Flume Gorge

8/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/flume-gorge

852 Daniel Webster Hwy
Lincoln, NH 03251

(603) 745-8391

What to expect at Flume Gorge :

Flume Gorge is stunning. The water is gushing and the climb is fun. If you are limited in mobility in any way or are in need of a stroller-this place isn’t for you sadly! There are so many stairs and inclinations. Regardless of all the walking, Flume Gorge is totally worth the schlepping. We saw people of all ages here. There were babies in carriers, elderly people and everyone in between!

When to visit Flume Gorge :

When we went, the weather wasn’t that cooperative as it was raining a bit but it could have been worse. Honestly, it was not ideal but still pretty manageable. We checked the forecast beforehand and were prepared with rain jackets, boots and of course snacks and water which keeps everyone happier. It seemed to be clearing up once we were leaving 🙃, just can’t win them all, right?  We visited in the tail end of October and leaf peeping appeared to be past its prime. A lot of the trees were bare or with more brown / burnt orange and yellow leaves. I’m okay with that, but just for planning purposes if your intent is to see the foliage when you come check your foliage guides. (I’m pretty sure every year’s foliage turns at a different time though?)

What can We see at Flume Gorge :

There are so many twisted and winded trees here that are growing in wacky directions and with roots over giant rocks so the vegetation is quite interesting if you are into that sort of thing like I am!  Another thing you will see a lot here is moss. There was so much of it around the waterfalls growing on rocks- some were fluffy while others were more flat. We saw ferns growing on top of rocks which reminded us of crazy hair-dos. It is really fun to explore this area.

There are several places to sit and eat lunch along the way ( picnic tables and benches ). Also there are shelters for sitting in and getting out from the elements if you would like to.

 

The Skinny:

• Weather : It’s better on a comfortable day but we got a slightly rainy day and we still enjoyed it. There will be less crowds on a dreary day which can be appreciated.  There is a building offering snacks and souvenirs along with some restrooms at the end of the hike but otherwise this is an outside experience with the exception of some small shelter booths and covered bridges.
• Parking : FREE parking
• Admissions : Ages 13 + $18 on-line reservations, in-person is $21.  Ages 6-12 $16 on-line reservations and $19 in person reservations, 5 and under : FREE, no dogs are allowed!
• Location : Part of Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge is natural gorge that is 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.   It offers inclinations via many staircases and narrow passageways allowing for incredibly close and beautiful views of waterfalls.   You will see how powerful and gorgeous nature truly is!  This hike is 1.9 miles.  There is a gift shop with all things New Hampshire and restrooms on site. 
• Hours : Seasonally May 12th -October 9th opened 9-5 daily rain or shine.  October 9-22nd 9-4.
• Duration : We spent about 2 hours here exploring. If the weather was nicer, we would have stayed longer and perhaps packed a picnic lunch to eat at one of the many tables on the grounds.
• Tips and Recommendations : They are open from May 12  – October 20th. Currently, reservations and pre-payment are not required. They ensure a $3 discount on each ticket and park availability however. Dress for the weather as they don’t refund if it rains.
• Cons : We didn’t see prime foliage or have a dry day on the occasions we visited but, it was still amazing!

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

 

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

*******If you check out this location you are close by to The Basin (3 minutes), Artist Bluff Trail (9 minutes),  Alpine Adventures (6 minutes)  and Quincy Bog (this one is about 32 minutes) which are all worth checking out as well.