Franconia Notch Multi-Use Trail

Photo Tour

Article describing the path

A history and discussion

Video of a ride on the trail

Franconia Notch State Park, in New Hampshire, is a popular recreational destination. Its multi-use path should be safe for use by casual, recreational bicyclists and children -- the kind of bicyclists that a path in a park is likely to attract -- but isn't. Problems followed from the path's being called upon to serve as a connecting route through the park, having to wind up and down and under the through highway. The additional goal of providing access to all points of interest along the highway added further complications. The path has blind corners, dangerous obstacles, and worst of all, extremely steep slopes. It is closed after dark. As part of the same process which led to construction of the path, bicyclists were prohibited from the highway, and its design also excludes them, leaving them no alternative route.

The trail is open to snowmobilers and hikers in winter. Crude wooded extenders have been added to steel I-beam barrier posts to keep out motor vehicles, so snowmobilers can avoid striking posts hidden in snow and crashing

The path poses an unfortunate example of unintended consequences resulting from incorrect assumptions about safety, political cross-currents, and non-adherence to design guidelines.

Signs instructing bicyclists to walk have been posted on some sections of the path. Signs prohibiting use of inline skates also have been posted. Wheelchair use has not been prohibited; such a ban would highlight the extreme non-compliance of the path with the Americans with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The links above connect to more detailed information about the path.

I thank the several correspondents who have contributed to this suite of Web pages. Photos in the photo tour are by Brian DeSousa unless otherwise indicated.