Picnic Areas

Picnic facilities are located in the following areas:

• Profile Falls Recreation Area

• Franklin Falls Dam

• Ledgeview Overlook

• Piney Point

A limited number of grills are located in the areas.  They are available on a first come-first serve basis.  If you do bring your own grill, avoid placing it on the picnic  table so as to not scorch or leave burn marks.  Picnic pavilions are  available at the Franklin Falls Dam and you can reserve them for the day by calling (603) 934-2116.

Fishing

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is responsible for fisheries and for stocking the Pemigewasset River with game fish.

Fishing is open to all ages, but everyone 16 years or older must have a current fishing license. This restriction also applies to taking fish bait and baitfish from the waters.

Species of fish that are found include the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, atlantic salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and more. Fish is restricted from the intake and outflow areas.

Hiking

The Franklin Reservoir is open all year for non-motorized recreation activities.  Especially popular uses include hiking, mountain biking, and horse back riding. No camping or open fires are permitted.

The best areas for hiking are:

• Old Hill Village (3A)

• The Heritage Trail

• Piney Point Trail

Be sure to carry drinking water, as there is none located along the trails.

Winter Activities

Winter is a great time to visit the Franklin Falls Reservoir! Snowmobiling opportunities abound at Franklin Falls.  Snowmobile trails wind gently through hardwood and evergreen forests and along the Pemigewasset River. They are maintained in cooperation with local clubs which take pride in keeping these trails the best in the state.

There is plenty of wide open areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as well. There are miles of suitable trails where there are opportunities to view wildlife and take in the views.

Hunting

Hunting is a very popular activity at the Franklin Falls Reservoir.  Pheasant, black bear, white-tailed dear and small game species are plentiful in the area.  Hunting and trapping in compliance with applicable laws is permitted excepted where restrictions are posted. The New Hampshire fish and Game enforces where restrictions are posted.  They also enforce hunting regulations, establish hunting seasons, and make sure the area is stocked with wild game.

The New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development division of Forests and Lands in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers has an active wildlife management program  that includes enhancement through forest management and wildlife food plot development.

Biking

Biking is another popular use of the Franklin Falls trail system. Visitors are allowed to bike on any of our trails. We even have trails specifically for biking. These are located across from the project office, extending off of the Coleman road. These trails were developed by local mountain biking association known as NEMBA (New England Biking Asscociation).  We recommend the use of proper safety equipment when biking on our trails. We also ask that patrons become familiar with and observe all safety rules, and that bikers stay on the trails to avoid damaging fragile habitats.