Old Man of the Mountain

The Profile, or Old Man of the Mountain, was one of the best-known natural rock formations in the country. The jagged outline of the Old Man's profile could be viewed by travelers on the road through the notch or from the shore of Profile Lake.

Plaque at Profiler Plaza Entrance
click image to read plaque

On May 3, 2003, the Old Man of the Mountain collapsed sometime during the night hours. A new non-profit organization, the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, stepped forward to create a privately-funded monument to the beloved state symbol.

Today, visitors can follow a scenic pathway to Profile Lake and the new Old Man of the Mountain Profiler Plaza. Sculptors Ron Magers and Shelly Bradbury created a series of steel profiler rods which point toward the cliff where the Old Man once stood. When a visitor sights along the edge of one of the rods, the Old Man's profile comes into view.

Engraved granite pavers and benches completed the plaza. With its lakeside setting, surrounded by majestic peaks and breathtaking scenery, the plaza is a beautiful new addition to Franconia Notch State Park's many popular visitor attractions.

A Visit to Profile Plaza
Boston's Channel 5 Chronicle hosts visited the Profile Plaza and met with the creators of the profilers, Ron Magers and Shelly Bradbury. The 7 profilers are still standing strong after 20 years and inspiring visitors

See full story & video →

Geology of the Old Man of the Mountain
Glacial Ice • Conway Granite • How long was the Old Man there?

Old Man Geology →

Commemorative Pavers & Benches
Leave a legacy at the Old Man of the Mountain Memorial Plaza by purchasing a commemorative paver stone with a personalized message in recognition of a loved one or special occasion.
How to order a Paver or Bench →