Last Monday, after getting some much-needed sleep following my catching a set by Interpol in Boston the night before, I awoke in my boyfriend’s apartment to find that he’d mapped out a full itinerary for the day off I’d taken from work so that we could take a mini road trip up to New Hampshire together and I could see peak foliage from the vantage point of one of his favorite hiking trails within Franconia Notch State Park.
Flume Gorge, a natural chasm located along a two-mile hike within Franconia Notch, offers spectacular views of the nearby mountains, waterfalls, natural pools and covered bridges – all accessible and able to be navigated at your own pace – and it’s open to the public through the end of this month before the state closes it for the colder seasons.
Troy had last hiked the trail closer to the end of the Summer when things were a lot more green than they were when we’d arrived days ago, and he’d advised it was considerably less busy back then, too. Although quite a few people seemed to have had the same idea when it came to prime leaf peeping – everyone moved at a steady, reasonable pace, actively practiced patience while people snapped photos and took selfies, and made the trek feel more like a wholesome group experience that were all enjoying as a collective instead of a frantic race to the top. I never felt overcrowded or rushed, which I was so thankful for!
And the scenery? It took my breath away! It was just nothing but golds, oranges, reds and greens in a full panoramic. I was in absolute bliss!
I’ve already told Troy that I’d love to spend a long weekend in Franconia next Fall – not just to return to Flume Gorge again but to also check out some of the other picturesque places we passed along the way to/from the trail, as well. It’s such a pretty, peaceful area that seems like the perfect place to just unplug and relax for a few days.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out Flume Gorge yet – be sure to add it to your Autumnal “To-Do” list for 2027 for sure. You won’t regret it.
Just be sure to bring a pair of comfortable hiking shoes when you do!
xo
