Trips home
My trips
Favorites
Create new trip
Settings
Currency
$ U.S. Dollar
Language
english
Help
FAQ
Trip Planner:   USA  /  New Hampshire  /  White Mountains  /  Franconia  /  The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia

4.8
#1 of 15 in Things to do in Franconia
Geologic Formation · Nature / Park
Create an itinerary including The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park
The region that holds The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park recognizes the natural wonder beneath a waterfall in the Pemigewasset River. At 9 m (30 ft) wide and 4.5 m (15 ft) deep, the granite pothole was formed over 25,000 years ago by melting glacial water. As the water flowed, it eroded the bedrock. Fifteen millennia have since smoothed the rock surfaces to leave a polished look. As part of Franconia Notch State Park, a visit to the basin can be included within a larger hike that winds through the park, or you can just enjoy the short walk to this geological wonder. Start your trip to Franconia by creating a personalized itinerary on Klarna Trips.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,007 reviews
TripAdvisor
  • By Carol and Ray L
    We were here 50 years ago and it is still a fun place to stop. We enjoyed the trail, the rushing water falls and the beautiful foliage. We could not have hit it any better because it was simply a... 
    We were here 50 years ago and it is still a fun place to stop. We enjoyed the trail, the rushing water falls and the beautiful foliage. We could not have hit it any better because it was simply a...  more »
  • By Christina B
    Thankful for the rain the night before. Water was high & rushing by. It was such an awesome sight. The water was so loud as it crashed into boulders and rocks. Not a long trail and easy to find. Easy....  more
    Thankful for the rain the night before. Water was high & rushing by. It was such an awesome sight. The water was so loud as it crashed into boulders and rocks. Not a long trail and easy to find. Easy....  more »
  • By NHjo
    The Basin is worth a stop when you're driving along Route 3 through Franconia Notch State Park or visiting the White Mountains region in general. It's a very soothing, beautiful place, and the short.....  more
    The Basin is worth a stop when you're driving along Route 3 through Franconia Notch State Park or visiting the White Mountains region in general. It's a very soothing, beautiful place, and the short.....  more »
See more on TripAdvisor ›

Plan your trip to Franconia

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.
Know more

Popular things to do in Franconia

See all ›
Franconia Notch State Park ©
State Park
Franconia Notch State Park
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Cannon Mountain ©
Mountain
Cannon Mountain
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Franconia Notch ©
Forest
Franconia Notch
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Franconia-Sugar Hill-Easton ©
Landmark
Franconia-Sugar Hill-Easton
5.0
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Franconia

Kancamagus Highway ©
Scenic Drive
Kancamagus Highway
North Conway
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Stowe Recreation Path ©
Hiking Trail
Stowe Recreation Path
Stowe
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Flume Gorge ©
Geologic Formation
Flume Gorge
Lincoln
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Burlington Bike Path ©
Hiking Trail
Burlington Bike Path
Burlington
4.8
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in Franconia

Mount Lafayette ©
Mountain
Mount Lafayette
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Profile Lake ©
Water Body
Profile Lake
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Avalanche Falls ©
Waterfall
Avalanche Falls
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Artist Bluff Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Artist Bluff Trail
4.7
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Franconia

New England Ski Museum ©
Specialty Museum
New England Ski Museum
4.5
Duration: 30 minutes
Franconia Notch Stables ©
Horseback Riding Tour
Franconia Notch Stables
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center ©
Landmark
Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Beaches in Franconia

Echo Lake Beach ©
Beach
Echo Lake Beach
4.5
Duration: 2 hours

Nature in Franconia

Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza ©
Geologic Formation
Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza
3.9
Duration: 2 hours
Don't Miss a Thing.
See & Do More.

Trips in The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park by other users

15 days in Boston, New Hampshire & Vermont BY A USER FROM DENMARK Boston Hampton Holderness 32 days in Woodstock BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel Rocky Gorge Quechee Bridge 7 days in New Hampshire BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Manchester North Conway Lincoln 61 days in New Hampshire BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Keene Nashua Littleton 17 days in New England BY A USER FROM DENMARK Provincetown Franconia Wells 8 days in New Hampshire BY A USER FROM CANADA North Conway Lincoln Portsmouth 22 days in New England BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Bar Harbor Camden Portland 22 days in New England BY A USER FROM UNITED KINGDOM Newport Woodstock Stowe 8 days in Stowe BY A USER FROM CANADA Stowe 8 days in Stowe & Toronto BY A USER FROM CANADA Stowe Toronto 12 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Boston Providence Amherst 7 days in New Hampshire BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Manchester North Conway Lincoln
See all trips