4/21/2024 0 Comments Flume gorge nhGlacial Boulders: Some of these "erratics" dumped here by Ice Age glaciers weigh more than 300 tons.Wolf Den: Good luck crawling and wriggling your way through the rocks if you opt to follow this narrow, one-way path.Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge: Pause as you walk across this second covered bridge to admire the view of the Pemigewasset River.This is a particularly beautiful spot in the fall.Liberty Gorge: I you choose to continue the hiking loop, follow the Ridge Path downhill and watch for signs pointing you toward this gorge and its cascading mountain stream.Bear Cave: This dark, boulder-roofed cavern begs to be explored.You'll have an up-close view from the top of the Flume and feel the falls' cooling mist. Avalanche Falls: Since 1883, this thunderous, 45-foot waterfall has given the gorge its soundtrack.The Old Man of the Mountain, a gone but not forgotten feature of Franconia Notch State Park, was also made of Conway granite. Table Rock: A massive outcropping of pinkish Conway granite smoothed by Flume Brook.It's one of the oldest surviving covered bridges in New Hampshire. The Flume Covered Bridge: A bright red "kissing bridge" built in 1886 over the Pemigewasset River.Hedgehog Trail - West Simsbury, Connecticutįlume Gorge - Franconia Notch State Park, New Hamp. In the winter, the Flume Gorge Trail is accessible but the gorge is closed to hikers and the boardwalk is removed. In the "off season" (after October 22nd) the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates may be closed. It's best to call before you go if the weather looks iffy. Dates and times are weather dependent and can change without notice. Operating season The park is not open year round and in 2023, was open May 12 to October 9. We had a great hike and I would gladly visit again in the future. We were glad we visited early in the morning as the nearly empty parking lot during our early morning arrival was jam packed by the time we left. While anytime is a good time to visit, the leaves in the park were beyond picture perfect and the first week in October was a stunning time to visit the gorge. There are a lot of scenic spots and vistas which include a covered bridge, pools, waterfalls, and of course the gorge itself. While I would rate this beginner friendly, there is some elevation and there are a decent amount of stairs. The Flume Trail hike that takes you through the gorge and loops back around to the start is a 2.5 ish mile loop and typically takes about 1.5 hours with the crowds and photo stops. You can walk over boardwalks through the gorge to see the walls of granite rise 70 to 90 feet above a narrow opening, about 12 to 20 feet apart. The Flume Gorge extends 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. Where to buy Flume Gorge tickets You can buy them at the door but I recommend buying online because it is cheaper, and you will be sure that you will get in. Spoiler: it was worth the crowds and the admission fee (that supports the park system) and it was popular for a reason. When we visited New Hampshire this past weekend in October, we had our infant and toddler and the opportunity to leave the dogs behind and decided to check out the gorge. We had yet to visit during the operating season as dogs aren't allowed and we almost always have the dogs, I knew it was a busy popular attraction, and with so many amazing hikes in The Whites, I didn't feel the need to pay an admission fee for a hike. We stopped by once in the winter on our way back from Santa's Village but the boardwalks are removed to a point and the entire loop impassable. While we've been to The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire many times, this was our first time visiting the entirety of the Flume Gorge. I also remind myself there are ways to get around the busiest times and that usually involves weekdays and early mornings, something my flexible schedule and early risers typically allow. "Popular places are popular for a reason". When the crowds start to assemble and I have to use a bit more patience and a few more forced smiles I remind myself of this: There's a little saying that I have to repeat to myself as we head to some of the busier attractions that tend to be a bit more beginner (and in my case kid) friendly.
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