Also, if you’re a photographer, plan on bringing a tripod to get some amazing long exposures of the waterfall. Make sure to catch the 20-minute film showcasing Franconia Notch State Park in the Visitor Center. You can turn this into an overnight by grabbing a campsite at nearby Franconia State Park. Note that you could end up in a long line to purchase tickets, too, so be ready to entertain your little one.Īlso, this is a seasonal hike, so make sure you check online before visiting to see if it’s open during the tail ends of the season. Best time to visit is May through October, with peak times obviously being in the middle of the summer. We highly recommend this hike for new mothers because of the shorter distance and great benches for relaxing and nursing by the Visitor Center. From this point, the Flume Path also goes past Boulder Cabin and Table Rock, an area of granite that was worn smooth by the river. Don’t worry like most “don’t miss this” things in Flume Gorge, this is clearly marked.Īnother fun thing kids will love to run through is the bright, barn red Flume Covered Bridge. Apparently this boulder was once suspended overhead in the gorge and wedged between rocks, but in a huge flood in 1883, it was swept away and came to rest in its current spot. You’ll love this hike because of the spectacular waterfalls along with gorgeous granite rock formations shooting up 70 to 90 feet that can be seen throughout the area.Īs you head out, one of the things you will see right away is a giant glacial boulder that’s great for a photo op. While the walkways make this an easy “hike,” there are stairs, which means you can expect there will be some carrying. The area is meticulously maintained with boardwalks throughout the hike, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the waterfalls. These days it’s hardly a secret and actually has a cost associated with hiking it, but those who visit will tell you it’s totally worth the fee. Apparently her family didn’t believe her discovery and took some convincing before they went to explore this mythical waterfall-filled fall canyon. It was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey while fishing. Located at the bottom of Liberty Mountain, Flume Gorge has a fun historical story. GEAR SUGGESTIONS: Backpack with snacks, camera POTENTIAL CHILD OR BABY HAZARDS: Wooden boardwalk has openings
#Flume gorge nh free#
The Flume Covered Bridge was built in 1871 and is the oldest covered bridge in New Hampshire.PARKING FEE/PASS: Adults 13+: $16 ages 6–12: $13 under 5: free We make our way in for a little bit and get some photos. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Postcard Flume Gorge Franconia Notch White Mountains New Hampshire at the best online prices. Inside Flume Gorge is covered with Ice Soon we are at the entrance to the gorge, The granite walls rise up vertically and are covered with large ice flows perfect for ice climbers. On your way to the gorge you pass along a beautiful covered bridge. As we got close to the gorge parts of the half frozen river starts to cascade beside us.
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The hike takes about two hours but you can also take a bus from the visitor center that will take you very close to the gorge but there is still some walking to be done in dirt trails before reaching the gorge.
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Flume Covered Bridge in Franconia Notch park The trail to the gorge is a 2 mile loop that starts and ends at the Flume Visitors Center where you will find a souvenir shop, snacks and a small museum with a beautiful historic Concord Coach .
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historic Concord Coach at Flume gorge visitor center This waterfall was created in 1883 when a high boulder was washed away during a storm. You walk so close to it that you will feel the mist and maybe get a bit wet.
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Flume Gorge Franconia State Park New Hampshire with Avalanche Falls in the background.Īt the top of the Flume you reach a 45 foot waterfall: Avalanche Falls. Huge ferns and trees grow on the damp rock walls making the view as you walk through the gorge very dramatic. It’s a 2 mile hike to the gorge and as you walk walk along it’s base, next to the rushing waters and next to the granite wall that in some parts rises to 80ft you really feel like you are one with this beautiful place. There we visited Flume Gorge, this natural gorge at the base of Mount Liberty extends over 800ft. It was early spring and the foliage was beautiful, as we got closer and the white mountains came into view, with their snow capped peaks it was truly breath taking. On a recent visit to New England we decided to take a drive to see the White Mountains and headed for Franconia Notch State Park. Flume Gorge Franconia State Park New Hampshire