearly full when we got there but the trails really didn't seem that crowded at all. The entire hike up is all uphill, but not too challenging. But once you see the lake at the top?? So incredibly worth the sore legs. It seriously feels unreal or from a photograph when you first see it. It was partly covered in ice but we were so heated up from the uphill trek. This lake must be pretty wonderful in the summer months when you are just drenched from the hike up and can cool off by jumping in the lake. Little tip, be sure to wander a little further once you get to the lake. You'll see a trail with wooden planks. We basically made our own little outcove off of the trail by the water so I am not sure what is alllll the way farther down that trail. We got there on the late side and didn't want to make the hike down in the dark so we only stayed for about an hour, but I honestly could have spent the whole day there. Bring snack, drinks, anything to make a supremely cozy stay at the top. If you are looking for the perfect hike, ya found it.

Stumbled across Lost River when planning a trip to NH to see the fall foliage. I absolutely love…read morethe Flume Gorge trail & this one wasnt too far away. I had heard there were gorges & caves to explore different from other trails nearby along with beautiful pines and waterfalls. It exceeded all my expectations! It says this is a 1 mile loop hike but be prepared- I walk a 5k daily & this trail kicked my butt in a good way. It was moderately challenging- I went in the rain so it was a bit cooler too. The best advice I could offer is to take a backpack with snacks, another jacket just in case (although i layered up), pack rain pants to help keep me warm in the rain, and shoes with good traction. And plenty of water. Beanies may also be a good option to keep your head warm from the cold. And a portable battery. Also, if you haven't traveled with a car like me..then the Shuttle Connection is a life saver to travel in town. Way cheaper than Uber and fairly quick to transport you wherever you want to go. Also for travelers go back and forth to other states travel by bus is the perfect and most affordable way to travel. This trail offered amazing views, great photo ops, and plenty of additional trails to explore. They also make sure to keep everything maintained and safe for hikers exploring. Everything is well labeled and easy to follow. They do say and I can attest- travelers who have difficulty walking or have walkers etc..this may not be an ideal trail. Also, for younger children this may not be an kdela hike because of how extensive the elevation is. You are climbing a mountain and waterfall elevation. Make sure to look up details on their trail before you plan a trip. But well worth the hike :)

Our family loved the gorge and caves. We've been to NH a few times, but our kids are on the younger…read moreside so this was a first for us. The boardwalk is not only a great help to get through the gorge, its craftsmanship is amazing. The hand railings are rounded and smooth, and we were even able to chat with one of the carpenters on our visit as he installed a new section of boardwalk. The caves themselves are not really caves in the traditional sense, rather the negative space between boulders and the earth & other boulders. That didn't detract from their awesomeness as it's amazing to think that these giant boulders were moved by ice. We spent about 2 hours going through the caves and doing the extra loop through the suspension bridge. My boys tried a few caves more than once and even made it through the Lemon Squeeze! The main building looks newer, is very clean and comfortable. There isn't somewhere to sit in the shade, but we weren't there long enough to really miss that's however, if you brought a lunch or had someone in your party who needed to wait this one out, there are some picnic tables surrounding the main building.

Beautiful waterfall with a really nice hike to get there. There are plenty of rocks and steps along…read morethe way, but it's not too difficult and it feels like you actually worked for the view. Lots of people were there enjoying it, sitting by the falls and doing the hike, and kids were able to make it without much trouble.

If you're in the White Mountains, be sure to stop at Arethusa Falls! We paired it on with…read moreFrankenstein Cliff, making for a perfect half day hike. If you choose to pair it on with the cliff, make sure to do that trail first and it will lead into the falls trail. The cliff trail is MUCH more challenging and is not recommended unless you are experienced with hiking. For the falls trail, I would recommend allotting 2-3 hours. It's a quick and easy trail that will take you maybe 45-1 hour each way depending on your experience, but you'll want to spend some time at the falls. Highly recommend!

Rarely does a name of a place live up to the expectations quite like Dismal Pool does…read more In what can only be described as a borderline Lampoon-meets-1980's road trip, my father decided he wanted to go to The Flume via his outdated GPS unit that took him the longest way possible. As we drove, we passed all sorts of amazing natural beauties, like Diana's Baths and Echo Lake State Park, that we didn't stop at. Once we complained about flying past all of these great things, he slammed on his breaks and whipped into the next designated scenic vista area he came across causing a cacophony of honked horns from the people he nearly crashed into during his dramatic display. The scenic vista was quite scenic... Tall mountains dipping gracefully from the sky to the land. We took the requisite selfie or seven before realizing that we were also at the home of Dismal Pool. My father encouraged us all ("you wanted to stop here, so we're stopping here!") to take the time to walk down the steep hill to absorb the wonder that was Dismal Pool. The small pond is in fact depressing, dreary, and pitiful... Defining "dismal", as it were, to a tee. It was tepid looking water against large boulders in a overgrown area of forest. We, of course, took some more photos. Because... when at Dismal Pool, do as the Dismal Poolians would do. Or... what happens at Dismal Pool stays at Dismal Pool? Some other city's saying here replaced with Dismal Pool. Honestly? There's no reason to stop here, unless you appreciate not being let down. Because what the sign says is exactly what you're gonna get. No false advertising here!

This was a cool hike up. We parked in the parking lot that was right at the midpoint where you can…read morego left or go right. It was muddy as heck that day, so I would recommend not going that route because once we were done with the climb, we noticed that there was literally a shortcut at the bottom to the main road with a parking lot across the street, so there was no need for that extra hike to get to the climb. You're welcome!

Amazing hike with a payoff view that is spectacular. This is a moderate level hike and should be…read moretaken only by people who are OK with climbing rocks, boulders and can handle heights well. That said, my wife and 2 daughters (both under 12y/o had no problem traversing the trails and were ear to ear smiles at the end.