
Because of this quick cooling, the basalt is a fine- grained rock. The basalt crystallized quickly against the relatively cold granite. The basalt came from deep within the earth as a fluid material, and because of pressure, was able to force the Conway granite aside.

As it cooled, the granite was broken by closely spaced vertical fractures which lay nearly parallel in a northeasterly direction.Sometime after the fractures were formed, small dikes of basalt were forced up along the fractures. Nearly 200 million years ago during the Jurassic Period, the Conway granite that forms the walls of the Flume was deeply buried molten rock. The same storm deepened the gorge and formed Avalanche Falls.

A heavy rainstorm in June of 1883 started a landslide that swept the boulder from its place. The rock was 10 feet (3m) high and 12 feet (3.6m) long. At that time, a huge egg-shaped boulder hung suspended between the walls. She had trouble convincing her family of the marvelous discovery, but eventually persuaded others to come and see for themselves. The Flume was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey when she accidently came upon it while fishing. See the Pet-Friendly Parks Webpage for more information.

Pets are also prohibited from Echo Lake Beach, Lafayette Campground, on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Pets are only permitted in the designated dog walk areas of the Flume & Tramway parking lots as well as White Mountain National Forest hiking trails. Pets are not permitted in the Flume Gorge. Users assume all risk while recreating in State Park lands. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety. The off-season poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates may be closed. Off Season Use: This park is always open for recreation unless otherwise posted. Tentative opening for the season is mid-May - dependent on weather and ice melt in the gorge.) (Access to the Flume Gorge will close in mid April for two weeks to reinstall the boardwalk. For up to date hours, please call the park directly. *Dates and times are weather dependent and subject to change without notice. Tentative opening for the season is mid-May - dependent on weather and ice melt in the gorge.įor your own safety, hikers are not allowed to enter the Gorge. The Gorge is not open, the boardwalks have been removed for the winter.Īccess to the Flume Gorge will close in mid April for two weeks to reinstall the boardwalk. NOTICE:The Flume Gorge Trail is now open for winter access at the hikers own risk. The boardwalk allows you to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns and mosses found here. The walk includes uphill walking and lots of stairs. The entire loop takes approximately 1.5 hours and finishes at the Flume Building.
#FLUME FREE STORY FULL#
The Short Trail/Rim Path is closed and the only option is to complete the full 2 mile loop.

The Flume Trail is a 2-mile loop starting at the check-in booths located in front of the Flume Building. The walls of Conway granite rise to a height of 70 to 90 feet and are 12 to 20 feet apart. The Flume is a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.
