Flume Gorge

New Hampshire

Rating:

5 cold beers after helping a friend move. Some work, but surprisingly rewarding and satisfying.

We give this 5 cold beers and ice cold bottle of water because you're going to need it after this hike. We found this treasure while driving through New Hampshire and were absolutely tickled pink!

The scenery along the highway to this treasure looked a lot like home with the rolling hills and trees and we were happier than hogs at breakfast when we found this special state park on the Roadtrippers app. A spectacular natural chasm that you can hike through along a 2 mile trail and see covered bridges, waterfalls, a scenic natural pool, caves, and incredible views along the way.

The trail starts and finishes at the Visitor's Center. You will need to purchase your $16 per person pass to see the gorge and they offer a good information pamphlet about the gorge and trail. We found the map on the back especially useful as there are options along the trail to take a side trail. They have a gift shop, a small cafeteria, and interpretive exhibits in the Visitor Center and best of all we found ice cream and air conditioning! There were especially satisfying at the end of the hike.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but our pictures could not capture the beautiful views and do them any justice. This is truly one of the most beautiful places we have seen. The hike through the chasm is really cool... literally cool, it drops about 10 degrees in this area because of the depression of the stone and rushing water. Flume Gorge itself is a chasm 800 feet long and up to 90 feet tall in some spots.  The rest of the trail is absolutely stunning and there are a lot of scenic areas for photo ops along the way. It’s something you really have to see for yourself to appreciate.

When you get to the top of the gorge, you should pause and take in Avalanche Falls. It’s a 45 foot waterfall with an observation deck above it.  From the deck you can listen to the water crashing on the rocks below and it is a perfect place to catch your breath.

Just looking at us, you might think to yourself that Barbra Jean Jo Barbara and Randy Randerson are fit and look so good because they enjoy exercise and physical activity - you would be wrong! These svelte bodies are just a pleasant accident of nature and they are happiest when planted on the couch, so this hike did leave us winded in places.

The hike includes some uphill walking on a gravel trail and lots of wooden stairs and decking. Because there are so many stairs, the path may be challenging for little ones or the elderly.  It’s definitely not stroller friendly and the path near the falls can be slippery when wet. It is not a mountain climb and we are not saying any of this to scare you away, but we want you to keep in mind this is a very physical trek and there is no trail option that doesn't require the ability to hike uphill or climb stairs.

This is a must stop and see if you are traveling through New Hampshire and a great place to have lunch and enjoy nature at its best. The park is well maintained and a true jewel of the White Mountains.

Notes:

• There is an admission fee of $16 to see the Flume Gorge and is only open to the public from May-October.

• The Visitor Center was easy to get to and is right off of I-93 North. There is plenty of parking and a special lot just for RVs.

Tips:

• Take a bottle of water. There are steep hills and lots of stairs on this 2 mile hike.

• Plan for at least 2 hours of walking outside, so bring a hat and wear comfortable shoes you can hike in.

Three words - Butte-tea-full!