Things To Do
Franconia Ridge Trail
This is our favorite hike in New Hampshire and the spot where we got engaged! The hike is approximately 8.5-9.5 miles with some significant elevation gain on the way up, so expect about 6-9 hours of hiking depending on your pace. We recommend starting early and checking the weather beforehand, as much of the hike is fully exposed above the tree line. This isn't an easy hike, but the views are worth it if you're up for a challenge. Start at the trailhead off of I-93N and take the Falling Waters trail up to the summit of Little Haystack, passing by some beautiful waterfalls along the way. From there, you can traverse the Franconia Ridge Trail, summiting Mt. Lafayette with 360° views along the way. From Lafayette, a descent down the Green Leaf Trail will take you to the Green Leaf Hut, where you can stop for food, coffee, water, restrooms, etc. Finally, the Old Bridle Path will take you back down the mountain and return you to the parking lot.
Schilling Beer Co. and Mill St. Kitchen
For fans of European-inspired beers and fare, we recommend visiting Schilling Beer Co., which sits right in downtown Littleton along the Ammonoosuc River. Visit the Brewery Pub & Kitchen (Red Building) for a classic full table service experience featuring craft brews and artisan wood-fired pizzas. Check out the Store & Tasting Room (Black Building) for draft pours, to-go cans/bottles, & merchandise. Lastly, head to Mill St. Kitchen (Yellow Building) for beer, cocktails, and bites like smashburgers, pizza, and more. The facilities offer both indoor and outdoor seating, including a beer garden and decks with views of the river.
Super Secret Ice Cream
If you take your scoops seriously, head over to Super Secret Ice Cream in Bethlehem, where all of the ice cream is made in-house with local and seasonal ingredients. If you're like Ciara and tend to seek out "fun" flavors on the menu (think along the lines of blueberry juniper, coffee cardamom, honeycomb, or cherry pistachio mascarpone), you'll find that you have come to the right place. If you're like Ross and prefer to stick to chocolate or vanilla, rest assured, they'll have something for you too.
Crumb Bum Bakery
We love this spot in Littleton for a breakfast sandwich, coffee, or pastry!
Artist's Bluff Trail
One of the most popular trails in Franconia Notch State Park for a reason... This moderate, 1.5 mile loop trail has some steep sections but offers beautiful views of Echo Lake and Franconia Notch and takes most people less than an hour to complete.
Littleton Riverwalk and Covered Bridge
Take a short stroll along the river walkway in downtown Littleton... Cross over the Riverwalk Covered Bridge next to Schilling Beer Co. on Mill Street, then follow the path west toward a steel suspension footbridge that brings you back across the river to Saranac Street.
Polly's Pancake Parlor
Travel to nearby Sugar Hill to visit the iconic Polly's Pancake Parlor for a stack of made-from scratch pancakes with New Hampshire maple syrup!
Flume Gorge
The Flume Gorge Trail is a beautiful 2-mile loop featuring waterfalls, boardwalks, covered bridges, ferns, mosses, steep granite walls, and more. This is a fairly relaxing trail, but can be crowded, and advanced tickets and reservations are required during the summer months due to the trail's popularity. Tickets are cheaper when reserved in advance.
Littleton Farmer's Market
Visit the Littleton Farmer's Market on Sunday from 10am to 1pm to find fresh local and organic produce, flowers, cheese, wool products, handcrafted soaps, furniture, jewelry, baked goods, coffee, live music, and more. The market is located by the Ammonoosuc River on Riverglen Lane.
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
If you really want to get into the wedding weekend spirit, consider opting for a hike up the Bridal Veil Falls Trail. This is a 4.8 mile, out-and-back trail up to a waterfall with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so it may take 2-3 hours to complete. We haven't tried this one out yet, but you might spot us out there before the weekend festivities get going!
Lonesome Lake Trail
This hike is a about 3-3.5 miles long, with a steady incline and some rocky sections on the climb up to the lake. Once you reach Lonesome Lake, there is a flat loop around the lake with views of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Ridge, along with an opportunity to stop at the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut for bathrooms and refreshments. You can find the trailhead at Lafayette Place Campground off of I-93.
Echo Lake Beach
Head to Echo Lake Beach for swimming, fishing, and canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals. The beach offers views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. Note that the park charges a small day use fee per person. [Additional Note: Echo Lake Beach at Franconia Notch State Park is distinct from Echo Lake State Park in North Conway, NH]
Tall Provisions
Visit Tall Provisions on Main Street in Littleton for creative seasonal dishes, cocktails, and wine.
Sour’s Taverna
Sour's Taverna is a tapas bar and restaurant in Littleton offering Mediterranean small plates, cocktails, and Sunday brunch.
Franconia Notch Recreation Path
The Franconia Notch Recreation Path is a mostly flat, 8-9 mile paved pedestrian and bike path running the length of Franconia Notch State Park. For bike rentals, check out Littleton Bike & Fitness or White Mountain Bike Shop.
Ammonoosuc Rail Trail
The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail is a 19-mile gravel bike and walking path running between Littleton and Woodsville along the Ammonoosuc River. For bike rentals, check out Littleton Bike & Fitness or White Mountain Bike Shop.