Cannon Mountain Announces Timeline and Other Details for Retirement of Iconic Aerial Tramway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Jennifer Karnan, Marketing Director
Email: jennifer.k.karnan@dncr.nh.gov
Phone: 603-823-7722 ext. 789

Franconia, NH – September 4, 2025— Following the July announcement of Cannon Mountain’s plan to retire its second-generation aerial tramway, Cannon officials have released additional details about its send-off. The final date of Aerial Tramway operations will be Sunday, October 26. 

With leaves already beginning to show color in Franconia Notch, visitors are reminded to book their tram tickets online in advance to guarantee their spot on Tram II during its final foliage season.

Since 1980, Cannon’s 80-passenger tram cars have carried more than nine million passengers to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain, offering sweeping bird’s eye views of Franconia Notch and mountains in four states and Canada. 

“As we prepare for the future, we also want to give our community, guests, and generations of riders a proper chance to celebrate the tram’s incredible legacy,” said Jace Wirth, General Manager of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park. “This is about honoring the past while building for the future.”

Cannon Mountain will be hosting a commemorative Tram Retirement event on Closing Day, October 26, for the general public. There will be food trucks, live music, and fun activities. All are welcome to attend and take part in this historic send-off. Further details will be forthcoming as the date nears at cannonmt.com.

Commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Sarah Stewart, added: “Cannon’s tramway is more than an attraction—it’s part of New Hampshire’s story. It has drawn visitors from near and far, strengthened our tourism economy, and inspired awe in everyone who has ridden it. Its retirement is a milestone for our state, and we are proud to ensure that this legacy remains a living part of New Hampshire’s future.”

With a third-generation tram already in the works, Cannon Mountain reminds the public that this won’t be a ‘goodbye,’ but a ‘see you later,’ until the project is completed.

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About Cannon Mountain
Cannon Mountain is located in Franconia Notch State Park, one of New Hampshire’s most celebrated and visited parks, and run by the State of New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks & Recreation. Cannon Mountain’s rich history began with the launch of North America’s first aerial tramway in 1938, paving the way for the skiing industry and tourism in New Hampshire. Cannon boasts the highest ski area summit (4,080 feet) and the longest vertical drop (2,180 feet) in New Hampshire. For more information, visit cannonmt.com