The Cannon Tram

For the first time we rode the Cannon Tram to the top of 4,100-foot Cannon Mountain on Sunday. It was a gorgeous early fall day: blue sky, cool temperatures, leaves changing color, a brisk wind on top.

The top--whether you hike or ride--offers spectacular views of Franconia Ridge. North to south the peaks of Mt Lafayette (5,260'), Mt. Lincoln (5,089'), Little Haystack Mtn (4,780), and Mt. Liberty (4,459') were clear. With binoculars we saw a stream of people walking along the ridge.

Atop Cannon Mountain, a short, relatively level path (Rim Trail) leads to an observation platform that provides views in all directions. We could see Camel's Hump on the western border of Vermont in the distance.

As we stood on the observation platform we watched gliders soar silently below us over the Kinsman Ridge and looked down into Franconia Notch.

If you have limited mobility, this is a terrific way to get on top of a 4,000-foot mountain and look out at the mountains and valleys. On Sunday the fall colors were not yet at their peak. Our tram tour guide thought the next 10 days would be the best time to see the fall foliage.