# Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

> Cannon Mountain, in Franconia Notch State Park, opened North America's first passenger aerial tramway in 1938.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/cannon-mountain-tramway/

A cable car in Franconia Notch State Park that lifts you to the summit ridge of Cannon Mountain. From the top, walk to the lookout for views over the White Mountains; bring a jacket, as it is cooler up there.

Cannon Mountain, in Franconia Notch State Park, opened North America's first passenger aerial tramway in 1938. The summit station sits at 1,244 m (4,080 ft); the second-generation tram, nicknamed "Ketchup and Mustard," climbed about 616 m (2,022 ft) from 1980 and carried more than nine million passengers.

Important for your planning: this tram was retired on October 26, 2025, after 45 years, and according to the operator it did not run in summer 2026 (as of October 2026). A third-generation tram is being planned, with no opening date announced. Before you travel, check with the park or ski area whether and how you can currently reach the summit, for example on foot. At the top there is an observation deck with a telescope. It can be considerably cooler up there than in the valley.

- **Nearest town:** Franconia, NH
- **Category:** Scenic viewpoints
- **GPS:** 44.1560, -71.6990

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (Cannon Mountain)](https://www.cannonmt.com/attractions/aerial-tramway)
- [Third Generation Tram Planning Underway (Cannon Mountain)](https://www.cannonmt.com/articles/third-generation-tram-planning-underway-at-cannon)
- [Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway (NH State Parks)](https://www.nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/cannon-mountain-aerial-tramway)

## Nearby

- [Flume Gorge](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-flume-gorge/) – 4 mi
- [Arethusa Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b20-arethusa-falls/) – 16 mi
- [Mount Washington Cog Railway](https://camping-spirit.com/places/cog-railway-marshfield/) – 19 mi
- [Sabbaday Falls – Kancamagus Highway](https://camping-spirit.com/places/sabbaday/) – 19 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway?

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is in Franconia, NH, at GPS 44.1560, -71.6990. It is about 8 mi from Lincoln.

### Can you camp near Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lafayette Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 60 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway?

Places worth a stop nearby: Flume Gorge (4 mi), Arethusa Falls (16 mi), Mount Washington Cog Railway (19 mi) and Sabbaday Falls – Kancamagus Highway (19 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway?

The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)