Cannon Cliff Spring, Franconia Notch State Park, NH

## Overview Cannon Cliff Spring is a publicly accessible natural spring located within Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Situated at the base of the iconic Cannon Cliff — one of the tallest vertical rock faces in the northeastern United States, rising roughly 1,000 feet — this spring offers visitors a convenient stop for fresh water in a spectacular mountain setting. The spring flows through a spout that pours into large metal basins, making it easy to fill bottles or simply enjoy a drink. Franconia Notch State Park is steeped in history, perhaps best known as the former home of the Old Man of the Mountain, New Hampshire's beloved rock formation that collapsed in 2003. The spring sits near the Old Man viewing area and the base of Boise Rock, a massive glacial erratic boulder that is a landmark in its own right. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and it has been reported to produce clean, refreshing water — though, as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with conditions and season. The spring is accessible 24 hours a day and is easily visible from the nearby parking area, making it one of the more convenient natural springs to visit in the White Mountains region. ## Directions 1. **Travel northbound on I-93** into Franconia Notch. Note: this parking area is only accessible from the northbound lanes of I-93 as it passes through the Notch. 2. **Turn right into the Old Man of the Mountain viewing area**, located just across the highway from Cannon Cliff. Watch for signage — the viewing area is a well-known stop within the park. 3. **Once in the parking lot, look to the left.** The spring is located near Boise Rock and is easily visible from the parking area. You'll spot the metal basins where the water collects from the spout. *GPS coordinates: 44.067051, -71.68927* ## What to Expect Cannon Cliff Spring is one of the most accessible natural springs in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The spring flows from a spout into large metal catch basins, so there's no need to scramble over rocks or hike a trail to reach it — it's right beside the parking lot. The surrounding scenery is dramatic. Cannon Cliff towers above, and Boise Rock — a massive boulder deposited by glaciers during the last Ice Age — sits nearby. The Old Man of the Mountain memorial viewing area is just steps away, making this a worthwhile stop even beyond the spring itself. The spring is open and accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, though winter visitors should be prepared for icy conditions in the parking area and around the spring. Flow may vary seasonally, with the strongest output typically occurring during spring snowmelt and after heavy rains. Because the parking area is only accessible from the northbound lanes of I-93, southbound travelers will need to plan accordingly — consider exiting at the next available turnaround within the Notch to double back northbound.