Which is better Flume Gorge or Lost River?

Have you been itching for an adventure recently? Some of the best road trips aren’t completely planned when you start out, and end up with alterations and more along the way. The places you stay and eat are up to you, but the main course of this weekend trip is all about gorge-ous scenery. Thanks to the size of New Hampshire, in a single weekend, you can easily visit all three gorges. Adding your own stops along the path is half the fun, after all. Time to break out that bucket list! These trails aren’t very long, but sightseeing takes time when the views are this good.

1. Rocky Gorge Scenic Overlook - Rocky Gorge Scenic Area

Mihai Dobri/AllTrails

Michelle Prater/AllTrails

A short little trail with more than it's fair share of scenery, this 0.3-mile hike won't wear you out before you get to the beauty. It's an easy out-and-back that offers a stunning waterfall and a quiet hike if you come during off-hours. What better way to enjoy what nature has created?

Gary Mowry/AllTrails

Scott Boerman/AllTrails

Next on our list is a 2.2-mile loop trail that will be a great hour or more outdoors. Of course, you have to account for the time it takes to explore and enjoy the area. Though there are no dogs allowed, the boardwalk areas are stunning enough to make up for your companion staying home.

Kai DeViller/AllTrails

Arshak Terzian/AllTrails

Last but not least, it's time for Lost River Gorge. This short 0.6-mile loop trail is easy to handle, as long as you're okay with stairs and boardwalks. The waterfalls are quite relaxing, and worth the price of entry when you take the whole area into consideration. It's just that stunning!

If you’d like to bookmark these trails and plan an upcoming weekend trip, check out Rocky Gorge Scenic Overlook, The Flume Gorge Trail, and Lost River Gorge Trail out on AllTrails. On the website, you’ll find local forecasts, trail maps, and reviews from recent hikers. It’s a great resource to check before you head out!

Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you can’t find an answer to your question, or require additional information, use the “Contact Us” form at the bottom of the page to get in touch.

Who should visit Lost River Gorge?

Lost River Gorge is enjoyed by explorers of all ages who appreciate hiking, adventure, and nature.

The 1-mile long boardwalk trail can be moderately strenuous for some visitors and is not recommended for people suffering from heart conditions, knee or back issues, or other medical conditions that may hinder your ability to walk and climb stairs. There is no halfway point as the boardwalk trail makes a loop.

How long does it take to explore Lost River Gorge?

Most guests spend an average of 1.5-2 hours exploring the Gorge and boulder caves.  The self-guided walk includes over 1,000 stairs and is 1-mile long. Be sure to take in the views from the Valley Viewpoint and Giant Bird Nest Overlook, browse around the gift shop, and pan for gemstones at the Lost River Gorge Mining Company sluice.

What is included with purchase of my general admission ticket?

Your general admission ticket provides access to the 1-mile-long wooden boardwalk trail through the Gorge which winds its way along the Lost River and up through the wooded Forest Adventure Trail.  Along the hike, you will explore jagged rock walls, gigantic boulders, rock-strewn glacial boulder caves, cascading waterfalls, forest treehouse, suspension bridge, and giant bird nest. Panning for gemstones at the Lost River Mining Company sluice is an optional add-on to your admission fee.

What facilities are at Lost River Gorge?

The following facilities are located on the property – gift shop with snacks and drinks plus nature, science, and souvenir-oriented merchandise; restrooms; picnic tables under the sheltered picnic pavilion and out in the open on the deck; a small gemstone mining sluice located at the main entrance under cover and an uncovered large mining sluice located on the main grounds.

What are the best days to visit?

We are a seasonal attraction operating from early-May to mid-October.  May + June and September + October are our less busy months.  Most visitors choose to explore on weekends and during holiday periods, while weekdays tend to be quieter.  The summer months of July and August are the busiest of the season; Sundays are almost always quieter than Saturdays except for long holiday weekends. The first two hours of ticket sales are less busy than mid-day ticket sales; if you would like to encounter fewer people on a quieter hike, plan to visit early or later in the day.

Are you open rain or shine?

Lost River Gorge is open rain or shine; however, we will temporarily suspend ticket sales due to heavy rain or thunder and lightning.   In the event of a downpour or thunderstorm, rain checks will be issued.  Many guests enjoy their hike in the light rain because of the rushing river, pop-up waterfalls, and brilliant green mosses and ferns.  Lost River Gorge does not operate when conditions are icy or there has been significant snowfall.

Do you allow pets into the park?

Trained service dogs meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act standards are the only animals allowed in the park.  While we love animals, due the nature of our attraction, we cannot permit pets of any kind or size.  We do not have a kennel for visiting pets.

If you are traveling with your pet, please make accommodations for your pet prior to your visit.  There is a doggy daycare, One Dog Day, located a few miles from our attraction in North Woodstock.  Visit their website and call ahead to make reservations.

What should I wear?

Sturdy close toed footwear meant for walking or hiking, such as sneakers or hiking boots, and layered outdoor clothing that fits the current weather conditions are strongly recommended. Temperatures in Kinsman Notch are typically about 10°F cooler than in town. Click here for current weather conditions along Route 112 in Kinsman Notch.

Do you allow strollers?

Strollers are not permitted along the wooden boardwalk trail.  The boardwalk is about 1-mile long with over 1,000 stairs and includes natural and man-made obstacles.  Front facing infant carriers and backpack child carriers are permitted on the boardwalk trail, but not in the boulder caves.

Is the 1-mile wooden boardwalk trail wheelchair accessible?

The main grounds, visitor center and gift shop are accessible, but there are gravel paths leading to these areas which may be a challenge for some wheelchairs. The Gorge and boardwalk trail are not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches or mobility impaired visitors due to uneven natural terrain, boulder caves, and stairways.

Will I fit through the boulder caves?

All of our boulder caves may be bypassed.  If you are worried about not fitting, or are claustrophobic, you can choose to go around each cave and meet your party at the cave exit.  The Lemon Squeezer, the cave with the tightest fit at 16 inches wide, requires you to shimmy through a wooden gauge before entering the cave itself. 

Is there a charge for parking?

There is no additional charge for parking.  Recreational vehicles and busses are asked to park in the designated paved roadside lot and may not drive over the bridge into the main gravel lot.  Overnight parking/camping is not permitted as our parking lots are gated every night.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Lost River Gorge accepts cash, Visa, and Mastercard.  No personal checks. There is not an ATM on-site at Lost River Gorge; ATMs are available in the towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock about 10 minutes away.

How long does it take to go through Lost River Gorge?

How difficult is Lost River Gorge?

Why is Flume Gorge famous?

Does Flume Gorge have caves?