Visitors to Lost River Gorge are taken on a “journey to the center of the earth” as they discover hidden caves, cascading streams and massive tumbled boulders that tell the story of a turbulent geologic past.
Opening weekend at Lost River Gorge also offers families a new way to treat mom on her special day, as all moms receive free admission with the purchase of a child’s ticket on Mothers’ Day, which is Sunday, the 11th of May.
“There was a huge amount of snow this winter, so the waterfalls at Lost River are at their very best” said General Manager, Kate Wetherell.
A major expansion project has been under construction throughout the winter, and guests will see the work in progress as they near the top of the gorge. When completed this summer, visitors will have a new Forest Adventure Trail under the cliffs of Kinsman Notch that, until now, have been inaccessible.
This “out of the gorge” adventure offers a fresh perspective from a new Forest Adventure Trail, a suspension bridge leading to a forest treehouse and 750 feet of winding boardwalks that snake through dense forest and near a glacial boulder field at the foot of towering Dilly Cliffs. Bird cage overlooks atop the boulders will provide breathtaking, soaring views of the gorge and Kinsman Notch, making them prime photo spots.
The construction is being completed by Randy Farwell and his crew from New Earth, Inc., which is known for building zip lines and canopy tours throughout the eastern seaboard.
Lost River was discovered by brothers, Royal and Lyman Jackman, in 1852, while on a fishing expedition. Lyman fell through a moss-covered hole, into a cave (later to be named "Shadow Cave") landing waist-deep in a pool of cold, clear water. The Jackman brothers continued their exploration finding many more caves. This mid-nineteenth century discovery makes Lost River Gorge one of New Hampshire's oldest attractions and in 2012, the attraction celebrated 100 years of ownership by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Since 1967, the White Mountains Attractions Association has been operating and managing the popular tourist site.
The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is open daily from May 9 through October 19 (weather permitting) for self-guided tours. The Mother's Day special will repeat for Fathers on June 15 for Father’s Day, when dads get a free with the purchase of a child's ticket. Sluice Mining, where everyone is guaranteed to find treasures, and the Ecology Trail and Nature Garden are popular "must-do's" for adults and kids anyday. Daytime Tours with Interpretive Programs are available to groups, as well as evening Lantern Tours.
The guided "Evening Lantern Tours" begin Memorial Day Weekend, and then are available weekend evenings from mid-June through mid October. Eleven caves are lit by glowing lanterns, and visitors wear head lamps to explore by moonlight. After the tour, visitors are treated to s'mores around the campfire. Visit www.lostrivergorge.com for detailed information and a complete schedule.
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