Redwood Creek: Top 25 Picnic Destinations

		FRANCONIA NOTCH: Noshing in New Hampshire
		THE SETTING One of Northern New Hampshire's most scenic regions, Franconia Notch State Park is located on the western slopes of the White Mountain National Forest. In the warm months, the area stirs with lilacs, apple blossoms and lupines, and its scenic lakes and streams, country roads and hillsides make for a popular weekend destination. The park's most famous site is the Old Man of the Mountain, a granite rock formation jutting from a sheer cliff 1,200 feet above Profile Lake. But Franconia Notch has much more to offer, including The Basin, a deep glacial pothole at the base of a beautiful waterfall; Cannon Mountain, whose aerial tramway ascends to a 4,200-foot summit for spectacular views of White Mountain; and Profile Lake, which is often called The Old Man's Washbowl. Other must-see sites are Echo Lake, which offers splendid views of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain, and Flume Gorge, an 800-foot gorge with sheer 90-foot walls. Picnickers will find many spots throughout the park to spread their blankets, or else settle in at formal picnic spots in the Gardner Memorial Wayside Area, Milan Hill State Park or Greenfield State Park, which has its own beach and canoe rentals.
		WHAT TO SEE AND DO In the park, take a ride up the Aerial Tramway to Cannon Mountain. Or take a walk on one of the trails that lead from the summit station to an observation tower with panoramic views of the valleys and mountains. Go fly-fishing at Profile Lake, swim at Echo Lake or ride a bicycle through Lafayette Campground. Hike up to Bald Mountain and Artists Bluff for fine views of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch, or to Kinsman Falls, a secluded and often overlooked spot on Cascade Brook. The Appalachian Trail, which runs from Georgia to Maine, cuts through the park for rigorous hiking. Take a scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest on the lonely Kancamagus Highway. If you're the adventurous type, explore miles of backcountry roads. Weekenders should consider spending time at one of the nearby resort towns -- Franconia, Easton and Sugar Hill - whose accommodations range from cozy B&Bs to full-serve ski resorts. These charming little villages are also home to several historical museums; don't miss the Robert Frost house in Franconia.
		HOT TIPS There is no charge to enter the park. The ranger at the Franconia information booth can help you get acquainted with the area. Hiking maps and trail information are available at the Flume. Be careful if you're exploring the area by car - here in the park, moose wander onto the highways at night. If your picnic basket is missing a few essentials, stop by Kelly's Market or the Village Store in Franconia, or pick up a box lunch at one of the inns at the nearby villages.
		PHOTO OPS Take the Cannon Mountain Aerial tramway up to the summit, where you can shoot a panoramic view of the White Mountains. Looking to the west, the Green Mountains of Vermont loom on the horizon, and northward you can see into Canada. The open ledges at the 2,557-foot summit of Indian Head afford excellent angles of Franconia Notch, the Franconia Range and the valley to the south. At Flume Gorge, photograph the scenic pools and glacial boulders. Sugar Hill is known for its fine postcard views of the mountains, so don't miss those. The sweeping panorama of the Franconia Range, Twin mountain range and Presidential range from Sunset Hill Road atop Sugar Hill is also a must-see.
		LOCAL SPECIALTIES Corn chowder is New Hampshire's official state food, so pack up a thermos of some for your picnic lunch.