The Franconia Notch State Park (FNSP) shuttle service is already alleviating parking issues along Interstate 93, which runs through the park, according to state officials. To date, 1,930 visitors have used the shuttle since service began mid-May.
“Franconia Notch State Park and the entire White Mountain National Forest are treasures, drawing visitors from all over the country and the world,” says Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) Commissioner Taylor Caswell “We are pleased to see our hiking community utilizing this new shuttle service, which provides a safe and legal alternative for visitors. Moreover, this initiative is a prime example of multiple agencies and stakeholders coming together to develop a positive solution—with minimal impact on the visitor experience.”
With increasing visitation to the White Mountains region, the parking situation at the Falling Waters/Old Bridle Path Trailheads in FNSP had become an issue of visitor safety and environmental protection in recent years, due to visitors parking vehicles outside of designated lots along the shoulder of Interstate 93.
“The Franconia Notch State Park Shuttle provides a valuable service and a safe alternative for hikers using the state park,” said Sarah Stewart, commissioner, NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “We are pleased to provide this service to accommodate the increasing number of people hiking the popular trails adjacent to Lafayette Place Campground.”
The shuttle provides access to the popular trailhead in the notch. The service runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cost to ride is $5 per person round-trip (cash only) between Peabody Big Lot at Exit 34-C, Lafayette Place Campground, Falling Waters trailhead and back to Peabody Big Lot. The shuttle service will run through Columbus Day weekend. For more information, visit franconianotchstatepark.com.
Current Issue - April 2024