Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

Stand in the footprints to see the Old Man return

InsideFranconia Notch State Park

Overview

This lakeside memorial marks where New Hampshire’s iconic Old Man of the Mountain once looked out over the notch before collapsing on May 3, 2003. The plaza was dedicated in 2011 and turned over to the state in 2015, giving travelers a thoughtful way to connect with the symbol that defined the region for generations.

What You'll See

Seven steel "profilers" by Ron Magers and Shelly Bradbury line up with Cannon Cliff. Stand on the marked alignment points and the Old Man’s silhouette snaps back into view. Along the walkway you’ll also notice hundreds of engraved pavers placed by supporters, plus interpretive panels explaining the history, geology, and caretaking efforts. The setting on Profile Lake makes it a scenic, low‑effort stop.

History & Meaning

First described by surveyors in 1805, the Old Man captured imaginations—including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Daniel Webster—long before modern tourism. After the collapse, the state chose not to rebuild the formation. The Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund created the memorial instead, with additional elements installed over time, including a completed walkway memorial in 2020.

Visit Basics

Access is straightforward from I‑93 Exit 34B. Park by the Profile building (Old Man Museum & Gift Shop) and follow the paved path 5–10 minutes down to Profile Lake and the plaza. The museum offers photos, stories, and artifacts that deepen the experience, and there are seasonal restrooms in the same building. The site is free to visit and pairs nicely with the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or the Flume Gorge nearby.

Best Time to Visit

Plan 15–30 minutes. Weekdays and early mornings tend to be quieter, with late afternoon light often best for photos across Profile Lake. If the museum or restrooms matter to you, aim for the main season daytime; outside of that window they may be closed.

Pros

Steel profilers align to recreate the famous granite face
Informative panels and a small museum nearby
Short, paved walk from the parking area

Cons

Restrooms are seasonal and may be closed in the off‑season
A quick, reflective stop rather than a major overlook or hike

Tips

From I‑93 Exit 34B, take the first left at the Old Man sign to the parking lot.
Follow the paved path around the Profile building to Profile Lake; plan 15–30 minutes.
Use the marked footprints/alignment points to line up the profilers for the view.
Expect seasonal hours for the museum and restrooms; off‑season they may be closed.
Pair this stop with the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway or the Flume Gorge.