There’s no doubt that New Hampshire’s White Mountains are one of the most coveted hiking destinations in the country. There’s an extraordinary range of hiking trails in the White Mountains, from easy strolls in the woods to epic climbs up mountain peaks. One of our favorite hiking trails is the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves area. It’s a beautiful area to explore, with ravines, caves, and more, similar to what you’d experience in Franconia Notch State Park’s Flume Gorge.
Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is located in the Kinsman Notch near Woodstock and is only about 20 minutes from our New Hampshire Inn. Of course, beyond epic hikes, there are plenty more things to do in the White Mountains. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The area is rife with opportunities for adventure, including things like mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and chasing waterfalls to more relaxed activities like enjoying scenic drives, rides up the mountains on one of the steepest incline railways in the world, wine tasting, and so much more.
With so many great places to explore nearby, you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to soak up the beauty and have some fun in the area. There’s no better place to stay in the White Mountains than our New Hampshire Inn. We’re located just outside of Franconia Notch State Park, offering our guests easy access to some of the top attractions in the area. Not only that, but we offer comfortable, upscale accommodations, including private vacation cottages and the best restaurant in the White Mountains.
You’ll find the perfect blend of welcoming hospitality and quiet tranquility here. It is the best of both worlds – and the ideal home base to explore the sensational White Mountains. There are still plenty of summer days left! Book your room at our New Hampshire Inn today.
Hike Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
If you’re looking for a great introduction to the beautiful and unique landscapes of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves is the place to go. It’s truly a beautiful place to enjoy some light hiking in the White Mountains and is an area that highlights the rugged landscapes that are common here.
Similar to what you’ll find at The Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park, this park has a wooden boardwalk trail that meanders along the floor of the Lost River Gorge. This lets you get up close and personal with the area’s jagged rock walls, gigantic boulders, rock-strewn glacial boulder caves, and cascading waterfalls.
The 1-mile boardwalk through the gorge is a 1-way trail, which keeps the flow of visitors manageable and makes the experience more enjoyable. There are more than 1,000 steps along the journey, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes. The surface can be slippery at times.
As you hike along the Boardwalk Trail, you’ll encounter 11 different boulder caves to explore, not to mention cascading waterfalls. There’s also a suspension bridge, a treehouse, and a giant “bird’s nest,” from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the White Mountains National Forest.
The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves is a geologically diverse and beautiful area and one of the many natural wonders in the White Mountains. As glaciers from the last ice age retreated about 300 million years ago, they eroded the rocks and formed the gorge we see today, leaving behind a perfect example of the impact nature can have on our landscapes. The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves area got its name from the stream that drains from here. It disappears below the surface in the narrow, steep-walled glacial gorge – sometimes dropping into caves below.
The journey through the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves takes around 2 hours. Reservations should be made in advance on their website, as walk-up space isn’t guaranteed.
More Great Hiking Trails in the White Mountains
When it comes to hiking trails in the White Mountains, places like The Flume Gorge and the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves are just the beginning. Millions of people head to New Hampshire’s White Mountains every year for outdoor recreation, whether it’s hiking and biking, taking in the stunning fall colors, skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
The White Mountains are more than just a great place to enjoy hiking. The vast outdoors and fresh mountain air offer an extraordinary break from the city. From stunning waterfalls and covered bridges to the majestic Mount Washington and scenic drives, there’s no shortage of things to do or hikes in the White Mountains to take this summer. Below, we’ve compiled a list of five more of our favorite hiking trails in the White Mountains.
- Presidential Traverse is one of the most popular hiking trails in the White Mountains. It’s definitely a hike for more experienced hikers, as it’s an 18.9-mile trek through rocky and windy terrain. The views you’ll get from the top, though, are simply breathtaking and well worth the effort.
- If you’re looking for a slightly more laid-back hike in the White Mountains that still offers gorgeous views, head to the Artist Bluff trail. The Artist Bluff trail is found on the Bald Mountain and is easily accessible for most hikers. You’ll love the colorful wildflowers and an excellent view of Echo Lake. This hike is especially magical during the fall foliage season.
- Another of the most popular hiking trails in the White Mountains is the Franconia Ridge Loop Trail. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the White Mountains. The trail extends across three mountain ranges and goes for 8 miles. It’s a pretty heavily trafficked hiking trail and even includes a waterfall.
- For a gorgeous waterfall experience, head to Arethusa Falls. There are a lot of waterfalls in the White Mountains, but Arethusa Falls is one of the best. The waterfall drops an impressive 160 feet. This hike can be extended to Frankenstein Cliffs and Ripley Falls.
- Mount Washington is the highest peak in the White Mountains, and there are several ways to get to the top—including the Mount Washington Cog Railway, which requires no hiking! One route you can use when going to Mount Washington is the Tuckerman Ravine. This hike is truly a sight to behold. The total trip will be 8.4 miles.
