Franconia Falls Trail Review (Lincoln, NH)

Franconia Falls is a 7.7-mile out-and-back from Lincoln Woods that gave me something I didn’t expect to find much of in the White Mountains: a trail I could actually run from start to finish.

I first ran it on the same day as Mount Pemigewasset, which had already introduced me to the steep climbing, rocks, roots, and technical terrain this area is known for. Franconia Falls was almost the exact opposite. The route is mostly flat, minimally technical, and follows the Pemigewasset River for much of the way before reaching the falls.

I rated it an 8/10 overall, and it’s still one of the most runnable trails in White Mountain National Forest. If you want vert and technical terrain, look elsewhere. If you want to open up your stride and actually settle into a running rhythm, this is one of the better places to do it.

Should you run the Franconia Falls Trail?

Yes, if what you want is an actual running trail.

Franconia Falls is one of the few White Mountains routes I’ve done where I could settle into a consistent rhythm without steep climbs repeatedly forcing me into a hike. Most of the route follows the old railroad grade of the Lincoln Woods Trail, with smooth dirt, very little elevation gain, and only occasional roots, rocks, and muddy sections.

It’s not going to give you the mountain-running experience of Franconia Ridge or Mount Moosilauke. That’s also exactly why I like it.

Run the Franconia Falls Trail if you:

• Want one of the most runnable trails I’ve found in the White Mountains
• Want a break from steep climbs and technical terrain
• Need a good route for an easy run, aerobic run, or faster workout
• Are transitioning from road running to trails and want something approachable

Skip the Franconia Falls Trail if you:

• Want a lot of vertical gain
• Are specifically looking for technical mountain terrain
• Think several miles of mostly flat trail sounds boring

Franconia Falls Trailhead directions

The normal route starts at the Lincoln Woods Trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway near Lincoln, New Hampshire. The Forest Service currently charges a $5 day-use fee, and the trailhead has flush toilets and potable water.

When I ran it on a Sunday afternoon in July, the lot was basically full. We had to drive around a bit and wait for someone to leave before getting a spot, and cars were already parked along the Kancamagus Highway.

From the main parking area, cross the suspension bridge over the Pemigewasset River to reach the Lincoln Woods Trail.

The route

1. Follow the Lincoln Woods Trail along the Pemigewasset River
2. Stay on the old railroad-grade trail for most of the outbound run
3. Turn onto the Franconia Falls Trail
4. Follow it to the cascades and pools at Franconia Falls
5. Retrace the same route back to the Lincoln Woods Trailhead

One thing worth clearing up: the full outing is often called the Franconia Falls Trail, but most of the mileage is actually on the Lincoln Woods Trail. The Franconia Falls Trail itself is only the final section leading toward the falls.

My GPS recorded 7.72 miles and 430 feet of elevation gain for the full out-and-back.

The Lincoln Woods Trail: This was my favorite part of the run. The old railroad grade is extremely runnable, with mostly smooth dirt and only the occasional roots, rocks, or muddy patches. I ran the outbound leg with my fiancée, then headed back by myself and was able to really open up my stride. The East Branch of the Pemigewasset River stays alongside the trail for much of the route, which gives you some scenery without constantly interrupting the running.

• Liked: Being able to settle into an actual running rhythm for mile after mile
• Could be a negative: If you came to the White Mountains for steep climbs and technical trails, the flatness may feel slightly tame for you

The Franconia Falls Trail: The footing gets somewhat rougher once you leave Lincoln WOods, with more roots and rocks and a few small undulations as you get closer to the falls. But compared with most of the trails I’ve run in the White Mountains, it doesn’t amount to muhc. I never felt like the terrain forced me out of running.

• Liked: Just enough technicality to change things up without killing the runnability
• Watch for: Wet roots, rocks, and muddy spots after rain

Franconia Falls: The falls themselves were worth the stop. They’re more of a series of cascades, pools, and moving water than one enormous waterfall, and we spent a little time checking out different sections and relaxing beside the water before heading back.

Is this the most spectacular waterfall I’ve ever seen? No. But if you already want a six-to-eight-mile run, it makes for a pretty solid destination.

We didn’t swim or use the natural waterslide, so I can’t give you firsthand advice on either.

Photos from the Franconia Falls Trail

Franconia Falls Trail logistics

• Budget around 1.5 to 2 hours for the run. My 7.72-mile route took 1:50:01 moving time, and I was able to run essentially the entire thing.
• Expect a very runnable trail. Most of the Lincoln Woods section is flat old railroad grade with smooth dirt, only occasional roots, rocks, and muddy patches.
• Bring water, but this isn’t a route where hydration logistics are complicated. There are rivers and streams along the route, and the Lincoln Woods Trailhead has potable water when facilities are open.
• Go early on busy summer weekends. The Lincoln Woods parking lot is large, but it was basically full when I arrived around 1 p.m. on a Sunday in July, and we had to wait for a spot to open.
• Expect some crowds, but they usually don’t ruin the run. The trail is wide and long enough that people spread out, and I only had to slow occasionally to pass groups.
• Check current WMNF access before you go. The normal Lincoln Woods approach to Franconia Falls is currently closed for restoration work through November 2026, so verify trail status before planning your run.

Nearby trails in White Mountain National Forest

If you want to add bigger, steeper, or more technical runs to a White Mountains trip, these are the nearby trails I’ve run and reviewed:

• Presidential Traverse (19 miles)
• Mount Moosilauke (7.5 miles)
• Franconia Ridge Loop (8 miles)
• Artists Bluff Trail (1.3 miles)
• Mount Willard (3.1 miles)

Franconia Falls Trail FAQs