Travelogue

Leaf Peepers

The "Flume" Gorge at Franconia State Park, New Hampshire

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The brightly colored maple welcomed us to the entrance of the "Flume" which is a natural gorge over 800 feet long which was created by glaciers. It was a two mile round trip hike to visit the flume and worth every step.

The path through the woods to get to the flume were spectacular. The colors were vibrant and the forest was peaceful and dynamic.

From the top of the hill looking down on the covered bridge which was built in the 1800's and still used today by the hikers and buses in the park.

Connie gets up and personal with the wooden bridge on the way to the flume.

Beautiful brooks and streams laced the park on the way to the flume.

People crossing the bridge to begin the walk along the flume.

Beginning of the ascent of the flume by the wooden walkway.

The narrowness of the Flume as well as its height and depth overwhelm the senses at first as you begin to climb to its top. The gorge's wall height is from 70-90 feet and its width is from 12-20 feet.

Connie and I made the ascent with a couple of stops on the way. It was a real "breath taker" literally and figuratively.

A look up to the top of the Flume.

Looking at the bridge crossing the Flume. It was extremely dark in the flume.

One view of the falls at the top of the Flume.

Another view of the falls at the head of the Flume.

The walkway at the top of the Flume. (right)

The sun shines through the forest at the top of the Flume, showering the path in brilliant color.

A view along the return path from the Flume. (right)

A stream running down parallel to the Flume.

The covered walkway bridge over the "Pool" in the Flume Park.

Looking down on the "pool" in the Flume Park.

A stream feeding the "pool." (right)

Another view of the stream feeding the "pool."

The stream after the pool. The sound of rushing water was the only sound which broke the silence of this magnificent setting.

As we left the Flume area we had just one more shot of the colors from the White Mountains around it.

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