Franconia Notch Loop (NH)

Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States

20.8 miles (33.4 km) · 8,104 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Franconia Notch Loop (NH) is a 20.8-mile loop route in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States, gaining 8,814 feet of elevation. The route follows a valley-shaped elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 6 distinct sections including 2 significant climbs. The longest climb covers 4.4 miles gaining 3,445 feet at an average 21.4% grade. Only 38% of the terrain is runnable — expect substantial hiking throughout. The route opens with a climb and finishes with flat terrain.

Route facts

Distance	20.8 mi (33.4 km)
Elevation gain	8,104 ft (2,470 m)
Average gain	390 ft per mile (74 m per km)
Longest climb	8.9 mi, 2,293 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	60.7%
Runnable	41% of the route
Climbs / descents	4 climbs, 1 descents
Profile shape	Rolling
Difficulty score	16.2 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	18%
Mild uphill	9%
Moderate uphill	8%
Steep uphill	28%
Mild downhill	8%
Moderate downhill	7%
Steep downhill	23%

Questions about Franconia Notch Loop (NH)

How much elevation gain does Franconia Notch Loop (NH) have?

Franconia Notch Loop (NH) has 8,104 ft (2,470 m) of elevation gain over 20.8 miles (33.4 km). That averages 390 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Franconia Notch Loop (NH)?

The difficulty score for Franconia Notch Loop (NH) is 16.2 of 100. That is harder than 85.5% of routes at a similar distance. About 41% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Franconia Notch Loop (NH)?

The longest climb on Franconia Notch Loop (NH) runs 8.9 miles (14.4 km) and gains 2,293 ft (699 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 60.7%.