• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • About
    • About Us
    • Board Members & Staff
    • Membership Information
    • Business Resources
    • Destination Marketing
    • Annual Meeting & Awards
    • Chamber After Hours Events
  • Local Businesses
  • Blog
  • Jobs
    • Search Jobs
    • Submit a Job
    • Live Here
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Western White Mountain Chamber

Basecamp of the White Mountains in New Hampshire

  • Play
    • Attractions
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts and Culture
    • Festivals and Events
  • Stay
  • Eat
  • Shop
  • Plan
    • Arts and Culture
    • Attractions
    • Couples
    • Food and Drink
    • Outdoor Fun
    • Rainy Days
    • Scenic Drives
    • Winter Activities
    • Summer Activities
    • Spring-Fall Activities
    • Weddings
  • Deals
    • White Mountains Deals
    • Submit a Deal
  • Events
    • View Events
    • Submit an Event
  • Play
    • Attractions
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts and Culture
    • Festivals and Events
  • Stay
  • Eat
  • Shop
  • Plan
    • Arts and Culture
    • Attractions
    • Couples
    • Food and Drink
    • Outdoor Fun
    • Rainy Days
    • Scenic Drives
    • Winter Activities
    • Summer Activities
    • Spring-Fall Activities
    • Weddings
  • Deals
    • White Mountains Deals
    • Submit a Deal
  • Events
    • View Events
    • Submit an Event

Basin

Geological Family Attractions

July 10, 2019

https://d3oomqi9g2h12e.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/10115919/5-geological-attractions-v2.mp4

 

Geological Family Attractions

The western White Mountains are home to some of the best natural geological features in New England. When the glaciers melted during the last Ice Age over 50,000 years ago, they carved out much of the White Mountains as we know it today.

As the glaciers receded, they deposited granite boulders creating caves in many places across the Lincoln and Woodstock area. Today, you can discover the natural beauty that Mother Nature created during the last Ice Age at places like the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, and the Flume Gorge.

Lost River Gorge

Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

Located in the heart of Kinsman Notch in North Woodstock, the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is a popular natural geological attraction for all ages to enjoy. Formed over 300 million years ago during the last Ice Age, Lost River Gorge is filled with blocks of granite, boulder caves, and waterfalls. Open daily from May through October; there are tons of things to see and do at Lost River Gorge.

While visiting the Gorge and caves during the day is pretty cool, discovering them by night is a whole new experience! During the summer months, you can take a Guided Lantern Tour through the caves. The two-hour tour begins at dusk, and you’ll be guided through the lantern-lit caves and boardwalks ending around the campfire complete with s’mores.

If you’re more of a morning person, consider an 8am Yoga in the Woods in the Forest Treehouse.

The Basin

The Basin

After seeing the Basin for the first time in 1839, Henry David Thoreau said it was “perhaps the most remarkable curiosity of its kind in New England.” Located conveniently at Exit 34A off I-93, the Basin is a geological masterpiece. Formed approximately 15,000 years ago, the 30-foot-wide, 15-foot-deep granite bowl is a pool of cold blue water that cascades down several granite cliffs in a dramatic effect.

Just a short walk through the woods along a well maintained path, there’s no reason to miss this gem.

Loon Mountain Caves

Catch a ride on New Hampshire’s longest scenic gondola ride with the Loon Mountain Gondola Skyride to the summit of Loon Mountain. First, take in the 360-degree panoramic views of the White Mountain National Forest from the 50-foot Hebert’s Observation Tower. Next, explore the glacial caves that were deposited on top of the summit during the last ice age. Follow the signs and weave and wander through the caves at your own pace. While you’re there, enjoy an adventure in their Aerial Forest or enjoy yoga on the mountain top!

Flume Gorge

Flume Gorge

Next to the Old Man of the Mountain, the Flume Gorge is one of the western White Mountain’s most iconic attractions. First discovered in 1808 by “Aunt” Jess Guernsey, the Flume Gorge has been a destination for millions of visitors over the past centuries. While the famous hanging boulder was washed away in a landslide in 1883, the 90-foot granite walls and other natural features are worth the visit to see with your own eyes.

Open from May through October; the Flume Gorge is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Kids will love the Flume Gorge Scavenger Hunt while grandma will love the picturesque Flume Covered Bridge. Spanning over the Pemigewasset River, the Covered Bridge is one of the oldest in the state. Other natural wonders in the park include Table Rock, Avalanche Falls, and Liberty Gorge.

Discover the natural beauty of the western White Mountains with the many natural geological wonders of the area.

Filed Under: Adventure, Attractions, Fall, Family Fun, Hiking, Multigenerational Travel, Outdoor, Relaxing, Spring, Summer Tagged With: Basin, Caves, Flume Gorge, Lost River Gorge

Footer

Connect with the Chamber

western white mountains chamber of commerce
Email: [email protected]
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Visit Us
159C Main Street
North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA

Google Map

Mailing Address
PO Box 1017
Lincoln, NH 03251

Telephone
(603) 745-6621

Copyright © 2023 Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce · Website by Wicked Good Web

Keep Up to Date!

Sign up to receive occasional updates with info on events and money-saving deals in the Western White Mountains.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.