Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is in the heart of the White Mountains, southwest of Mount Washington. From its website: 

Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north. For eight miles, I-93 winds between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges.

Its attractions include[d]:

- "The famous Old Man of the Mountain, the same "Great Stone Face" immortalized by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster." (It fell in May 2003)

- Flume Gorge

- Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

- New England Ski Museum (we skipped this)

- Echo Lake

- Plenty of hiking trails in the nearby mountains

We focused on Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain.

Flume Gorge is a 2-mile loop trail whose highlight is . . . Flume Gorge. Book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment (they have time slots, I think . . . or at least a ticket maximum). The path starts off pleasant but unassuming . . . the gorge deepens (and gets spectacular) quickly, culminating in a small waterfall. After walking 'up' the gorge, there are various other sites along the trail, to include a few 'dens' you can explore and interesting boulders (and trees on them). After the Gorge, we enjoyed a picnic lunch (there are tables near the parking lot) before heading on.

Cannon Mountain Tramway was similarly fun, reminding us of similar experiences we had in the Alps. You can buy tickets in advance or at the counter; space is limited. The cable car ends at a series of trails, most of which are in enclosed by stunted pine, but frequently open to pleasant vistas.

After dinner and a short rest, we concluded the day at a mini-golf place in Lincoln. It was significant in that an active rail line ran through the course.

Our time in the White Mountains was short but wonderful, enabling us to catch up with friends and enjoy the sights. Our one full day/two night stay was worth it. We'd head to bed on time, though, as the next day would feature the long drive to Cooperstown.