Cannon Mountain's Iconic Aerial Tramway Is Gone — Here's What's Next

Cannon Mountain's legendary aerial tramway — Tram II — completed its final runs in fall 2025 after 45 years of carrying passengers to the 4,080-foot summit. The tram will not operate in summer 2026 or beyond. A third-generation system is now in the planning stages.

What Happened

After 45 years of service and more than nine million passengers carried, Cannon Mountain's second-generation aerial tramway was retired following the 2025/2026 ski season. The decision came as the 80-passenger gondola reached the end of its operational lifespan.

Cannon is historically significant: it's home to the nation's first aerial tramway, built in 1938. Tram II opened in 1980 as the second-generation system. The mountain would now become the only facility in North America to reach a third-generation tram.

New Hampshire Governor Ayotte and the state legislature secured $27.2 million through House Bill 25 to fund the transition. A structural analysis of existing towers, terminals, and foundations is underway — pending final Governor and Executive Council approval — to determine the renovation strategy for the next-generation system.

"She's aged gracefully, but like all legends, she deserves a dignified retirement," said Jace Wirth, General Manager of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park.

What It Means for Visitors This Summer

The summit at Cannon (4,080 feet) is not accessible by gondola in summer 2026. Hikers can still reach the summit via the Kinsman Ridge Trail. Franconia Notch State Park itself remains fully open — Echo Lake, the Basin swimming hole, the Pemi Trail network, and the Flume Gorge are all operating normally.

For those who specifically planned a tram ride, Loon Mountain's gondola (Lincoln, 5 miles south on I-93) is running for summer scenic rides starting May 23.

Timeline for Tram III

No public construction timeline has been announced as of May 2026. The structural analysis phase will help determine the renovation requirements for existing infrastructure before design begins on the new system.

Source: cannonmt.com/aerial-tramway