We also passed another covered bridge, the Sentinel Pine Bridge, a bridge whose base was built from a large century-old pine tree that fell after a hurricane in the 1930s.Adult: 12 and over $4, NH Residents age 65 and over $0, Non-Resident $5.Ĭhild: 5 & under - $0, 6-11, $2, Non- Resident 6-11, $3 After the gorge, the trail continues to present other natural attractions of the sector: the Liberty Gorge, the basins of the Pemigewasset River and several large erratic blocks. The trail goes by Avalanche FallsĪnd the trail doesn’t end there. After observing the fall for a few minutes, we reluctantly left the gorge and continued our hike.
![flume new hampshire flume new hampshire](https://mt-washington-area.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Flume-Gorge-4A.jpg)
It’s easy to understand why this place is so popularĪt the end of the gorge, the trail passes near the beautiful Avalanche Falls, more than 13 metres high. I felt very small in front of this place sculpted by nature. At its narrowest point, the gorge is less than 4 metres wide. Boardwalks and stairs allow you to closely follow the granite walls. Amazed by what nature can createĪlthough there were a lot of people on the trail, it was truly magical to walk in the heart of the gorge. Water, ice and time have continued to shape and widen the gorge, giving it the unique appearance it has today. Columns of lava from deep within the earth penetrated the fractures, forcing them apart. As it cooled, the granite fractured in a few places. It seems that The Flume dates from the Jurassic Period, when the Conway granite that forms the walls of the gorge was deeply buried molten rock. Then, at one point, we stepped into the famous gorge. In fact, as you go further along the brook, you can start to see the surroundings becoming more and more steep and rocky. The trail goes by this beautiful covered bridgeĪ few metres later, we arrived at the Flume Brook and a place called Table Rock, as the flow of the brook had eroded the rock layer to expose the granite surface. This covered bridge dates from 1886, and is one of the oldest in New Hampshire. The trail first winds through the forest and descends towards the Pemigewasset River (“Pemigewasset” means rapid current in Abenaki), above which there is a covered bridge. The Flume Gorge Trail is a 3.5-kilometre (2.1-mile) loop that begins from the Visitor Center.
![flume new hampshire flume new hampshire](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5a/2d/54/5a2d5435f5bdc4674e58dd2cd5bbfdbb.jpg)
It is said that the gorge was “discovered” in 1808 by a 93-year-old woman who was looking for a place to fish and that the place appeared to be so extraordinary that she had difficulty convincing other people of its existence. But this was my first hike ever in New Hampshire, and my first time exploring the White Mountains region, so there was nothing that could dampen my excitement! First time hiking in the White Mountains!įlume Gorge (also known simply as “The Flume”) is a natural gorge whose granite cliffs rise to a height of nearly 27 metres (88 feet). I was wrong: there were many, many people on the trail. Mireille and I arrived about an hour before the site closed, and I thought that would mean the place would be less busy. The famous gorge is so popular that it is recommended to book your spot in advance to visit it (an entry ticket costs US$18 when purchased online). It should be said that the Flume Gorge is perhaps the most popular attraction at Franconia Notch State Park, so I’m glad we took some time to visit it. We had planned to do some mountain hiking, but we thought it might be a good idea to start with an easier hike to stretch our legs, so we headed first to the Flume Gorge. I’ve been dreaming of hiking in the White Mountains for a long time and I couldn’t wait to visit this park which is a must-visit in the region. Last August, my sister-in-law Mireille and I decided to spend a weekend at Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire.