Flume Gorge | Lincoln NH

Information

Landmark: Flume Gorge
City: Lincoln NH
Country: USA New Hampshire
Continent: North America

Flume Gorge, Lincoln NH, USA New Hampshire, North America

Flume Gorge is a natural gorge located in Franconia Notch State Park, near Lincoln, New Hampshire, USA. It is a geological formation carved by glacial meltwater over millions of years.

Visual Characteristics

The gorge walls are composed of granite, rising 70 to 90 feet high. The width varies from 12 to 20 feet. A 800-foot-long boardwalk allows visitors to walk through the gorge, with some sections featuring a covered wooden roof. Water cascades down the granite walls in several locations, forming small waterfalls.

Location & Access Logistics

Flume Gorge is situated off Interstate 93, Exit 34A, in Franconia Notch State Park. The park entrance is approximately 1 mile from the highway. Ample parking is available at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center. From the visitor center, a free shuttle bus operates to the gorge entrance during operating hours. Public transport to the immediate vicinity is limited; the closest major transit hub is in Concord, NH.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The gorge was formed by erosion from glacial meltwater over an estimated 200 million years. It was discovered in 1808 by two women, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Livermore, who were fishing in the nearby Pemigewasset River. The area was preserved and opened to the public in 1808.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walk the 2-mile loop trail that includes the boardwalk through the gorge. Observe the granite walls and waterfalls. Hike to the top of the gorge via the Avalanche Falls trail. Explore the historic covered bridges within the park. Observe the diverse flora and fauna adapted to the gorge environment.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center and near the gorge entrance. Shaded areas are present along the boardwalk and trails. Cell phone signal is intermittent within the gorge itself but generally available at the visitor center and parking areas. Food vendors and a gift shop are located at the Flume Gorge Visitor Center.

Best Time to Visit

The gorge is typically open from mid-May to mid-October. For optimal lighting for photography, early morning or late afternoon provides softer light. The months of June and September offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than peak summer. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

A notable feature is the "Table Rock," a large granite slab that overhangs the gorge. Local lore suggests that the gorge was once a dwelling for mythical creatures, though no verifiable evidence supports this.