Cannon Mountain

Cannon Mountain is a 4,100-foot (1,249 m) mountain located in Grafton County, New Hampshire. It is situated at the northern end of the Franconia Range, overlooking Franconia Notch. Cannon Mountain is known for its nearly vertical east face of cliffs (the site of the former Old Man of the Mountain rock profile) and for the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which carries visitors to near its summit. The mountain is a popular destination for both hiking and skiing (home to Cannon Mountain Ski Area). At the summit, an observation tower provides excellent views of Franconia Notch, the Kinsman Range, and the surrounding White Mountains. Cannon Mountain stands at the northern end of Franconia Notch and is famous for its near-vertical east face of cliffs. Historically, the mountain was often called Profile Mountain because it was home to the Old Man of the Mountain, the iconic granite profile that for centuries jutted from Cannon’s cliffs. The Old Man formation was first noticed by surveyors around 1805, and it became a symbol of New Hampshire (eventually being chosen as the state emblem). Tourists flocked to see it throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Sadly, on May 3, 2003, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed and fell from the cliff, despite efforts to secure it. The loss was widely mourned, but the site remains a pilgrimage spot with a memorial. Aside from its natural profile, Cannon Mountain made history in another way: it was the site of North America’s first passenger aerial tramway, opened in 1938. The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway was a marvel of its time – built to whisk visitors (especially skiers) to the summit. Its grand opening drew thousands, and it operated (with upgrades) for over 80 years. The original 1938 car, which carried 27 passengers, was replaced in 1980 by a larger tram (Tram II) holding 70, and Cannon is now working on a third-generation tram. The presence of the tram spurred the development of Cannon as a ski area post-WWII, including trails cut by the CCC. Interestingly, before the tram’s existence, a carriage road was planned for Cannon in the 1850s but never built – instead, the Profile House hotel at the base would guide adventurous guests up on foot or horseback. Cannon’s summit also hosted an observation tower from the 1930s onward (the modern one gives a superb 360° view). Cannon Mountain thus has a dual legacy: geological icon (the Old Man) and engineering icon (the tramway). It remains a centerpiece of Franconia Notch State Park, combining natural beauty with historic innovation.