Flume Gorge Is An Unrivaled Canyon Hike Right Here In New Hampshire

New Hampshire is full of amazing hikes. Most of the time, you’re hiking toward a mountain summit or an amazing lookout. However, the beauty can be just as astounding when you hike down, delving into a canyon that water has carved over millions of year. One of the most well-known canyon hikes in New Hampshire is The Flume, an amazing place of natural beauty that every New Hampshire resident should visit at least once!

Flume Gorge extends for 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty. The area was formed by glaciers more than 200 million years ago.

Dennis Jarvis/flickr

The sides of the narrow gorge are sheer granite extending 90 feet into the air. In some areas the sides of the gorge are just 12 feet apart!

Josh Mazgelis/flickr

A walkway through the gorge allows visitors to get up close with nature, walking through the floor or the gorge.

Josh Dielis/flickr

At the top of the Flume is Avalanche Falls, a 45-foot drop that roars in the background as it sends Flume Brook into the gorge.

Neil Hunt/flickr

The view from the falls is breathtaking over the Flume Gorge.

Benjamin Harrison/flickr

Because of the walkway, Flume Gorge is accessible to anyone who can handle stairs.

Selbe Lynn/flickr

In fact, this stunning natural area was discovered in 1808 by a 93-year-old woman who was out fishing!

Jeff Egnaczyk/flickr

Another favorite feature at the Flume is the covered bridge, one of the oldest in the state, dating back to 1886.

Jane H./Flickr

Visitors to the Flume can travel just the walkway, or do a two-mile loop through the surrounding woods. The Flume is accessible only through The Flume Visitors Center, which is open from May through October 23. The Flume is located at 852 Daniel Webster Highway in Lincoln.

Jonathan Moreau/flickr

Looking for more amazing rock hikes? Check out New Hampshire’s very own Grand Canyon!