New Hampshire State Parks Announces Foliage Traffic Initiatives in Franconia Notch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Greg Keeler, Marketing Director, NH State Parks
Email: gregory.keeler@dncr.nh.gov

Jennifer Karnan, Marketing Director, Cannon Mountain/Franconia Notch State Park
Email: jennifer.k.karnan@dncr.nh.gov
Phone: 603-823-7722 ext. 789

FRANCONIA, N.H., September 29 — Millions of visitors are expected to travel to New Hampshire this fall to experience peak foliage across the state, and New Hampshire State Park officials are making some improvements to one popular destination in Franconia Notch to help improve the experience.  To better accommodate rising visitation and safeguard natural resources, New Hampshire State Parks is implementing new strategies for the popular Artists Bluff Trail.

Park initiatives include increased staffing over peak foliage season to assist with visitor flow, traffic control, and on-site guidance; a one-way hiker traffic pattern on the Artists Bluff Trail to reduce congestion and improve hiker safety; enhanced signage and volunteer support to guide visitors during peak periods; and increased onsite facilities for food and beverage service, bathrooms, and trash disposal.

These efforts are being paired with a reminder for the public to adhere to Wildly Responsible Protect & Preserve practices as outlined by VisitNH: Stay on durable surfaces and marked trails; Pack out all trash and leave no trace; Observe wildlife at a distance and avoid disturbance.

“Our goal is to ensure that visitors can safely enjoy the beauty of Franconia Notch during one of the busiest times of the year,” said Jace Wirth, General Manager at Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park. “By pairing smart guest flow management with strong environmental stewardship, we protect both the visitor experience and the natural landscape.” All visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, arrive early, respect posted guidelines, yield to pedestrians, and choose alternative routes or trails when parking lots are full and main access points become congested.

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About NH State Parks
The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of five divisions of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. N.H. State Parks is comprised of the Bureau of Park Operations, the Bureau of Historic Sites, the Bureau of Trails, the Bureau of Community Recreation and Cannon Mountain Ski Area. The Division manages 94 properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides and natural areas. To learn more, visit nhstateparks.org, follow N.H. State Parks on Facebook, Instagram and X, or call 603-271-3556.