Hotel near Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves

Here in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the greatest mountain range in the Northeast, scenic marvels certainly aren’t in short supply. Heck, just drink in the views from our resort grounds here at The Mountain Club on Loon…

Less than 10 miles from our property, one of the best-known and most bewitching of these scenic marvels awaits your exploration: the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves.

A Stunning & Mysterious Defile

The Lost River Gorge lies within the westernmost of the great passes of the White Mountains: Kinsman Notch, which lies on the other side of the valley of the Pemigewasset River from The Mountain Club. The stream flowing through this rocky, glacial gorge earns its name for its apparent disappearance amid the hefty granitic boulders and slabs clogging the glen.

The first recorded foray into the Lost River Gorge (though of course others had surely seen the place before, not least American Indians) was that of brothers Royal and Lyman Jackman, who literally stumbled upon one of the numerous caves within—what’s now called Shadow Cave—while fishing in 1852.

Purchased for preservation by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests in 1912 amid extensive regional logging, the Lost River Gorge is leased by the White Mountains Attractions Association, which operates tourism here.

Exploring the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves

The Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves are open to visitors from early May through mid-October. General Admission tickets give you access to the Gorge Trail. This self-guided, one-way milelong boardwalk loop threads its way along the Lost River Gorge, with narrow passages (all of them detourable, if you’d prefer) through the Boulder Caves.

Marvel at the vistas from vantages such as the Valley Viewpoint and the Giant Bird Nest Overlook, tackle the suspension bridge, reach the Forest Treehouse: There are many natural and a few manmade wonders to be enjoyed within this cool, shady chasm.

Besides the Gorge Trail, you can, for an additional fee, pan for gemstones in the Lost River Mining Co. sluice. There’s also a gift shop on site for nabbing souvenirs.

Visit the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves on a Mountain Club on Loon Getaway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains

As a guest of ours here on the flanks of Loon Mountain, you’ll find yourself just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves in Kinsman Notch. Check out this remarkable geologic landmark the next time you enjoy our slopeside hospitality here at The Mountain Club on Loon!