The History of Franconia Notch: Home of the Legendary Old Man of the Mountain

Few places in New Hampshire capture the heart and imagination quite like Franconia Notch. Located in the heart of the White Mountains, this dramatic mountain pass has been a symbol of natural beauty, geological wonder, and Granite State pride for generations. As a Realtor helping people find their dream properties across the Lakes Region and White Mountains area, I’m often asked about Franconia Notch — especially its most famous resident: the Old Man of the Mountain.

Here’s the fascinating history of this iconic corner of New Hampshire.

The Old Man of the Mountain – New Hampshire’s Most Famous Face

For nearly 200 years, the Old Man of the Mountain (also known as the Great Stone Face or simply “The Profile”) stood watch over Franconia Notch from the side of Cannon Mountain. This natural rock formation consisted of five granite ledges that perfectly aligned to create the striking side profile of an old man.

The formation was first recorded in 1805 by surveyors working in the area. By the mid-1800s, it had become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the country. The famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne even wrote about it in his 1850 short story “The Great Stone Face.”

In 1945, the Old Man was named the official state emblem of New Hampshire. His likeness appeared on license plates, highway signs, the state quarter, and countless souvenirs. For generations of Granite Staters, he represented strength, independence, and endurance.

Tragically, after centuries of freeze-thaw cycles weakening the granite, the Old Man collapsed on the night of May 3, 2003. The loss was felt deeply across the state. In the years since, a touching memorial has been built at Profile Lake with viewing platforms and steel profiles that show exactly where the Old Man once stood.

Ancient Origins of Franconia Notch

Long before the Old Man became famous, nature spent thousands of years sculpting Franconia Notch. Glaciers from the last Ice Age carved out the deep U-shaped valley between the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges roughly 12,000 years ago.

The area was originally a travel corridor used by the Abenaki people. European settlers began exploring the notch in the late 1700s. One of the most famous discoveries came in 1808 when 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey stumbled upon the spectacular Flume Gorge while out fishing. What she found was an 800-foot-long natural chasm with towering granite walls.

The Golden Age of Tourism

By the mid-1800s, Franconia Notch had become one of New England’s premier tourist destinations. Grand hotels, most notably the legendary Profile House (built in 1853), welcomed visitors arriving by stagecoach and later by train. These visitors came to see the Old Man, walk through the Flume Gorge, and enjoy the pristine mountain air.

In the early 20th century, conservationists fought hard to protect the Notch from over-development. Thanks largely to the efforts of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the state acquired the land, and Franconia Notch State Park was officially established in 1928.

The park continued to grow in popularity. In 1938, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway — the first passenger aerial tramway in North America — opened, giving visitors breathtaking views from the summit.

Franconia Notch Today

Even without the Old Man physically present, Franconia Notch remains one of New Hampshire’s most beloved destinations. The eight-mile Franconia Notch Parkway (part of I-93) winds through stunning scenery with easy access to:

• The Flume Gorge

• Cannon Mountain (hiking and skiing)

• Echo Lake Beach

• Profile Lake and the Old Man Memorial

• Miles of hiking trails and a scenic paved bike path

The notch continues to represent everything we love about the Granite State: rugged natural beauty, rich history, and that unmistakable sense of wonder.

Ready to Experience It Yourself?

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or dreaming of living closer to the White Mountains, Franconia Notch is a powerful reminder of why so many people choose to call New Hampshire home.If you’re thinking about buying land or a home with easy access to the mountains, the Lakes Region, or the White Mountains, I’d love to help you find the perfect spot.Have you ever visited Franconia Notch or seen the Old Man before 2003? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!