Posted in New Hampshire January 17, 2020 by

Do You Remember New Hampshire’s Breathtaking Man Of The Mountain?

There’s a lot that we in New Hampshire have in common, from loving the landscape of our beloved state to sharing a taste for the same foods and restaurants that make our state home. These days it might seem like there’s a lot that pulls us apart, but there was one day back in 2003 that definitely brought us all together. Do you remember this beloved natural attraction?

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Old Man of The Mountain, located in Franconia Notch State Park, was an iconic part of the New Hampshire landscape seemingly forever. That is, until 2003.
joenevill / Flickr
Sometimes referred to as the "Great Stone Face," the Old Man of the Mountain was made up of five granite cliff ledges on the side of Cannon Mountain. When seen from the north side, it looked just like the haggard profile of a man's face.
boston_public_library / Flickr
The jagged formation of the man's face was about 1,200 feet above Profile Lake. It was 40 feet tall and about 25 feet wide.
boston_public_library / Flickr
Here's what he looked like from a distance in the early 1900s.
By Unknown - Moffett House, Berlin, NH, Public Domain
This attraction was a must-see if you were a child growing up in the Granite State. From family car trips where someone pointed it out to field trips when we got older, just about everyone who calls themselves a Granite Stater has some memory of this person in the rocks.
davidrsmith / Flickr
But, after a night of stormy weather, folks here woke up to some shocking — though not unexpected — news. The Old Man's nose had fallen from its place on his face, changing the landscape forever.
flem007_uk / Flickr
Not to be dramatic, but life here in New Hampshire just isn't the same without this guy staring down at us.
flem007_uk / Flickr
Do you remember seeing it for the first time? Did it look like a man's face right away or did it take some coaxing from others in order to identify it?

See more about The Old Man of the Mountain in this interesting video:

Looking for more unique things to see in the Granite State? Here are the 7 weirdest places you can possibly go in New Hampshire!

Address: Old Man of the Mountain, Franconia, NH 03580, USA