The Cannon on the Skyline

Cannon Rock stands on the skyline 1800 above, a natural rock formation of a huge table-like stone superimposed on a large boulder, overlooking Franconia Notch like a cannon protruding from the parapet of an ancient fortress. Thousands of years ago during the great ice age, a glacier carried this rock and deposited it high on the ridge when the ice melted. Cannon Mountain takes its name from this rock. Early settlers and travelers had known the peak by other names, including Freak Mt., Old Man’s Mt., Mt. Jackson, and Profile Mt. In 1853 the name Cannon appeared on Bond’s map of the White Mountains, and by 1875 it was in common use for the 4200 foot peak. The rock formation is 21 feet in length, the barrel stone is 11 feet long, and the muzzle end stands 9 feet above ground.

Franconia, New Hampshire · United States