Lying at the heart of Franconia Notch State Park, the Flume has
enthralled travelers since the first decades of the nineteenth century.
Early tourists like Emerson and Thoreau were awed by the gorge's wild
grandeur and spectacular granite walls rising nearly ninety feet
overhead. Railroads in the 1850s brought a flood of visitors, including
artists, poets, scientists and photographers, who richly documented the
natural splendor of the Flume. Since that time, the Flume has become one
of New Hampshire's most popular attractions, drawing thousands to view
its beauty each year. Join historian Michael J. Maddigan as he explores
the fascinating history of one of New Hampshire's most beloved scenic
treasures.