Franconia Notch Parkway (US-3)
U.S. Route 3 through Franconia Notch is a 9-mile passage that required a special Act of Congress to build as a two-lane parkway rather than a standard Interstate — I-93 narrows to a single lane in each direction to preserve the notch's character. Flanked by 4,000-foot Cannon Mountain on the west and Mount Lafayette on the east, the road threads through Franconia Notch State Park past the Basin, Echo Lake, and the site of the former Old Man of the Mountain. The granite walls rise on both sides, creating a canyon effect unlike anything else on a US highway east of the Rockies. Northbound riders emerge into the broad Connecticut River valley; southbound riders enter gradually narrowing terrain until the cliffs close in.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Longhorn Palace
A casual spot at the route's southern start in Lincoln for a meal before heading north.
Carroll
Small town near the northern edge of Franconia Notch where the terrain opens up into the White Mountains.
Grandma's Kitchen
A local diner in Whitefield offering a good stop for a home-style meal mid-route.
CNBrown Energy
Reliable fuel stop in Coos Junction, useful before the more remote northern stretch.
Timberland
Small community marking the northern end of the route through the Connecticut River valley.
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Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.