Carved into the mountain landscapes of Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge is one of New Hampshire’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Moss-covered granite walls tower on either side, waterfalls rush through narrow canyons, and wooden boardwalks and covered bridges wind through a landscape shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. Whether you’re visiting for summer greenery or fall foliage, hiking the Flume Gorge is one of the best hiking experiences in the White Mountains region. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Flume Gorge and where to stay nearby for upscale glamping in New Hampshire.
About the Flume Gorge
Flume Gorge or ‘the Flume’ is a rocky gorge stretching 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age, the gorge reveals layers of granite and basalt that are still being carved by water, ice, and erosion today.
The Flume has an interesting history: it was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey, who stumbled upon it while fishing nearby. At the time, a massive boulder hung suspended between the gorge walls. But in 1883, a storm triggered a landslide that swept the boulder away, deepened the gorge, and formed Avalanche Falls, which is now a favorite stop on the Flume Gorge Trail.
While hiking Flume Gorge, you’ll walk between lush, mossy Conway granite walls that rise to 90 feet high and narrow to just 12 feet wide in places. With cool mist, rushing water, fern-covered rock, and towering cliffs all around, it feels a bit like stepping into another world.
Flume Gorge Reservations
Flume Gorge is a popular paid attraction within Franconia Notch State Park, managed by New Hampshire State Parks. Reservations should be made online in advance, especially during the summer months and peak fall foliage season, as walk-up admission is not guaranteed. Print your ticket or save it to your mobile device to show at check-in. Flume Gorge is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations can be made on the New Hampshire State Parks website.
Hiking The Flume Gorge Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Elevation gain: 488 feet
The self-guided Flume Gorge Trail is a two-mile, one-way loop that begins at the visitor center and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. However, this is a route worth slowing down for, and you could easily spend up to three hours taking in the scenery, snapping photos, and connecting with nature.
Along the way, the trail follows packed gravel paths, elevated wooden boardwalks, stairs, and uphill sections as it leads you through the gorge. From the start, you’ll be immersed in the beauty of the White Mountains, crossing rivers, passing through narrow granite walls, and spotting waterfalls, glacial boulders, and historic landmarks along the way. Here’s what to look for on the Flume Gorge Trail:
Flume Gorge Visitor Center
852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251
Your visit begins at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center, where you’ll find exhibits, restrooms, a gift shop, a cafeteria, and a short film about the gorge’s history and geology. Parking is available onsite. When you’re ready to head out, the trail is clearly marked and easy to follow, with plenty of scenic points of interest.
Glacial Boulders
Enormous boulders scattered across the forest floor reveal the force of the glaciers that once covered the White Mountains. Some weigh more than 300 tons and were carried here by ice during the last Ice Age.
The Flume Covered Bridge
Shortly after leaving the visitor center, the trail crosses the charming Flume Covered Bridge over the Pemigewasset River. Built in 1886, it’s one of the oldest covered bridges in New Hampshire.
Boulder Cabin
The cabin has an exhibit and a restroom. You can see a photo of a boulder suspended between two cliff walls, and later in the hike, you’ll see where the photo was taken – but the boulder is long gone.
Table Rock
As you continue along Flume Brook, you’ll see this huge granite outcropping smoothed over time by flowing water. It’s a peaceful place to sit or take photos. Just use caution since the rocks can be slippery.
Flume Gorge
Now comes the stretch that makes Flume Gorge so special. The gorge walls suddenly narrow and rise overhead as wooden boardwalks lead you upward through the canyon, with waterfalls tumbling beside the path. Mist fills the gorge, while ferns, mosses, and wildflowers cling to cracks in the granite walls as sunlight filters through the treetops above.
Avalanche Falls
At the top of the gorge, you’ll reach Avalanche Falls, a roaring 45-foot waterfall fed by Flume Brook and formed during the storm of 1883. The falls crash into the gorge below, creating one of the most memorable and photographed sights along the Flume Gorge Trail.
Bear Cave
After the falls, you’ll spot Bear Cave, a sign-posted opening in the granite walls that looks fit for a bear.
Liberty Gorge
Along the Ridge Path, a short spur trail leads down to Liberty Gorge, a beautiful mountain stream flowing through a narrow rocky valley.
Sentinel Pine Bridge and Pool
Another favorite stop along the trail is the historic covered Sentinel Pine Bridge over the Pemigewasset River, with a 40-foot-deep pool surrounded by giant cliffs. The bridge rests on the trunk of a Sentinel Pine that’s said to be 16 feet in circumference and stands 175 feet tall. The tree was among the largest in New Hampshire before being toppled by a hurricane in 1938, the same year the bridge was built.
Wolf Den
For adventurous visitors, the Wolf Den is an optional tunnel path that involves crawling and squeezing through a boulder tunnel before climbing out through a narrow rock opening at the top. It’s a fun activity for families with kids and hikers who don’t mind tight spaces.
Tips for Visiting Flume Gorge
- Wear sturdy footwear: Boardwalks and rocks can become slippery from waterfall mist and flowing water.
- Reserve your entry time in advance: Weekends, peak summer, and fall foliage seasons can sell out quickly.
- Arrive early: Give yourself extra time for parking and check-in so you don’t miss your time slot.
- Bring layers or a light rain jacket: The gorge can feel much cooler than the surrounding areas. Check out our White Mountains packing list.
- Know the pet policy: Pets are not permitted inside Flume Gorge but are allowed in designated dog-walk areas and on nearby White Mountain National Forest trails.
Where to Stay Near Flume Gorge
After a day exploring Flume Gorge, unwind beneath the stars at Under Canvas White Mountains. Set on 86 acres surrounded by forests, meadows, and mountain views, this safari-inspired glamping retreat makes the perfect base for exploring New Hampshire’s White Mountains region. Enjoy stylish tents with plush beds and ensuite bathrooms, outdoor lounge spaces, dining, nightly campfires with s’mores, and easy access to nearby hiking trails, scenic drives, and historic railways. Open seasonally from June through mid-October, Under Canvas White Mountains offers comfort and style while staying close to nature.