Few People Know About This New Hampshire Volcano

New Hampshire is full of natural wonders, from lakes to mountains to the ocean. We have caves, streams, marshes and more. But most people don’t realize that New Hampshire has one of the most important volcanic sites in the world. Check out this New Hampshire volcano:

Few people realize that the Ossipee Mountains, which lie just north of Lake Winnipesaukee and South of the White Mountains, are actually the skeleton of a massive volcano.

Kari Jasus/flickr

The Ossipee Mountains are more flat than the other mountains in the area. That’s because about 200 million years ago a massive eruption 10 times that of Mount St. Helen blew the top off a massive New Hampshire volcano, leaving the Ossipee Mountains as we know them today.

Garden Beth/flickr

That may seem like a long time ago, but the Ossipee Mountains are actually one of the best places in the world to study inactive volcanoes.

Carol Vinzent/flickr

The circular caldera is located in the Castle In The Clouds Conservation Area. Hiking around Castle In The Clouds, you can see the unique formations made by the volcano, if you just know where to look.

Franklin Sites/creative commons

In fact, you might even see geologists out there studying the ancient rocks in order to help them better understand modern volcanoes.

Carol Vinzant/flickr

All in all, the area is full of amazing rock formations that will leave you marveling at nature.

Selbe Lynn/flickr

You can even see a magnificent waterfall in this ancient and unexpected oasis.

Roger H Goun/flickr

So, next time you think that New Hampshire has exposed all her natural surprises, just remember there are many more treasures to discover in this little state.

Kari JAsus/flickr

Who knew that New Hampshire had its very own volcanic history?