CROSS COUNTRY SKIING Lincoln
Woods Ski Trails
The Lincoln Woods Cross Country
Ski System is located 4.7 miles east of I-93, exit 32 on the Kancamagus
Highway (NH 112). National Forest information, a restroom, and limited retail goods are available at the
Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. The adjacent parking lot
accommodates about 160 vehicles.
There are approximately 6 miles
of maintained trails offering a variety of skiing opportunities.
These trails are also popular with hikers and snowshoe enthusiasts.
The Lincoln Woods Trail and the East Side Trail have divided
lanes to accommodate all users; Dogs are permitted on both trails.
Lincoln Woods Trail
- Easiest, 2.8 miles, crosses a 160 ft. suspension
bridge and then follows an old railroad grade along the river to
a stone wall at the bridge over Franconia Brook. This trail provides
a very easy tour because it is flat and has long, straight stretches.
East Side Trail - More difficult, 2.9 miles, parallels the river
on the east side, ending at gate which is the boundary of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. At 0.9 mile there is a nice distant view of Mt. Bond,
and at 2.5 miles there is a panoramic vista of Franconia
Ridge. This trail has a few rolling hills, which makes it more difficult than the Lincoln Woods Trail.
The Lincoln Woods Trail and the East Side Trail provide access to many other trails in the area. Expect backcountry-type conditions (unpacked, open water crossings) on the trails listed below and those trails inside the Pemigewasset Wilderness (not listed).
Pine Island Trail
- Easy, 0.8 mile, by-passes the first hill 0.6 mile on the East Side Trail. It provides an
enjoyable tour for viewing red pine and a scenic portion of the
river.
Black Pond Trail
- More difficult, 0.8 mile, diverges from the
Lincoln Woods Trail at 2.6 miles. It skirts around the
Ice Pond (where block ice was cut during the logging era) and then
passes through a field which is the site of an old logging camp.
The trail continues to climb, following an old logging road, until
it reaches picturesque Black Pond with its panoramic views of the
surrounding mountains.
Franconia Falls Trail
- More difficult, 0.4 mile, diverges from the
Lincoln Woods Trail at the stone wall by Franconia Brook 2.8 miles, and follows an old logging road. It parallels the brook
to Franconia Falls, usually frozen and a unique visual experience.
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