It was built in the 1886 and has been restored several times. This picturesque covered bridge is one of the oldest in the state. As you walk through the Flume, look at the floor of the Gorge and you many notice remnants of the main basalt dike, and on the walls of the gorge, small trees are growing. The highly fractured granite and basalt have been eroded by frost action as well as by the brook’s water. After the Ice Age, Flume Brook began to flow through the valley again. It partially filled the valley with glacial debris and removed soil and weathered rock from the vicinity. The gorge was covered by glaciers during the Ice Age, but the ice sheet did not greatly change the surface. The basalt dikes eroded faster than the surrounding Conway granite, creating a deepening valley where the gorge is now. As the overlying rock was worn away, pressure was relieved and horizontal cracks developed, allowing water to get into the rock layers. Had this material ever reached the surface, it would have become lava flows.Įrosion gradually lowered the earth’s surface and exposed the dikes. Because of this quick cooling, the basalt is a fine- grained rock. The basalt crystallized quickly against the relatively cold granite. The basalt came from deep within the earth as a fluid material, and because of pressure, was able to force the Conway granite aside. As it cooled, the granite was broken by closely spaced vertical fractures which lay nearly parallel in a northeasterly direction.Sometime after the fractures were formed, small dikes of basalt were forced up along the fractures. Nearly 200 million years ago during the Jurassic Period, the Conway granite that forms the walls of the Flume was deeply buried molten rock. The same storm deepened the gorge and formed Avalanche Falls. A heavy rainstorm in June of 1883 started a landslide that swept the boulder from its place. The rock was 10 feet (3m) high and 12 feet (3.6m) long. At that time, a huge egg-shaped boulder hung suspended between the walls.

She had trouble convincing her family of the marvelous discovery, but eventually persuaded others to come and see for themselves. The Flume was discovered in 1808 by 93-year-old “Aunt” Jess Guernsey when she accidently came upon it while fishing. This park is open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting. Users assume all risk while recreating in State Park lands. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety. The off-season poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. The Gorge itself is closed to hikers as the boardwalks have been removed. Off Season Use : During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates may be closed. For up to date hours, please call the park directly.

*Dates and times are weather dependent and subject to change without notice.

**Guests will save $3 per ticket if reservation is made in advance of arrival. Please read the off-season policy before visiting.Īdults: Ages 13 and over: $18 online reservation & $21 at ticket windowĬhildren: Ages 6-12: $16 online reservation & $19 at ticket window The Flume Gorge Trail is currently accessible for the winter months.

Water flume