Franconia Notch: short paved return from the Flume access
New Hampshire · Greenway
Join the signed paved Recreation Path at its south entrance and ride north up to one mile, then retrace. Stay off I-93, gorge hiking trails and campground roads. Walk any steep access ramp.
Plan your ride
- Location
- Lincoln · New Hampshire
- Ride length
- Up to 2 miles return
- Ride format
- Out and back
- Surface
- Paved separated recreation path
- Road crossings
- Join the signed paved Recreation Path at its south entrance and ride north up to one mile, then retrace. Stay off I-93, gorge hiking trails and campground roads. Walk any steep access ramp.
- Elevation
- Easy-to-moderate mountain-valley terrain with hills; a short return still requires comfortable braking.
- Starting location
- Franconia Notch Recreational Trail south entrance, Flume Gorge Visitor Center parking, Lincoln, NH
Chosen cap of 1 mile(s) outward and the same distance back; turn earlier at barriers, crossings or unsuitable tread. The parking/access walk is additional and unmeasured.
Flume Gorge visitor-area reference; approximate planning point, not a surveyed entrance or parking stall.
Franconia Notch: short paved return from the Flume access — detailed guide
Source review: 2026-10-21. A dated source review does not guarantee current-day conditions.
Join the signed paved Recreation Path at its south entrance and ride north up to one mile, then retrace. Stay off I-93, gorge hiking trails and campground roads. Walk any steep access ramp.
Start and parking approach
Start: Franconia Notch Recreational Trail south entrance, Flume Gorge Visitor Center parking, Lincoln, NH
Use only open designated public visitor parking. Walk through parking aisles and the final access connection; never use private lots without permission. If no lawful open arrival is available, postpone or arrive by transit/foot.
Distance and route
Selected ride: Up to 2 miles return. Format: Out and back.
Chosen cap of 1 mile(s) outward and the same distance back; turn earlier at barriers, crossings or unsuitable tread. The parking/access walk is additional and unmeasured.
Join the signed paved Recreation Path at its south entrance and ride north up to one mile, then retrace. Stay off I-93, gorge hiking trails and campground roads. Walk any steep access ramp.
Surface and effort
Surface: Paved separated recreation path. Easy-to-moderate mountain-valley terrain with hills; a short return still requires comfortable braking. No surveyed maximum slope or accessibility certification is supplied.
Crossings and shared use
Yield to pedestrians, use the signed bicycle/shared-use route, slow at crossings and blind bends, and walk uncomfortable ramps. Authorized maintenance or emergency vehicles may appear. The written route defines the separated portion; nearby roads and unmarked walking or technical trails are excluded. Check current device rules before bringing an e-bike.
Hours, costs and access
Choose daylight and follow current posted park, trail and parking hours. Seasonal facilities and temporary closures can differ. Ordinary access fees were not established in this pass. Obey posted entry and parking terms; rentals, events and other services are separate.
Reviewed October 21, 2026. The 2026 tram replacement closure is not evidence the entire bike path is closed. Seasonal gates/services and local postings govern. Pets are not permitted on the recreation path; do not plan the whole notch as flat. This is source-based planning, not a field inspection or a guarantee of present-day conditions. Stop at closures; do not improvise a traffic-road bypass.
Map location
The marker is a labeled planning reference, not a surveyed parking space, bicycle entrance or navigable route line. Use the written start and current on-site signs for the final approach.