While we were traveling through this part of NH, my husband and I knew we wanted to do outdoorsy things while also knowing our aging joints and city DNA might not allow for hardcore outdoorsy things. Enter the Flume Gorge.
The whole trail is well-marked and was roughly two miles of walking for us, with some occasional hills and terrain. All along the way, there was plenty of nature to appreciate, with the waterfalls being the clear highlight of the show. My inner nerd loved the various signs and placards throughout the course that either gave travelers information about the flora, fauna, or geological history of different spots.
I especially appreciate that there are limited numbers of tickets that are sold within time slots. I presume that's to keep the trail from getting too loud or crowded. My husband and I caved into the strong recommendations to purchase tickets online (the prevailing reason seems to be avoiding the peril of 'sold out tickets', but when we bought ours the night before our visit, there were still more than enough spots available).
There are bathrooms available at the start of the hike (and technically also at the end, since the trail is circular). The visitor center/store is connected to the restrooms, though it's implicitly recommended to enter at the end of your hike since there's no reentering the trail once you come into the store. For those famished at the end of their visit, there's also a small food court selling fast food items and a modestly sized seating area.
We paid $37 for two advance tickets (which includes a dollar ‘print at home’ surcharge, even if there's a scannable barcode included in the confirmation email that prevents needing to print anything). Parking was fine in the private lot and plentiful, especially during the early morning slot we took. Overall, this is a nice and easy hike for those who want to connect with nature on a...
Read moreFlume Gorge is one of those rare natural wonders that truly lives up to the hype—and then some. Nestled in the heart of Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire, this stunning geological formation offers a breathtaking experience from start to finish. The photos alone are enough to spark wanderlust, but being there in person is something else entirely. Towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, and lush forest surroundings create a magical atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. The walk through the gorge is manageable for most fitness levels, though it does include a fair number of steps and uneven terrain. It’s not a strenuous hike, but it’s wise to come prepared—especially if the weather has been wet. Good walking boots are essential in those conditions, as the wooden walkways and stone paths can become slippery. That said, rain transforms the gorge into a misty, ethereal landscape that’s arguably even more beautiful, with the waterfalls roaring and the foliage glistening. The entire loop trail is well-maintained and thoughtfully designed to showcase the gorge’s most impressive features, including the narrow passageways, Avalanche Falls, and the covered bridge. Interpretive signs along the way add context to the geological history and natural features, making it both an educational and visually rewarding experience. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a casual walker, or simply someone looking for a memorable day trip, Flume Gorge delivers. It’s absolutely worth the drive from Boston—about two hours each way—and offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and...
Read moreWOW 😳! I'm sooo glad 😊 I went! Even though the main gorge was a short walk, when I reached the end 🔚 of the loop ➰ trail, my heart sank a little because it was over. I'm only going to review the Flume and Liberty Gorges and 🐺 Wolf Den since so many parts of Flume Gorge trail has there own individual entries. The Gorge is breathtaking, awesome 👍, enjoyable, adjectives, thesaurus, amazing, astounding, impressive! Looking at what nature has made and actually seeing life 🧬 growing on it, the moss and plants, while seeing and hearing the fast moving water 💦 was something I don't know if I can convey properly. I was able to observe the Flume Gorge from multiple locations. Information ℹ️ was posted and there was even a thermometer 🌡️ placed along the walkway. 🐺 Wolf Den was interesting, especially watching people trying to squeeze through the cave in order to reach the other side. It has two entrances. My friend, Arthur Itis, said no way of attempting to squeeze through. He did complain about the inclines of the trail. Liberty Gorge I was only able to observe from a short trail connected to the main trail. It did add to the adventure. There are a lot of stairs so ♿ wheelchair access is not possible. You can wear sneakers but make sure your footwear has a good grip. It can get slippery. Insects were not much of a problem though I encountered some here and there. I did purchase my ticket 🎟️ online. Save it to your phone 📱 or print it out. I lost my service when I arrived. Update: September 2024; I visited again and had a 👍 great time! I highly recommend this...
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