Franconia Notch State Park
One of the benefits of our Bluegreen ownership is that we can “trade” our points into RCI® and use their bevy of resorts all over the world. If you aren’t too picky about where you want to go, it’s pretty easy to make the trade. If there is a specific place you have in mind, it can take years for an opening you can snag.
Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
New England at Last!
In June of 2012, we headed off to Maine and New Hampshire after the long wait for Samoset Resort in Rockport, ME. The opening was in early June, just ahead of the “season”, which was OK with us, since we like to avoid the crowds that usually ensue during the busy times of year. We had one more week that needed to be used up, so rather than use Bluegreen’s beautiful resort in Lincoln, NH (South Mountain), we chose to use Loon Mountain Resort, which was just OK. We kinda regretted that move.
We flew into Portland, ME and our m.o. is to drive the furthest distance to our first stop and end closer to our flight home. Although it was POURING rain when we landed and the drive to Lincoln, NH was not fun, it made for some beautiful waterfalls later in our trip.
The White Mountains are absolutely gorgeous. Banks and banks of varying hues of green. Mix that with the clouds or blue sky and I couldn’t stop saying WOW all week. I can’t even imagine the beauty the autumn months might bring. Our first stop was Franconia Notch State Park, about 10 minutes north of Lincoln.
Plume Gorge
Our stop at Flume Gorge was just wonderful. A trip into the Flume begins and ends at the Flume Visitor’s Center. We decided to walk the 2-mile loop, that includes uphill walking and lots of stairs. The woman at the visitor’s center said it wasn’t as bad as it sounded and she was right. It was not a bad stroll, especially since there was a lot of stopping along the way for pictures.
On our way into the gorge, we passed the red covered bridge (pictured above) over the Pemigewasset (Pemi) River and the views continued as we made our way.
The wooden stairs that made their way up the gorge allowed us to look closely at the growth of flowers, ferns and mosses. It was wise to hold tight to the railing, since the recent rains had the water rushing and splashing and the steps became a little slippery. All in all it was absolutely beautiful!
“The Flume was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey when she accidentally came upon it while fishing. She had trouble convincing her family of the marvelous discovery, but eventually persuaded others to come and see for themselves. At that time, a huge egg-shaped boulder hung suspended between the walls. The rock was 10 feet (3m) high and 12 feet (3.6m) long. A heavy rainstorm in June of 1883 started a landslide that swept the boulder from its place. It has never been found. The same storm deepened the gorge and formed Avalanche Falls.” – READ MORE
If you find yourself near Lincoln, NH, this is a must see, especially after a rainstorm!
Franconia Notch State Park – TWO THUMBS WAY UP!
Next up: Another Day in Paradise!
Happy trails,
Barb
Well, looks like you are on your way. What beautiful pictures and articles. How fun! keep up the good work, especially when its something you enjoy.
Ruth, what time of the year did you go?
I’ve been to both Franconia Notch and Mt. Washington and both are as beautiful as you described. I, too, would love to stay at Mt. W. some time in the future. We did stay at the resort at the bottom of the Mt., and ate brunch up at the Hotel which was quite an elegant affair. Loved it all.
Can you imagine? We could stay at the Mt. Washington Hotel? And maybe see a moose this time? OK, now I’m dreaming!
Another awesome place to visit someday….thanks! It would be great to go when the leaves have started to change.