7 Geologic Formations in New Hampshire Lakes Region That You Shouldn't Miss

November 11, 2021 Deane Carmody

Discover the best top things to do in New Hampshire Lakes Region, United States including Flume Gorge, The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park, Sandwich Notch, Indian Head, Madison Boulder, Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza.
Restaurants in New Hampshire Lakes Region

1. Flume Gorge

852 Daniel Webster Highway, Franconia, NH 03251 +1 603-745-8391 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/park-sites/flume-gorge
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,644 reviews

Flume Gorge

Flume Gorge trail is temporarily closed for hiking until May 10, 2019 An 800-foot gorge that extends from the base of Mount Liberty. It is open from May 8 - October 25.

Reviewed By ddaltamura - Stamford, United States

5 of us did the flume gorge hike which includes the "pool", "avalanche falls", "liberty gorge" and "flume gorge" all along about a 2 or 2.5 mile hike. You can take a bus to bypass parts of it on the way up. It's a lot of uphill walking and the flume gorge part has a lot up stairs going up. The sights are really magnificent and worth seeing.

2. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402 +1 603-823-8800 https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 990 reviews

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen.

Reviewed By 979jessicao - Bretton Woods, United States

Dos and dont’s - DO expect a beautiful, serene, calm trail that is well marked, and an overall easy walk. Paved in some parts. Great for kids, families, and those that love beautiful water, waterholes and picturesque views. DONT expect a difficult hike or climb up the side of a mountain. DO expect plenty of ‘gram moments. The scenery is gorgeous and plenty of picnic and chill out spots. We spent a couple hours meandering there and it was wonderful!

3. Sandwich Notch

Sandwich, NH
Excellent
67%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Sandwich Notch

4. Indian Head

Mount Pemigewassett, Lincoln, NH
Excellent
54%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Indian Head

Reviewed By seawitch449 - Grosse Pointe, United States

Another fantastic mountain sculpture by Mother Nature. A must-see on your tour of the White Mountains!

5. Madison Boulder

Madison, NH +1 603-227-8745 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/madison-boulder-natural-area.aspx
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Madison Boulder

Reviewed By TravelingMerm - Monrovia, United States

A fascinating little side trip if you’re planning on driving The Kanc. At 4662 tons, 87 feet long and 37 feet high, to say this thing is huge is a tad underwhelming lol. There’s a little parking area that was virtually empty on my visit - me and one other couple were there. To get to it, you have to drive a very bumpy dirt road so if you have a low vehicle, be really slow and careful ....had some large, deep potholes and wash boarding! The car behind me didn’t even dare it and turned around lol! Trust me, it’s worth it tho! There’s a short, flat hike to get to the boulder after you park - it’s so lovely and peaceful! And during October, the vibrant fall colors make it a marvelous wonderland to meander through! Some of the path is paved and some isn’t - mostly just soft, dark dirt. Once you reach the boulder, the sheer size will have you in awe! There’s plenty of pathway to walk around it and take photos etc. There are a couple of signs around with info about the boulder. There are no bathrooms and the cell/internet signal is non-existent so plan accordingly!

6. Sculptured Rocks Natural Area

Between Routes 3A and 118, Hebron, NH 03241 +1 603-485-2034 http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/sculptured-rocks-natural-area.aspx
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Sculptured Rocks Natural Area

Reviewed By ChewInRI - East Greenwich, United States

Came here for a quick afternoon visit after a recommendation from a family member who lives in the area. What a great little spot with amazing water views and nice hiking. Parking is easy and located right across the street. There are some rocks to climb around and to get great views of the rapids. Then there's a nature trail that leads up into the woods. Some good geocaches located along the way as well! I would highly recommend this area for families with kids (of all ages). Good for dogs too!

7. Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia, NH 03580 +1 603-823-8800 http://cannonmt.com/old-man-of-the-mountain.html
Excellent
38%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 246 reviews

Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza

Formerly New Hampshire's best known landmark, this rock formation resembling a man's profile collapsed on May 3, 2003.

Reviewed By mimibev

It's kind of a memorial to the old man. The plaza includes seven profilers, which allow visitors to view the image of the Old Man back on the side of Cannon Mountain it is an amazingly clever way to see what once was there

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