Boise Rock, Franconia Notch – Along the northbound lane of the Franconia Notch Parkway, just south of Profile Lake, in New Hampshire's Franconia Notch, is the Boise Rock scenic pull-off; there is an impressive view of Cannon Cliff (above) from this pull-off. Cannon Cliff is the site of the now gone Old Man of the Mountain rock profile, and it is known worldwide for rock climbing.
The main attraction at this scenic pull-off is an interesting glacier erratic known as Boise (spelled Boyce or Boosie in early publications) Rock . This large boulder has been a tourist attraction since the early 1800s.
While traveling through Franconia Notch in the 1800s, a blizzard overtook local teamster Thomas Boise (also spelled Boyce or Boosie). The weather was so severe that he was forced to spend the night under this large rock overhang. In order to survive through the night, he took drastic measures. He killed and then skinned his horse and wrapped the horse's hide around him to stay warm. The next day, rescuers were sent out to search for him, and they found him under the overhang still alive. They had to cut the frozen horse hide off of him.
While not as impressive as the Flume Gorge or the Basin, Boise Rock is an interesting piece of Franconia Notch history. The photo above shows the backside of the boulder.
Another interesting feature at the Boise Rock pull-off is a spring. The old kettle that collects the water from the spring was likely produced by Franconia Iron Works (operated in the 1800s) in Franconia. The Flume House, an 1800s hotel located at the southern end of Franconia Notch that burned down on June 27, 1918, may have owned the kettle.
Happy image making..
© Erin Paul Donovan. All rights reserved | Historic Information Disclaimer | Franconia Notch History
Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.