The History of Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves trace their geological history back roughly 300 million years, during the formation of the Appalachian Mountain range. Tectonic activity created the foundation of the mountains as the Earth’s crust buckled and rose. About a million years ago, during the Ice Age, massive glaciers and ice sheets covered New Hampshire. As the climate warmed and the glaciers melted, they sculpted the landscape, carving valleys and gorges while depositing large boulders. The movement of ice and water through the Lost River area created the gorge and the iconic boulder caves seen today. This natural wonder showcases millions of years of geological evolution.

The written history of Lost River Gorge credits its discovery to the Jackman brothers in 1852, when Lyman Jackman reportedly fell through the topsoil into what is now known as “Shadow Cave.” This accident sparked their exploration, leading to the discovery of additional boulder caves. However, the history of the area extends far earlier, as it was home to the Abenaki people, who likely knew of the gorge long before European settlers arrived. The arrival of Europeans led to the displacement and loss of land for Indigenous communities, including the Abenaki. About 40 years after the Jackmans’ initial exploration, Royal Jackman began offering tours of the gorge and caves, visitors walking from Lincoln, New Hampshire to Lost River.

In the early 1900s, the logging industry was thriving in New Hampshire, and a road was constructed that later became Route 112 (the Kancamagus Highway). The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) became involved to safeguard the old-growth forest and the natural beauty surrounding Lost River Gorge. Fortunately, the rugged terrain around the gorge made logging difficult, preserving the forest until SPNHF purchased the property. Over the past century, boardwalks and infrastructure have been added, allowing visitors to safely explore the gorge and its caves. Today, SPNHF leases the land to White Mountains Attractions, enabling Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves to become one of the region’s most beloved geological destinations.