Echo Lake Beach
A serene freshwater beach in Franconia Notch State Park, offering swimming, picnicking, and access to stunning hiking trails with mountain vistas.
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Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Echo Lake Beach
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene freshwater beach in Franconia Notch State Park, offering swimming, picnicking, and access to stunning hiking trails with mountain vistas.
"Lovely views of the lake and a great spot for a refreshing dip or a hike."
🚗 Parking is Key!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly.
🥶 Water is Chilly!
The lake water is refreshing but can be quite cold. Bring a wetsuit if you plan to swim extensively.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Echo Lake Beach
Franconia Notch State Park
A picturesque freshwater beach with clear, cool waters and stunning mountain backdrops. Perfect for a refreshing dip or relaxing by the shore.
Artist's Bluff Trail
Near Echo Lake Beach
A moderate 1.5-mile hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of Echo Lake and the surrounding Franconia Notch.
+1
Beech Cliff Trail
Southwest side of Echo Lake
A moderate trail featuring rocks and ladders, leading to an abandoned fire tower with incredible vistas of Echo Lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Secure Your Spot
Embrace the Chill & Hike Nearby
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Key!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly.
🥶 Water is Chilly!
The lake water is refreshing but can be quite cold. Bring a wetsuit if you plan to swim extensively. +1
🥾 Hike for Views
Combine your beach visit with nearby hikes like Artist's Bluff for spectacular scenery.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
Expect a modest day-use fee for beach access and parking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Key!
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots fill up quickly.
🥶 Water is Chilly!
The lake water is refreshing but can be quite cold. Bring a wetsuit if you plan to swim extensively. +1
🥾 Hike for Views
Combine your beach visit with nearby hikes like Artist's Bluff for spectacular scenery.
💰 Small Entrance Fee
Expect a modest day-use fee for beach access and parking.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view; picnic tables are available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Echo Lake Beach for its stunning natural beauty, offering a refreshing escape with picturesque mountain views. While the water can be cold, the beach provides a pleasant atmosphere for relaxation and is a great jumping-off point for nearby hikes. Some find the beach's natural composition less ideal than pure sand, but the overall experience is highly positive.
"Lovely views of the lake.
Didn't seem overcrowded during mid-week in late August in the early afternoon.
Adequate parking lot."
Jemlnlx
"We visited on a Sunday morning in late June 2025.
There was ton of parking spots when we arrived around 9AM. We didn't really have any intention of playing on this beach or going into the water (it was VERY cold by the way) but we were here to do the Beech Cliff Trail with the ladders. This was a warm up test for us to do Beehive Trail the next day.
We went down to the beach as we waited for the rest of our party to arrive. There were a number of stairs that take you down to the beach area. I think there is a ramp too if you park further back but we parked pretty close to the beach itself. There are trash cans and recycling here. There is also a bathroom with running water and water fountain as well as a ton of changing rooms.
The paved asphalt sidewalk ends and turned into a wooden boardwalk that goes pretty car out into the sand and close to the water. The beach was completely empty except for us and the coolest thing was we saw a turtle laying it's eggs. I know turtles get nervous with people and sometimes this causes them to dig fake nests and try again another time. We tried to keep our distance.
Overall a very clean beach with coarse sand and a lot of natural debris like rocks and twigs and leaves. If it was warmer I'd have no problem hanging out here. There really isn't any shade on the beach itself but there was at least 1 picnic table."
David L.
"Quiet beach in lovely setting. Water is fairly shallow for a good ways out. Nice to walk around in."
Charles I
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Echo Lake Beach is located within Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire. If you're driving, it's easily accessible from I-93. Parking is available at the beach, but it fills up quickly, especially during peak season. +1
Yes, there is a parking lot at Echo Lake Beach. However, it's highly recommended to arrive early, particularly on weekends and during the summer, as spots are limited and can fill up by mid-morning.
Absolutely! Echo Lake Beach is a popular spot for swimming. The water is freshwater and can be quite cool, even in summer. +1
Yes, Echo Lake Beach offers restrooms with running water, water fountains, and changing rooms, making it convenient for a day trip.
While the main beach area has coarse sand and natural debris, there's a paved sidewalk that transitions to a wooden boardwalk, offering some accessibility. Parking further back might provide easier access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a day-use fee for Echo Lake Beach, which helps maintain the park's beauty. The rate is typically around $4 per person, but it's best to check the official Franconia Notch State Park website for the most current pricing.
During the summer months, reservations for day use are suggested and spots can sell out. It's advisable to check the park's website for reservation requirements and availability before your visit.
The hours for Echo Lake Beach can change seasonally. It's crucial to check the official Franconia Notch State Park website for the most up-to-date operating hours before planning your trip.
Typically, pets are not allowed on the beach area itself to maintain cleanliness and safety for all visitors. Always check the park's specific pet policy before your visit.
While swimming and relaxing on the beach are encouraged, be mindful of park regulations. Open water swimming is permitted, but always exercise caution.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The beach at Echo Lake is not a typical sandy beach; it's composed of coarse sand, rocks, and natural debris. It's still enjoyable for kids to play and dig.
Yes, Echo Lake is a popular spot for open water swimming. It's generally cleaner and warmer than the ocean, and it's protected from the wind. +1
The Artist's Bluff Trail and Beech Cliff Trail are highly recommended. Artist's Bluff offers stunning panoramic views, while Beech Cliff Trail features ladders and leads to an old fire tower.
Yes, boat rentals such as pedal boats and paddleboards are often available at Echo Lake Beach during the operating season.
You'll be treated to beautiful views of Echo Lake itself, with the majestic Cannon Mountain and surrounding peaks providing a stunning backdrop.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The Artist's Bluff trail offers the most iconic photo opportunities with its sweeping vistas of the lake and mountains. The beach itself provides lovely shots with the water and surrounding nature.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light for photography. Mid-day can be harsh, but the reflections on the lake can still be striking.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance the sky.
Fall foliage transforms the area into a vibrant spectacle. The reflections of the colorful trees on Echo Lake are particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national and state parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check the specific park regulations regarding drone operation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and consider renting a pedal boat for some family fun on the water. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+2 These trails are particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. +1 Remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for varying trail conditions. 📸 Photographers
+2 The reflections of the autumn colors on the water are particularly breathtaking. +1 Consider visiting during golden hour for the best light and bring a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the scenery. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails Around Echo Lake
+2 Many visitors find this hike to be moderately challenging but well worth the effort for the breathtaking scenery. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Beech Cliff Trail is another excellent option, located on the southwest side of Echo Lake. This trail involves navigating rocks and even some ladders, adding an element of excitement to the hike.
+1When planning your hikes, remember that trail conditions can vary, and it's always wise to wear appropriate footwear.
Swimming and Water Activities
The beach itself is characterized by coarse sand mixed with natural debris like rocks and twigs, rather than fine sand.
For those interested in open water swimming, Echo Lake is a good choice. Redditors have inquired about its suitability and cleanliness for such activities, with general consensus pointing to it being a clean and viable option.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at Echo Lake
+2 The reflections of the fiery foliage on the calm surface of the lake create truly magical shots. +1Beyond the popular hiking viewpoints, the beach itself offers charming perspectives. The interplay of light on the water, the natural textures of the beach, and the backdrop of Cannon Mountain can all make for compelling photographs.
+1 Consider visiting during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – for the most flattering light, which can enhance the colors and create a serene atmosphere. While mid-day sun can be harsh, it can also create dramatic contrasts and highlight the clarity of the water. When packing your gear, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive landscapes.
A polarizing filter can be a valuable tool to reduce glare on the water and deepen the blue of the sky, making your photos pop. Remember to always be respectful of the natural environment and other visitors while seeking the perfect shot.
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