Echo Lake Beach

Overview

Echo Lake Beach is the park’s classic cool-off spot: a small, sandy shoreline on a 39-acre, spring-fed lake at 1,931 feet, ringed by views of Cannon Mountain and Mount Lafayette. The water is famously cold and clean, and the swim area is roped off so families can relax while the scenery does the heavy lifting. Water from Echo Lake flows west toward the Connecticut River.

What You’ll Find

• Swimming, shoreline lounging, fishing, and easy paddling are the main events.
• Boat rentals (canoe, kayak, pedal boat) are available right at the beach; last rentals go out one hour before closing.
• A Lakeside General Store stocks ice, drinks, ice cream, snacks, and basic beach gear.
• Picnic tables and charcoal grills make simple lunches a breeze.
• Restrooms are available (open on unstaffed days in-season; locked at night).
• A seven-site RV park sits on the north shore: year-round, with full hookups Memorial Day Weekend–Columbus Day and electric-only in the off-season; posted rates run about $50/night in-season and $25/night off-season.

Good to Know (Rules & Logistics)

• Reservations for day use are strongly encouraged and can be made up to 30 days ahead; capacity and parking are limited, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Day-use fees: Adults (12+) $4; ages 6–11 $2; 5 and under free; NH residents 65+ free. When unstaffed, pay at the on-site Iron Ranger.
• Pets are not permitted at the beach.
• Drones: taking off or landing within NH State Parks is not allowed.
• The park follows a carry-in/carry-out policy.
• There’s no lifeguard on duty.
• Designated swim zones and the boat launch are separate, keeping paddlers and swimmers out of each other’s way.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

It’s a compact beach with outsized alpine views and easy, on-the-spot rentals—perfect for a quick dip or mellow paddle between bigger Notch stops. It does get popular, but when you hit it at the right time, the setting feels classic White Mountains.

Nearby & Extras

• The Franconia Notch Bike Path links Echo Lake with other marquee stops in the Notch.
• Look up: raptors often soar along Cannon Cliffs.

Best Time to Visit

• For thinner crowds and hassle-free parking, aim for weekdays or arrive early on hot weekends.
• 2025 staffing: Fri–Sun starting May 3, then daily May 9–October 26; outside these dates/times expect unstaffed conditions and potentially closed comfort stations.

Getting There

Address: 260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580. It’s easy off the highway—which you can hear and see from the beach—but the mountain backdrop usually wins the attention.