Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire

Let's trek it up a notch

If you wondered how the Granite State got its nickname, you'll find no better object lesson than Franconia Notch State Park. Chock full of Conway granite cliffs and crags, the Notch is one of the most important passes through the White Mountains, which cover about a quarter of New Hampshire. On this lush summer's day, we're strolling the Flume Gorge trail, a 2-mile loop showcasing 90-foot granite walls rising over the churning Flume Brook and Avalanche Falls.