Flume Gorge Trail

Overview

This is a 2.0-mile self-guided loop through an 800-foot natural granite gorge—part packed gravel path, part wooden boardwalk, and plenty of stairs. Plan on about 1.5 hours. Traffic through the gorge runs one way, and the short Rim Path is closed, so you’ll complete the full loop. It’s a paid, timed-entry walk that’s popular for good reason—expect company.

Highlights along the loop

From the Visitor Center, you’ll pass the historic Flume Covered Bridge (built 1886) and Table Rock, a broad Conway‑granite slab polished by Flume Brook—stay on the boardwalk; the rock is slick. In the heart of the gorge, granite walls tower 70–90 feet high, only 12–20 feet apart. Avalanche Falls drops beside the boardwalk; it was created by an 1883 storm that also knocked loose a once‑wedged boulder. Beyond, Liberty Gorge offers cascades, then Sentinel Pine Bridge spans The Pool—a striking basin about 40 feet deep and 150 feet wide—resting on the trunk of the famed “Sentinel Pine.” Kids (and limber adults) can try the optional "Wolf Den" squeeze. Segment-wise, figure roughly 0.7 mi to the Flume, 0.7 mi to The Pool, and 0.6 mi back to the Visitor Center.

Geology snapshot

You’re walking through Conway granite cut by ancient basalt dikes. The softer basalt eroded faster than the granite, helping the gorge open. Ice Age glaciers did more carving, and today’s brook is considered underfit—too small to have made the oversized potholes and basin on its own. Keep an eye out for dark dike lines crossing the pale granite. The site was famously “discovered” in 1808 by 93‑year‑old Aunt Jess Guernsey.

Logistics and season

Reservations are strongly recommended; walk‑up availability isn’t guaranteed and popular windows sell out. For 2025, the season runs May 9–Oct 26. Hours are 9am–5pm (last entry 5pm) through Oct 13, then 9am–4pm (last entry 4pm) Oct 14–26. Tickets: adults $18 online ($21 at the window), ages 6–12 $16 online ($19 at the window), ages 5 and under free. Pets are not permitted on the trail. Restrooms are at the Visitor Center; none on the loop. In the off‑season, the boardwalks are removed and the gorge is closed to hikers.

Best time to hike

Book the earliest arrival slot you can—crowds build quickly, especially on peak foliage weekends. Midweek dates are the calmest. Expect narrow boardwalks to move steadily thanks to the one‑way flow, but you’ll still pause for photos in the gorge and at the covered bridges.

Accessibility and cautions

This is easy to moderate, but it includes numerous stairs and tight walkways (not stroller‑ or wheelchair‑friendly). Wear shoes with good traction; sections can be wet. Stay on the boardwalk at Table Rock and throughout the gorge. Cell service can be spotty—screenshot your timed‑entry QR code before you arrive. During winter, the gorge itself is closed.