The Basin In New Hampshire's Franconia Notch Looks Like Something From Another Planet
By Michelle|Published March 12, 2020
×
Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Being in New Hampshire during the winter can feel like being on a different planet, but that’s just the reality of living in a place with its fair share of cold and snow. Outside of the cold months, there’s still plenty to see that will astound you. With so much beauty, it’s worth making a list to make sure you hit everything once things get warmer. When you do, be sure to put this beauty on it!
One of the most beautiful and awe inspiring natural attractions in the state is The Basin, a 25,000 year-old formation found in Franconia Notch State Park.
As beautiful as it is, how it formed is even more attention grabbing. When the Ice Age ended, the giant glacier responsible for forming Franconia Notch began to melt. As it disappeared the granite beneath it eroded.
The exposed rock was now available to be shaped by the elements. Rocks, dirt and sediment was moved by the river and created deep chasms in the exposed rock.
The area is beautiful both because of these smooth rocks, but also due to the stone formation known as “Old Man’s Foot” which is visible at the bottom of the basin. Nature is the best!
We’re not the only folks who love the beauty of this area. In 1839 author Henry David Thoreau wrote that "this pothole is perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England." While “pothole” isn’t the first word we’d use to describe The Basin, it’s not completely incorrect!
From Franconia Notch State Park parking lot, head to the paved path. Note that the paving makes it accessible for those in wheelchairs and walkers as well.
