Riding the Franconia Notch Parkway and US 3 to Twin Mountain
Franconia Notch Parkway and US 3 to Twin Mountain: a 22-mile mountain ride from Lincoln, NH to Twin Mountain, NH. Plan on about 30–40 min of riding, plus stops.
North of Lincoln, US 3 joins I-93 on the Franconia Notch Parkway, a rare stretch of interstate with one lane in each direction. For about eight miles it threads between the Kinsman and Franconia ranges, from the Flume Gorge at the south end of the notch to Echo Lake at the north, with exits for the state park’s main stops. At Exit 35, US 3 splits off and runs north and east to Twin Mountain and its junction with US 302.
That stretch is known for moose sightings near dawn and dusk. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway was closed for a replacement project in 2026, so check its status before planning a stop. Pair this ride with Crawford Notch for a longer day.
Timing: About 30 to 40 minutes without stops.
Open the Franconia Notch Parkway and US 3 to Twin Mountain in Google Maps before you leave, and check the National Weather Service forecast for the area on the day.
Highlights
- Flume Gorge Visitor Center at the south end of the notch
- Echo Lake below Cannon Mountain
- Old Man of the Mountain historic site
Route
Start
Lincoln, NH
End
Twin Mountain, NH
Check road and weather conditions before you ride. Distances and times are approximate.
On the ground
Around Laconia
