The Flumes Gorge
Over the years, as a child, I have enjoyed coming here with my family, now as an adult, I take my family here. The Flumes George is located in Franconia Notch, off exit 34A. It is a beautiful place to come visit alone, with your loved one, or with your whole family! You start at the Flume Visitor Center. Inside you get your tickets, they have bathrooms, a place to eat lunch, and a gift shop with some great New Hampshire and White Mountain souvenirs. When you leave the Center, it's like a huge circle. You head to the right and go through a The Flume Covered Bridge. Then you will hit The Flume Gorge which is so beautiful. The Picture up above is close to the start of the Gorge. Here is another picture of me looking back when we were half way through the Gorge:
It is really amazing to walk through, with walls on both sides and just a narrow walk way. You can see in the picture that there are people bending over looking at the water. There are so places that can be a little scary where you are up high, near the wall with water below. So, hopefully, you are not scared of heights!
There is a lovely waterfall when you reach the end of the Flume Gorge called Avalanche Falls. It is so beautiful. Now The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. I have hiked up Mt. Liberty a few times so they water is cold, fresh mountain water and when it reaches the Flumes it comes down off the Falls into the Gorge. Now, after the Gorge you can continue around the loop, the whole loop is about 2 miles long from the Center. Here you will also see the Liberty cascades and go over the Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge. Walking a little further down you will see the The Pool which is beautiful.After seeing The Pool, you will head back to the Center. This trip around normally takes us about three hours or so to do. If its your first time, it will probably take you longer for you will want to take pictures of everything.
The Flume Gorge is
open daily from May 12th to October 23rd, 2011. Operating hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. I would say try to get there early and enjoy your whole day! The fall is such a lovely time to go for the trees are so beautiful with their leaves.
Admission is $14 for adults (ages 13+); $11 for children (ages 6-12);
children ages 5 and under are admitted free with paid adult.
Now they also have Discovery Pass (Includes Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway & Flume Gorge):
Adults: $26.00, children (ages 6-12): $20.00. So, if you haven't been to either yet, this can be fun to see both, do one in the morning, eat then go enjoy the other in the afternoon!
I hope this has been helpful and that you get to enjoy these wonderful places this fall or next spring!
