Four States Auto Museum | Texarkana

Information

Landmark: Four States Auto Museum
City: Texarkana
Country: USA Arkansas
Continent: North America

Four States Auto Museum, Texarkana, USA Arkansas, North America

Franconia Notch Parkway is a 12-mile scenic highway traversing Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Visual Characteristics

The parkway is a paved, two-lane road with a posted speed limit of 45 mph. It is flanked by dense coniferous and deciduous forests, with granite outcroppings and steep mountain slopes visible. The Pemigewasset River runs parallel to sections of the parkway. Elevation ranges from approximately 1,800 feet to over 3,000 feet.

Location & Access Logistics

The parkway is accessible via Interstate 93. The southern terminus is at Exit 34A (US Route 3) in Woodstock, NH, and the northern terminus is at Exit 35 (US Route 3) in Franconia, NH. The total length is 12 miles. Parking is available at designated pull-offs and trailheads along the parkway. No public transport operates directly on the parkway itself, but regional bus services connect to nearby towns like Lincoln and Franconia.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Franconia Notch State Park was established in 1921. The parkway itself was largely constructed in the mid-20th century, with significant upgrades and realignment occurring in the late 1970s and early 1980s to improve safety and access. The notch is a glacial valley, carved by ice sheets during the last ice age. The area is part of the Appalachian Mountain range, characterized by temperate forest ecosystems.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking trails include the Flume Gorge Trail (0.5 miles, paved boardwalk), Artist's Bluff Trail (1.4 miles roundtrip, moderate), and Mount Lafayette Trail (8.2 miles roundtrip, strenuous). Observation points include the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (operates seasonally), Artist's Bluff overlook, and Profile Lake overlook. Rock climbing is permitted in designated areas. Swimming is allowed in Echo Lake. Skiing is available at Cannon Mountain Ski Area.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at Flume Gorge, Lafayette Place Campground, and Cannon Mountain base lodge. Picnic areas are located at various pull-offs. Shade is provided by forest canopy. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent in many sections of the notch. Food vendors are present at the Flume Gorge visitor center and Cannon Mountain base lodge.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light offers optimal illumination of the mountain scenery. The best months for visiting are typically June through October for hiking and scenic drives, with peak foliage occurring in late September to early October. Winter access is limited to specific areas for skiing. High tide is not a relevant factor for this inland location.

Facts & Legends

The Old Man of the Mountain, a famous rock formation resembling a human profile, was a prominent natural landmark in the notch until its collapse in 2003. Local legend speaks of the Notch itself being a gateway to other realms.