The Flume Gorge, a very popular scenic area and geological wonder, is part of Franconia Notch State Park. This state park is along I-93 which winds through White Mountain National Forest. The gorge’s Flume Trail is a 2-mile loop. It is a moderate walk due to the multitude of stairs and some uphill climbs.
Flume Gorge Tickets
2022 Price: $18 per person, reserved online
You can save $3 per ticket if you reserve a ticket online in advance.
About the Gorge
Flume Gorge was discovered in 1808 by Jess Guernsey. It is a natural gorge extending 800 feet from the base of Mt. Liberty. Conway granite walls, 70 to 90 feet tall and 12 to 20 feet apart, line the gorge. The walls of the flume were created by deeply buried molten rock. This rock fractured as it cooled, and basalt dikes were forced into the fractures.
A huge 10-by-20-foot egg-shaped boulder used to hang suspended between the walls. In 1883, a heavy rainstorm started a landslide that swept the boulder away. This storm also deepened the gorge and formed Avalanche Falls.
What You’ll See
Glacial boulders
There are multiple gigantic boulders along the trail. Some weigh over 300 tons!
Over 25,000 years ago, a great ice sheet moved them into the area. As the sheet retreated, the boulders were left behind.
Flume Bridge
Flume Bridge was built in 1886 across the Pemigewasset River. Pemigewasset is an Abenaki Indian word meaning “swift.” Nicknamed the “Pemi,” this river flows out of Profile Lake, becomes the Merrimack River, and then runs to the Atlantic Ocean 185 miles from its start.
This 50-foot covered bridge has a Paddleford truss design with a walkway on its north side.
Bridges were covered to protect the joints and roadway. Roofs reduce water in the joints, strengthen the structure by making the bridge more solid, and keep the roadway dry while not allowing it to dry out in hot weather.
Table Rock
Table Rock is a wide cascade along the trail. Flume Brook flows over the exposed rock outcropping, worn smooth by its currents. This section of Conway granite is 500 feet long and 75 feet wide
Flume Gorge
You’ll head into the gorge on wooden boardwalks which hug granite walls and cross the brook in some spots. As part of the boardwalk, visitors need to climb dozens of stairs. You can see the different colors snaking the walls. There is a sign showing where the boulder once sat.
Due to the width of the gorge, the walkway is narrow enough that you’d nudge people if you wanted to pass. This makes it hard to get photos without others in the shot and pausing too long holds up those behind you.
Avalanche Falls
Avalanche Falls is a 45-foot waterfall. Flume Brook flows over the brink and into the gorge.
There are two overlooks at the top of the falls with views of the brook flowing over the rockface and back at the walkway you just completed.
Bear Cave
Bear Cave is a favorite for kids; although anyone can climb into the cave if they are courageous enough.
Overlooks of the Franconia Range
The Franconia Range, like the rest of the White Mountains, is among the oldest mountains in the world. It dates back over 400 million years ago when it was covered by an inland sea. From the peaks, melting snow and rain cascade down to form the Pemi River.
There are two main viewing areas.
- A fenced overlook after Avalanche Falls. Head uphill on a spur trail for views of the surrounding mountains. There is a bench here to rest and maybe enjoy a snack.
- A second overlook through the trees is available after Sentinel Bridge. This one has an information board describing the peaks in view including Mt. Liberty, Mt. Flume, and Whaleback Mountain.
Liberty Cascade
Liberty Cascade is a mountain stream which flows through the valley. I loved this cascade, especially since it wasn’t as crowded and hectic as Avalanche Falls.
After a bridge over the stream, follow a spur path to the left which heads downstairs to a small viewing platform for the waterfall.
The Pool
The Pool is a deep basin in the Pemigewasset River, 40 feet deep and 150 feet in diameter. Enhancing its beauty are the surrounding 130-foot-high cliffs.
There are two overlooks for the Pool, one on each side of the Sentinel bridge. You can see the second overlook across the river in the photo below.
An additional viewing platform is on a spur trail after the Wolf Den. From this viewpoint you can see the Pool, Pemi River, and bridge all together!
Sentinel Pine Bridge
This gray covered bridge is named after a great pine tree which stood on a cliff at the end of the Pool as if “on guard” like a sentinel. It was one of the largest pine trees in the state at nearly 175 feet high and a circumference of 16 feet.
The hurricane of September 1938 uprooted the giant pine along with other trees in the White Mountain Forest. In 1939, preservationists used 90 feet of the tree to span the river and form the base for the foot bridge. The covered portion is 60 feet long. It uses a stringer with multiple kingpost truss structure.
Wolf Den
The den is a narrow, one-way path through rocks. If you want to walk completely through the den, you have to crawl on your hands and knees between rocks. It’s another fun spot for kids who are getting antsy on the hike.
There was so much to see here that we felt it was well worth the money! Tons of New England favorites such as covered bridges, waterfalls, and scenic mountain overlooks all in one spot.
Many years ago my family visited Franconia Notch State Park. It was a wonderful experience. unfortunately with four children in tow we opted not to see the Flume gorge. Thank you Steph for the photos that let me see what we missed.