Discover the Power of Parks

Welcome to the 2012 Discover the Power of Parks program! Our interpreters from the Student Conservation Association are based out of Lafayette Campground and have planned a whole summer of informative and fun programs for you to take advantage of while visiting Franconia Notch State Park.

Discover the Power of Parks Interpretive Ranger Program
Their programs highlight local history, ecology and traditional lore through both the spoken word and activities. Information-packed hikes are more than just guided walks, they’re imaginative explorations of the wildlife habits and habitats of amphibians, black bears, fish and many more species. The program is made possible through our partnership with New Hampshire State Parks with generous funding from Public Service of New Hampshire.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE - To be announced!



Sample PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS from the 2011 program...

Exploring Your Senses Hike
Come explore your senses on this short evening hike. We’ll be hiking along the bike trail and stopping to do some sensory filled activities along the way! Meet at the Lafayette Place Campground Lodge and Store.

Exploring the Night
Come over to the dark side and leave the lights behind! We’ll take a nighttime walk to test our senses in the dark and find out what animals do after we have gone to bed. And get ready for some edible, glow-in-the-dark magic! Meet at the Lafayette Place Campground amphitheater.

Un-puzzling the Puzzle of the Old Man in the Mountain
Held at the Old Man in the Mountain memorial site (in case of inclement weather it will be moved to inside the Cannon Mountain Tramway building). Stop on by and discover the wonders of the Old Man in the Mountain. Jump into some hands on learning and find out more about why he fell. PLUS see close up what the Old Man was made of. Hear legends and lore that have forever solidified the Old Man in New Hampshire’s memories and heart.

Smores with the Park Rangers!
Come to the Lafayette Place Campground amphitheater to hang out with two park rangers and enjoy a fire and smores!

Basic Survival
Imagine yourself in the beautiful mountains of Franconia Notch. You turn off the trail to catch a glimpse of an animal when you suddenly realize that your day hike has gone terribly wrong: no food, no water, no idea where you are. Do you have what it takes to survive? Test your sense of direction and learn how to make your hikes safe and enjoyable. Meet at the Lafayette Campground amphitheater.

Beavers: Nature’s Greatest Engineers
Did you know a beaver can cut down a tree with a 4-inch trunk in less than 10 minutes? Did you know that their front teeth never stop growing? Watch as a human is transformed into a beaver! Come learn about these amazing animals at the Lafayette Place Campground amphitheater.

Wicked Weather
Ever wonder what the weather is REALLY going to be like? Come and learn about winds, clouds, weather patterns, and how to make some basic weather predictions. We will also be making weathervanes to better explore wind patterns! Meet at the Lafayette Place Campground Lodge and Store.

Flower Frenzy
It’s summer and flowers are out! Come learn about the wildflowers of NH, where to find them, and how to identify them. Make your own unique flower and participate in several activities that will get you thinking and moving. Meet at the Lafayette Place Campground Lodge and Store.

Rocking Rocks
Rocks are a great natural resource we often take for granted. Stop by and learn how to identify basic rocks and minerals. Play rock bingo, learn about erosion through a hands on experiment, and participate some great rock games. Plenty of fun and hands on learning to be had. Meet at the Lafayette Place Campground Lodge and Store.