The Flume Gorge
New Hampshire
The Flume Gorge, locally known simply as The Flume, is a remarkable natural gorge located at the base of Mount Liberty within Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. It extends approximately 800 feet horizontally and features striking walls of Conway granite rising between 70 to 90 feet high, spaced narrowly from 12 to 20 feet apart. This geological wonder was formed nearly 200 million years ago during the Jurassic period as molten rock cooled and fractured, later shaped by erosion and glacial activity. The gorge was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old Jess Guernsey, who stumbled upon it while fishing. Visitors today can walk through the gorge from May to October, experiencing the dramatic natural scenery including the remnants of basalt dikes and the lush vegetation growing on the granite walls. The site also features Avalanche Falls, a waterfall formed after a significant landslide in 1883. The Flume Gorge remains a captivating destination for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts alike, showcasing the powerful natural forces that sculpted this unique landscape.
ヒント: For the best experience, visit The Flume Gorge between May 10 and October 20 when it is open to the public. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance during peak season to avoid long waits. Pets are not permitted within the gorge. Early morning visits can provide a quieter, more serene atmosphere. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trail includes wooden walkways and some uneven terrain. Check the official New Hampshire State Parks website for the latest information on hours and any seasonal updates.
興味深い事実
- •The gorge walls are made of Conway granite rising up to 90 feet high and are only 12 to 20 feet apart.
- •The Flume was discovered by a 93-year-old woman named Jess Guernsey in 1808.
- •A large egg-shaped boulder once hung suspended in the gorge but was swept away during a landslide in 1883 and has never been found.
- •Avalanche Falls, a waterfall within the gorge, was formed by the same 1883 landslide.
- •The basalt dikes visible in the gorge formed from molten rock forced into fractures in the granite during the Jurassic period and cooled rapidly.
- •The Flume was covered by glaciers during the Ice Age but the ice sheet did not significantly alter its surface features.
歴史
The Flume Gorge was discovered in 1808 by Jess Guernsey, a 93-year-old local woman who found the gorge while fishing.
Originally, a large egg-shaped boulder was suspended between the gorge walls until a heavy rainstorm in 1883 caused a landslide that removed the boulder and deepened the gorge, creating Avalanche Falls.
The gorge's geological formation dates back to the Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago, when Conway granite cooled and fractured, later shaped by basalt dikes and glacial erosion during the Ice Age.
Post-glacial activity allowed Flume Brook to carve the gorge further, forming the dramatic natural feature seen today.
場所ガイド
Main Gorge Walkway
A wooden boardwalk trail that allows visitors to walk through the 800-foot-long granite gorge, offering close-up views of the towering walls and flowing Flume Brook beneath.
Avalanche Falls1883
A scenic waterfall formed by a landslide in 1883 that deepened the gorge, located near the end of the main trail.
連絡先
電話: (603) 745-8391
