New Hampshire
Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

Flume Gorge In New Hampshire Is Full Of Awe-Inspiring Rock Formations

Flume Gorge in New Hampshire offers a scenic trail showcasing unique rock formations and historic covered bridges.

Published Jul 16, 2021

Written by 

Celina Colby

When New Hampshire's geological state symbol Old Man of the Mountain fell from its perch in 2003, it was a devastating blow to the community. Fortunately, New Hampshire is home to a number of other spectacular rock formations. The Flume Gorge in New Hampshire is one such place. Let's explore...

The Flume Gorge is a fantastic trail to see some of New Hampshire's most unique rock formations and features. The Flume is a natural gorge that extends 800 feet from the base of Mount Liberty.

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It's a one-way, two mile trail to walk through the Gorge, and much of the trail winds through built stairwells and bridges designed to give nature lovers easy access to the outdoor wonder.

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Along the way you might spot an iconic New England covered bridge. New Hampshire once had close to 400 covered bridges, though that number has dwindled to 54 over the years. This landmark located at Flume Gorge is one of the oldest in the state.

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The walls of Flume Gorge are made of granite and rise up to 90 feet. Waterfalls and rivers have carved interesting paths and shapes into the rock over time.

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The gorge has a rich history. It was formed nearly 200 million years ago during the Jurassic Period, then was discovered in 1808 by a 93-year-old woman exploring the woods. It has been a natural beauty attraction ever since.

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If you're hiking this trail with children, be sure to print out the Flume Gorge Scavenger Hunt from the state park's website. It's a fun way to explore and learn about the Gorge's unique ecosystem!

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Though uphill, the Flume Gorge hike is accessible to a wide range of visitors due to the built stair and bridge infrastructure and short length of the trail. Don't miss the opportunity to visit natural beauty that was centuries in the making. Read more about this trail at the New Hampshire State Parks website -- and download that scavenger hunt here!

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

My Return Visit To New Hampshire’s Pulpit Rock Conservation Area Brought Me Back To The Ice Age

Published Apr 21, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

Much of the terrain that we see today in New Hampshire was formed at a time when great lakes and massive sheets of ice covered the region. When these glaciers melted off, they left behind rugged natural features such as steep mountains and gorges. An excellent example of the latter can be found at Pulpit Rock Conservation Area in Bedford. My recent visit to this small but impressive glacial gorge in New Hampshire was a look back in time that we can all enjoy.

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Pulpit Rock Conservation Area in Bedford hides a treasure in the form of a rugged gorge that was carved out by a retreating glacier. Steep trails lead down to the bottom of the gorge.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

As Pulpit Brook flows through the gorge, it tumbles over several waterfalls. For me, the sight and sound of flowing water is the best!

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Without the spring vegetation growing back yet, there were nice brookside vignettes like this one to enjoy.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

Evidence of the glacial action in this area can also be spotted in the form of large erratics that were left behind by the ice sheet.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

On this day, I also did a second hike to Pulpit Rock Conservation Area but approached from the south via the longer Pulpit Brook Trail.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

As someone who works on trails, I very much appreciated this well-constructed boardwalk near the southern end of Pulpit Brook Trail.

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Ken MacGray/Google Photos

From the boardwalk, I took in the scene of where it crosses Pulpit Brook. If you're looking for an alternative to the busier main trailhead for Pulpit Rock Conservation Area, I recommend this approach.

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Pulpit Rock Conservation Area offers a variety of walks up to three miles and is a perfect place to bring kids, but use caution and wear sturdy footwear while in the gorge, as sections are rugged and steep. Of all the beautiful gorges in New Hampshire, this one is definitely worth a visit. For more information and to download a trail map, visit Piscataquog Land Conservancy.

If you love waterfalls as much as I do, spring is the time to seek them out! Here are ten of them that are super easy to reach. Enjoy!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/acessible-waterfalls-nh/

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Nature|Caves & Rock Formations

This Long-Abandoned New Hampshire Tourist Attraction Is Making A Comeback

Published Feb 22, 2024

Written by 

Ken MacGray

Beginning in 1803, Boston businessman Sam Ruggles started digging in the hills of Grafton, New Hampshire for the flaky mineral called mica. For about a century and a half, Ruggles Mine grew into a successful commercial mining operation, then later a popular New Hampshire tourist attraction. The mine, however, closed down in 2016 and has been dormant since. But hope is not lost! In 2024, Ruggles Mine in Grafton will be reopening to the public under new ownership.

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Ruggles Mine in Grafton opened as a public tourist destination in 1963. In its commercial heyday, mica was mined here for use in everything from cosmetics to toasters.

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Public domain/Wikimedia Commons

The site is an open pit mine at the top of Isinglass Mountain that includes tunnels and subterranean chambers that are often flooded.

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James St. John/Wikimedia Commons

In its tourist era, the mine was a destination for rockhounds, who could keep any of the various minerals found on the ground or which could be chipped loose with tools.

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James St. John/Wikimedia Commons

The mine closed in 2016 and remained dormant as its owners attempted to find a new owner for the property.

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Ken MacGray/Flickr

In 2018 there was community support for adding Ruggles Mine to the New Hampshire State Parks system. In 2019, the mine was found a buyer but remained unused.

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Ken MacGray/Flickr

Finally, in late 2023, two New Hampshire residents, Joe Bodge and Eric LaRoche, purchased the mine with the intent to restore it to its former glory. A reopening is tentatively scheduled for sometime in 2024.

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James St. John/Wikimedia Commons

As of the date of this writing, the mine has not yet been reopened to the public. In the meantime, please do not attempt to visit the mine or trespass on the property. For more information on when the mine will be open to the public again, visit the Ruggles Mine website or join the Friends of Ruggles Mine group on Facebook.

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