The Flume is a natural gorge in Franconia Notch NH extending 800 feet at the base of Mt. Liberty. The walls of granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet

and range from 12 to 20 feet apart. The state park is almost 6,700 acres. Every year, hundreds of feet of the Flume pathway (as seen in the photo to the right) is removed due to large amounts of ice build up on the walls of the Flume Gorge. Ice can get 3 to 4 feet thick and rise up to 80 feet high on the walls of the Flume. The pathway is rebuilt every Spring to allow visitors to walk the Flume pathway. The pathway of the Flume is normally reopened by Memorial Day weekend.

Our trip to The Flume in Franconia Notch (Lincoln, NH) was one of 3 visits we made to this state park during 2006 and by far one of our favorite hiking trails in NH. The best times to go there are in late Spring when the winter snow melt contributes to the water in the streams, giving a spectacular view of the waterfalls. Another great time to go is during the Fall Foliage season in New Hampshire. The tree colors are the dry cool days, make it a great experience. It can also make a great refuge from the hot summer heat.

Keep in mind that it can be quite cool and damp when you are in the flume itself. Also, if you are claustrophobic (like me), you may want to prepare yourself for walking up the narrow flume. There are a few places that have tall rock walls, but once through that small part you will be fine.

Every time we have visited The Flume, we have noticed there are a lot of people there from all over the world and usually fairly busy, but don't let the crowded parking lot full of cars and busses scare you away, The Flume is a big place, the trail itself is over a mile long!

While walking The trail at The Flume, you will go from paved areas, to a covered bridge over the Pemigewasset River wooden pathways, to dirt trails. During your hike on The Flume trail, and after you go through The Flume itself, you will see 2 trails that are on your left. The trails offer a view of "The Pool." Many people walk right past these 2 trails, but in fact offer some of the most breath taking views The Flume has to offer (see picture of the pool on your left-view looking straight down from the observation deck)! So be sure you don't just walk by these 2 trails (unless you are afraid of heights!). Shortly after this part of the trail, you will come across another covered bridge, but don't just walk over the bridge without reading the plaque. The bridge was built on top of a fallen tree in 1939. The tree fell during a storm. After you cross the bridge, be sure to walk up the hill and look back at the bridge, under it, you will see the tree trunk! Also, immediately after the bridge is a cave. The "Wolf's Den." Which is a rock cave just big enough to squeeze through (better for kids than adults).

From this point, the trail soon completes a circle and brings you back to the visitor center near the parking lot.

The Flume Gorge & Visitor Center is open early May to Late October

Location:

On I-93/Route 3, Franconia Notch Parkway, Lincoln/Franconia

The Flume Parking Area GPS Coordinates: N44° 05.814' | W071° 40.945'

Phone: General Information:603-823-8800
Flume Gorge & Visitor Center :603-745-8391

Area Activities: Camping, swimming, hiking, picnicking, fishing, boating, biking, skiing/snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling

Area Amenities: Campground, RV campground, restrooms, cafeterias, gift shops, 8-mile paved recreation path, canoe, paddle boat and bike rentals, boat launch, covered bridges, hiker information center, New England Ski Museum, full service ski area

Phone Numbers for Area Attractions:

Lafayette Campground: 603-823-9513
Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake Beach, Cannon RV Park:
603-823-8800

Lafayette Place Campground GPS Location

N44° 08.554' | W071° 41.014'

Click Here to View the Photo Gallery of This Trip!

Fast Facts About This Trip:
The Good:	Great way to spend the day with kids and get some exercise at the same time
The Bad:	N/A
The Ugly:	If you are Claustrophobic, or have a fear of heights, be prepared for a few bad spots.
Tips to Remember:	Bring water bottles for everyone. You can refill them in the streams if you wish. Pack a lunch There is a small fee to get in that helps contribute to the maintenance of the park Don't forget your camera!

View Our: List of NH Waterfalls!

Date of Report: June 12, 2006