I only visit New Hampshire once a year and I always like to take the hike through the Flume! What's nice is that even if it's a hot sunny summer day that inside the flume you're shaded from the sun by the trees and the formations so it makes for a nice little hike! The one time I did go in cooler weather was early October and that time there was the abundance of leave changing colors to be seen so that also another good time to visit. read more

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While we were traveling through this part of NH, my husband and I knew we wanted to do outdoorsy things while also knowing our aging joints and city DNA might not allow for hardcore outdoorsy things. Enter the Flume Gorge. The whole trail is well-marked and was roughly two miles of walking for us, with some occasional hills and terrain. All along the way, there was plenty of nature to appreciate, with the waterfalls being the clear highlight of the show. My inner nerd loved the various signs and placards throughout the course that either gave travelers information about the flora, fauna, or geological history of different spots. I especially appreciate that there are limited numbers of tickets that are sold within time slots. I presume that's to keep the trail from getting too loud or crowded. My husband and I caved into the strong recommendations to purchase tickets online (the prevailing reason seems to be avoiding the peril of 'sold out tickets', but when we bought ours the night before our visit, there were still more than enough spots available). There are bathrooms available at the start of the hike (and technically also at the end, since the trail is circular). The visitor center/store is connected to the restrooms, though it's implicitly recommended to enter at the end of your hike since there's no reentering the trail once you come into the store. For those famished at the end of their visit, there's also a small food court selling fast food items and a modestly sized seating area. We paid $37 for two advance tickets (which includes a dollar 'print at home' surcharge, even if there's a scannable barcode included in the confirmation email that prevents needing to print anything). Parking was fine in the private lot and plentiful, especially during the early morning slot we took. Overall, this is a nice and easy hike for those who want to connect with nature on a non-intense hike. read more

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I've been dying to see the Gorge since 2020 but I always have my dog on trips to NH and this is strictly no pets allowed. But this past weekend I was solo dolo baby so I made it happen (Prepare to be deluged with reviews from my time in the Granite State). Climate catastrophe is upon us and it was torrential at times in Franconia. But this place is the PERFECT PLACE to go on a rainy day hike because it's basically a mini rain forest anyway. Read on for what you need to know to make the best of it rain or shine: The Gorge is gorgeous - the sounds and smells perhaps even more so. I think it's best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Since it's a ONE WAY loop if there's people in front of you through the narrow parts of the gorge youll be tempted to adjust to their pace. And if there's people behind you on the narrow parts you may feel rushed. But two things about me - I'm 45 and large and I refuse to feel rushed or put upon. So I embraced a rainy day visit when the crowds were low and I could really immerse myself in the experience. There are stairs - many of them both wooden and stone. They are doable if you're mobile. If you're looking for an accessible trail this isn't it. The path through the gorge is narrow but it opens up along the other parts of the hike. Tons of lookout points and benches. If the weather is poor though your views of surrounding mountains and Franconia Ridge will be largely or completely obscured. But when the weather is nice - whew!!! They also have a lot of rain shelters. It was nice to curl up in those and talk with other visitors when the rain started up again. I can't stress this enough - there is incline and it is :moist: I don't police people's clothing but I did see some slippery footwear, long dresses, and other potential hazards. So just be mindful so that you're dressed and prepared to enjoy the park to its fullest. Oh and bring water. A pretty 2 miles is still 2 miles. Stay hydrated! Excellent Visitor Center - real bathrooms that flush lmao, a substantial gift shop, some dioramas, and statues, and a food court. Tix can and should be purchased online. You can choose the hour block you'll arrive in. For example I chose Saturday 11am and walked in at 1130. If you buy online it's $18 vs $21 in person. Free parking! Perfect outing for all ages and in all weather. If it's rainy STILL GO! - just bring a poncho. Do note that the park is seasonal so it closes late fall. If you know where to look though you may see ice climbers tempting fate in the winter months here. This place is truly the gem of Franconia. Enjoy! read more

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So gorgeous -- the perfect fall hike! Beautiful running water and stunning trees all along the trail. It's not an easy one -- there are some uphill sections and quite a few stairs -- I'd call it a moderate hike, but absolutely lovely on a crisp fall day. read more

The Flume Gorge - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, New Hampshire

Just a magical, exhilarating experience. Breathtaking gorge with enough excitement for me! The base lodge is beautiful, make sure to use the restroom before your plentiful hike and check out the gift shop on the way out. Definitely go early as it gets crowded and I would avoid going on a rainy day as it's a bit slippery. The trails are well marked. A must in the Franconia area. Buy tickets on line to save a few dollars, you can buy them right as you arrive. Just a fabulous day. Amanda G's review from 6/10/25 is spot on. We loved it here ! read more

I am not in good shape, period. I was kind of afraid to do this hike because I wanted to complete it and not be stuck in the middle of the mountains and I was able to complete it which definitely gave me confidence. I did take it slow, sit down, brought water with me (I do recommend). It was nice and cool since it was so shady so that DEFINITELY helped. The whole walkthrough takes around an hour and a half or two, depending on pace. You end at a gift shop with bathrooms, souvenirs and snacks. There is a large parking lot and it wasn't difficult to find a spot. It was a really pretty spot. I would recommend! read more

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We took I don't know how many breaks. I'm the hiker my fiancé is not... We still finished in an hour and 20. It takes some effort but it really is a beautiful walk!! read more

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Absolutely a must visit for families and those able to walk but can't hike when in Franconia NH. The basis is supporting the NH state parks entering into the Flume. I've been before but still a beautiful place to visit and would love to return again. read more

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Beautiful area to walk . There's steps you walk on up to the falls. The steps are wet . Be careful. Get there early before all the crowds come and congest the area. read more

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This is a must see, especially if you're here in the fall when the leaves are changing! But don't forget to make a reservation - it's for an hour long entry time, like 9-10 AM for example. But we saw several people show up without reservations and they were turned away. It's a 2.2 mile loop, definitely some uphill, downhill, and stairs, but we did it with our 3.5 and 2 year old and they did great with it (2 year old was in a hiking pack for half the time). Loved it here and would recommend this to anyone coming here in the fall! read more

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Awesome natural wonder, nice facilities, restaurant, gift shop, etc. Purchased tickets in advance. Lots of people turned away, so it's highly recommended you do so too. Also enjoyed meeting people from all over the world. read more

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What a wonderful place! Staff is so nice! Gorgeous flume and trail! Today was pretty busy but everything moved along smoothly on the trail. read more

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Absolutely beautiful (and free) in the winter! Highly recommend, can see all the different patterns that the water freezes in! read more

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We visited during peak foliage season and it was the perfect weather for a hike. It was warm just enough that we weren't freezing in the flume itself. The views were insane. Wouldn't even have known that this could be somewhere close by. During out visit, there were plenty of people there so the trail was very obvious to us. Even with less people, I think this is good beginner friendly trail as it is a cleared path the whole way. It took us almost 2 hours to do the whole trail since we stopped multiple times to take in the views. The most difficult part of the trail were the stairs but there aren't too many of them anyways. read more

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Beautiful hike! The path was well maintained and easy to hike. There were lots of stairs and the trail was a bit sandy/rocky, so sneakers would be recommended (but not required). The water falls were gorgeous and we were able to see so many falls from different angles. There were maps along the path and lots of information board to explain what each spot was. This hike was very informative and enjoyable. The best part was that we were able to see a few mountains from this trail. We came at almost the peak time of foliage, that made our hike even better. Admission for adult was $21 at the gate, but we got our tickets online for $18. Reservations were not required, but it was better to order the tickets online for a $3 saving. You can just show the tickets on your phone. There was a food court and gift shop at the information building. read more

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Really neat place. Got there too late on first day we went so got reservations and went back the next day. Overall very moderate hike. Lots of beautiful scenery although I imagine even more impressive when the water is really flowing earlier in the year. Definitely check out the visitors center area. Lots of cool historic pictures and info. Get the tickets online to get your reservation and also save $3. read more

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Arrived just before 9 am. I completed the trail in 1 hour with multiple stops. It's steep in some areas. Easy to moderate. There are a couple of benches/resting spots along the trail. The trail is a loop. There is a section that's just a walkway, which is the most scenic and where the Gorge is. Overall very woody and mostly shaded. Well marked. The parking lot was fuller and there was a line for tickets when I was leaving. read more

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Amazing! This is a moderate hike due to elevation game, some rocky and footy terrain, and lots of stairs. The flume is incredibly impressive to see. But there are more sights than the flume here. Don't wear sandals or flip flops. Bring water. Take breaks. Follow the trail counterclockwise. Enjoy! read more

The Flume Gorge - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, New Hampshire

Do not miss this spot!!!! This was my favorite part of our trip! The gorge is absolutely gorgeous! I can't even describe the feeling you get standing in the gorge with the walls many feet above you. It's gorgeous with greens growing throughout and a river going through. This trip is easy in the fact there there are stairs, ramps and flat trails for you to walk on. But it is a little difficult in that the first mile of the hike is a steep up hill climb. We made it though! and there are many spots to stop and take a photo and catch your breath if needed. Then the last mile is pretty much a descent back to where you started. TIP! Make sure to book your tickets in advance because they do sell out and they sell out fast and in advance. There were a lot of sad people who showed up just to find out there were no tickets available. read more

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Not sure if it's truly with $18 (the advance ticket price), but I guess you can't put a price on Mother Nature's beauty, right? The walk to the gorge isn't too hard and will take about 15-20 minutes. The stairways are well maintained; just don't be one of those folks that go in the opposite direction and ruin the vibe for the people going the correct direction. I wouldn't say this is something that you need to do more than once in your lifetime, so take your time! read more

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This is a must see in NH. It was an easy 2 mile trail. Slight inclines but nothing major. The views are amazing with lots different lookouts/rest spots. We went when it was raining and it really added to the experience! read more

The Flume Gorge - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, New Hampshire

A beautiful place for a walk. The gorge is simply beautiful. It's an annual visit for me read more

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Beautiful state park with grand views. Trails can be challenging for kids and out of shape folks- not recommended when wet( risk of falling/slipping on rocks and wood) Recommend ordering tickets on line beforehand; bring water on warm days read more

The Flume Gorge - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, New Hampshire

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Make sure to include this to your white mountain itinerary! It's an absolutely lovely hike that most individuals can manage. Know before you go... yes this hike does charge a costly $20/pp entrance fee which I'll admit is quite steep but it was a very well maintained path and had restrooms available. If you aren't prepared to cover the cost, there are a lot of lovely hikes available in the park. You can stop in the visitor center and grab a trail map. The hike itself is somewhere between easy and moderate depending on your skill level. There were a couple of steep sections that may be challenging to some-but doable. The path does get a bit slippery in areas so wear appropriate footwear and you should be all set! It's a pleasant experience with excellent view points. Just remember that if you packed it in, you'll need to pack it out! Keep the trail pretty. read more

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Looking to see an abundance of waterfalls and lovely scenic views? Make sure to hit up the Flume Gorge while in the are. You won't regret it! We spent around 2 hours here but if desired, one could enjoy it for at least a half day. Steep steps and narrow walkways are included on the trail, so beware if that is something that strikes you away. Lovely. Can't wait to go back one day! read more

Really a geriatric and family friendly hiking area to enjoy the gorge. They give you a leaflet of instruction upon entering. Onsite ticket purchase has an additional $3 fee and tickets are limited i guess to 300 per day. Parking space is way too ample. If you enjoy the view and have picture and video taken you then it would take you around 2 hrs to finish but if not then about an hour and 15 for moderate pace. read more

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As a 52-yo somewhat out of shape grandma I will admit I complained about the hike most of the way, but the scenery made every step worth it!! If you're in the area take time for this natural wonder! read more

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You can see better views for free in the local areas vs paying $16 to hike 2 miles. The gorge area was cool and not bad but maybe worth $7 at the most. It's a long hike for practically nothing. The shops started closing up around 4 and had cold horrible pizza. My husband text me at 4:45 saying they closed everything and he'd be in the car cause they kicked him out. He's handicap so he couldn't do the hike. Had I known it would be a strenuous 2 mile hike for nothing I wouldn't have wasted both our time. The walkway by the waterfall is slippery and wet so be careful. There is a bus that will take you to first area and save you some hiking but no one bothered to tell me that. They handed me a ticket and map & walked off vs offering any info. Not impressed at all. We have a gorge in Georgia 10x this size and 1/2 the price. Nite: I went several years ago and transferring my reviews over from trip advisor so prices have probably changed read more

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For those of you who have plans coming to visit the Flume Gorge during off season, it is opened with limited trail access. Though limited, there is enough things to do. The pathway to the flume gorge is restricted and blocked off during off season and can only seem afar. For us it was enough to do and the benefit of beating the crowd is the best thing. read more

The Flume Gorge - Trail for off season. - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, New Hampshire

Breathtaking. Authentic Autumn. Magnificent nature. Five words for a 5-Star experience. The Flume Gorge is located in Lincoln, New Hampshire and a great place to visit - especially when Fall foliage is at its peak. Bring your waking or hiking shoes for this trek (it takes about an hour and a half) and some people we saw were using their hiking or walking sticks. Most of the trail is not handicap accessible and - at one point - there are many stairs as you climb up to see the flume gorge. Also, the stairs are narrow at some points and it may be too high for those that are not fond of heights. These are by no means complaints, but rather a "heads up" for those deciding whether or not to venture here. The pictures do not do this place justice and I would've taken more pictures if my phone battery lasted longer. Covered bridges, flowing water and awesome rock formations are just some of the nature "eye candy" you'll come across. The crisp Autumn air and gorgeous leaf colors added to the ambiance and this was truly a storybook experience. There is no doubt that I will rerun here if I get the chance. read more

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A natural scenic stroll through the woods in the peak of fall colors is nothing more than amazing. You learn to appreciate nature more and enjoy it with enjoy it with breath of fresh air. It was a short hike, an approximate 2 mile loop. There are multiple things to view in the short hike that are simply amazing....my favorite is a retreat growing on a glacial rock. My only reason for raking off a star and not giving it a 5 star is the $18 I had to pay with many other hikes that are right around a reasonable distance that are as beautiful and totally free. read more

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I was nervous that this would be overhyped and touristy, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Worth the visit, 100%. Tickets are $14 PP and need to be purchased in advance online. There are no ticket sales at the door because of Covid. Time slots are every hour, and you can see how many tickets are available online so you know if it's close to selling out. We visited later in the day (I believe it was the last time slot, at around 4) and this was the best decision. The space was so empty which made for gorgeous photo opps. You can tell that it gets packed because of how many stanchions are around. I can only guess that on a crowded day people wait in line for hours to actually get up to the flume. The flume is beautiful. The stairway snakes through the gorge and you basically walking through the middle of an incredible canyon with rushing waterfalls. Pictures don't do this justice, so be sure to see for yourself. The whole walkthrough takes around an hour and a half. You end at a gift shop with bathrooms, souvenirs and snacks. There is a large parking lot and it wasn't difficult to find a spot. This is also where you'll park for the Franconia Notch bike trail / park, so it's a nice place to leave your car if you are planning to hit both in a day. A can't miss if you visit the White Mountains! read more

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1. Purchase your tickets ahead of time during crowded periods (we did). All mid-day tickets were sold out on our visit. 2. Our 11:00 admission time was good for the 11:00-12:00 time slot. 3. Two 70 year olds took their time and finished the hike in 1:45. 4. As beautiful as advertised. read more

The Flume Gorge - Scenic overlook - Parks Near Me - Lincoln, New Hampshire

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As a family of four, we've avoided the Flume Gorge for years because of the entrance fee and the fact that there are several fantastic hikes nearby. Now that we've experienced it, I would recommend it and say it's worth the entrance fee. It wasn't so amazing that I'd return year after year, but definitely beautiful enough that I'm glad we did it. The uniqueness of this particular hike is the various sites you're able to view during the short hike. You'll see a covered bridge, water falls, a gorge, a 40-foot deep pool, pine bridge, and glacial boulders. While there are a lot of stairs and uphill walking, I would consider this an easy hike that can be enjoyed by many. The State Parks website says to plan 1.5 hours to hike the loop but we did it in less than an hour (we walked straight through and didn't stop repeatedly at the various sites). I was impressed with NHSP for their COVID precautions. They've blocked the trail off as a one-way only trail to prevent unnecessary contact with others. You have to reserve your date and time online ahead of time as they manage the number of individuals that enter the premises at any one time. read more

This was absolutely amazing!! I'm not an athlete person, so I was skeptical about the long walk. But it truly wasn't that bad, and my god it was worth it!! read more

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It is a nice view. I did this hike through Osseo trail (out and back). I also hiked up to Mt.Liberty at the same hike. The total is 12 miles +/- 4000 elevation gain. Since it is November, microspikes were essential, but in summer it should be more straightforward. Winter and Summer hike gives you a very different scenery. There is another trailhead to go to these peaks, but crampons and ice axe are needed for that route in winter. read more

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We took a trip in April, was a little chilly but we Hiked down to the red wood covered barn. Beautiful!

This is an incredible and genuine experience. To walk through the flume is to really understand how incredible plants are at surviving. A great value, a good work out. Highly recommended. Tremendously excellent. read more

Beautiful hike! Be sure to buy your tickets online in advance as they do sell out. And my personal tip is go the earliest time you can to avoid crowds as this place is popular. Then bring a picnic and eat at one of the tables around the parking area and watch all the late comers stand in line!! The hike is awesome but not quite as easy as we anticipated. Some definite ups and downs with stairs at the steepest section. We just took our time and enjoyed the scenery and were probably there about 3 hours. No need to rush. And there are benches here and there if you want to sit. I would call this "moderate". read more

A friend and I visited during a little bit of a downpour, but it was beautiful anyway! Also, maybe because of the rain, it wasn't super busy, which was great. The gorge was gorgeous (ha...ha....). The price was a little high, but it was totally worth it. Definitely make the stop if you're going by. read more