Lost River Gorge New Hampshire
Explore a magical ravine with mossy boardwalks, 11 unique boulder caves, and hidden waterfalls in New Hampshire's White Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Lost River Gorge New Hampshire
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a magical ravine with mossy boardwalks, 11 unique boulder caves, and hidden waterfalls in New Hampshire's White Mountains.
"A truly unique adventure, crawling through caves and walking on mossy boardwalks in a beautiful New Hampshire gorge."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance on their website.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating stairs and uneven terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lemon Squeezer
Lemon Squeezer Cave
Test your limits in this famously narrow passage between giant boulders. A true test of nerve!
Mossy Boardwalks
Throughout the gorge
Wander through a magical forest on well-maintained boardwalks, surrounded by lush moss and ancient trees.
Underground Waterfalls
Various caves
Discover hidden cascades and water features that disappear into the earth, adding to the gorge's mystique.
Suspension Bridge Views
Upper loop trail
Gain a new perspective from the suspension bridge, offering scenic overlooks of the gorge and surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Prepare for the Squeeze!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance on their website.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating stairs and uneven terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warm days, as the hike involves over 1000 stairs.
🔦 Caves are Tight!
Be prepared for narrow passages; the 'Lemon Squeezer' is famously small. +2
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance on their website.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating stairs and uneven terrain.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warm days, as the hike involves over 1000 stairs.
🔦 Caves are Tight!
Be prepared for narrow passages; the 'Lemon Squeezer' is famously small. +2
👨👩👧 Family Friendly Fun
Great for kids, but assess their comfort with enclosed spaces.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially from the suspension bridge and viewpoints.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lost River Gorge for its unique boulder cave exploration and the beautifully crafted boardwalks that wind through the scenic ravine. Many highlight the adventure of crawling through the caves, the refreshing coolness on a hot day, and the stunning natural beauty. While the entrance fee is noted as a bit high by some, most agree the experience is well worth the cost for the memorable adventure it provides.
"There are a few places in NH that I had been wanting to visit, this was one of them. I wasnt sure how it was going to be, because at first I thought it was a hike but its more like a Museum so there is a entrance fee but it was well worth it.
I kind of wish I brought my little nieces and nephews because all this time I was focus on the waterfall and bridges but there were so many unique crevasse and caves, that aspect of the exploration was a unique adventure they would have absolutely loved.
It was not to difficult in the walking (I am a big guy), but there are alot of steps and inclines but its tolerable. Also love some of the unique wood carvings on the additional rites as well.
There is also a rich history which was refreshing to learn about that I want to go back and study some more.
Parking is a little tricky, there is alot of parking but it does get somewhat packed.
Overall nice experience, worth a stop if your in the area."
Carlos Lopez
"Our family loved the gorge and caves. We’ve been to NH a few times, but our kids are on the younger side so this was a first for us. The boardwalk is not only a great help to get through the gorge, its craftsmanship is amazing. The hand railings are rounded and smooth, and we were even able to chat with one of the carpenters on our visit as he installed a new section of boardwalk.
The caves themselves are not really caves in the traditional sense, rather the negative space between boulders and the earth & other boulders. That didn’t detract from their awesomeness as it’s amazing to think that these giant boulders were moved by ice.
We spent about 2 hours going through the caves and doing the extra loop through the suspension bridge. My boys tried a few caves more than once and even made it through the Lemon Squeeze! The main building looks newer, is very clean and comfortable. There isn’t somewhere to sit in the shade, but we weren’t there long enough to really miss that’s however, if you brought a lunch or had someone in your party who needed to wait this one out, there are some picnic tables surrounding the main building."
Jessica Monagle
"Really awesome hike with tons of bear caves. The trail is fairly challenging with a LOT of stairs, so be mindful if that's not your jam. The views were gorgeous and so were the water features. My thirteen year old son and I had a blast!"
Deanna Anthony
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lost River Gorge is located at 1712 Lost River Road, North Woodstock, NH 03262. It's accessible by car, and GPS will guide you there. Parking is available on-site, though it can get busy during peak times. 
Yes, the address is clearly marked, and it's a well-known attraction in the White Mountains region. Follow signs for Lost River Gorge in North Woodstock.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Lost River Gorge. Public transportation options are limited in this mountainous area.
North Woodstock and Lincoln are the closest towns, offering various lodging options from hotels to cabins. +1
Absolutely! Most navigation apps will accurately direct you to Lost River Gorge using its address or name.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $26 in person and $23 when booked online. Children under 3 are free. Prices can vary, so check their official website for the most current rates.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your entry time and potentially save money.
Lost River Gorge is usually open daily from late spring through fall. Last admission is typically around 4 PM, so check the official website for exact operating hours and seasonal closures.
Online booking often offers a slight discount compared to in-person purchases. Check the official website for any seasonal promotions or group rates.
While specific coupons are not widely advertised, booking online in advance is the best way to ensure you get the best price.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Explore over a dozen boulder caves, walk along mossy boardwalks, see waterfalls, and cross a suspension bridge. It's a unique natural adventure.
The trail involves over 1000 stairs and some inclines, making it moderately challenging. It's not a strenuous hike but requires some physical effort. +1
Yes, it's a family-friendly attraction, but assess your children's comfort with enclosed and narrow spaces. The 'Lemon Squeezer' is a tight fit.
Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the gorge, caves, and boardwalks.
Wear comfortable, sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs. Layers are recommended as temperatures can vary.
Swimming is not permitted in the gorge or its caves. The focus is on exploration and enjoying the natural scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for opportunities along the boardwalks, at the viewpoints from the suspension bridge, and within the larger caves. The waterfalls and mossy rocks are also very photogenic.
It can be challenging due to low light conditions. A phone with good low-light capabilities or a camera with manual settings will be helpful.
Tripods are generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors, especially in narrow cave passages and on crowded boardwalks.
A versatile camera that handles varying light conditions well, like a smartphone with a good camera or a mirrorless camera, is ideal.
General photography is permitted. However, be respectful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the 'Lemon Squeezer' might be too tight for some, there are many other caves to explore, and the overall experience is engaging for all ages. Be prepared for the 1000+ stairs, which can be a workout, so bring water and snacks. Consider visiting on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. The park's clean facilities and gift shop add to the convenience for families.
+1🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
+1While not a long-distance hike, the 1-mile boardwalk loop combined with the cave explorations provides a good workout and a memorable experience. The natural beauty and the sense of discovery make it a worthwhile stop for any adventure enthusiast exploring New Hampshire.
+1📸 Photographers
The suspension bridge provides excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic shots of the gorge. Inside the caves, photographers can experiment with low-light settings to capture the unique textures and hidden water features. Be mindful of the crowds and the dynamic lighting conditions, especially within the caves. A camera that handles low light well, or a smartphone with advanced camera features, will be beneficial.
The vibrant fall foliage season also presents a spectacular backdrop for photographers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Boulder Caves
+2Many of these caves offer a cooler respite from the summer heat and some even feature hidden underground waterfalls and streams, adding to the magical atmosphere. While most caves are accessible with a bit of effort, the Lemon Squeezer is a tight squeeze and not suitable for everyone, particularly those with claustrophobia or larger physical builds.
+2Real travelers often share their experiences navigating these caves, with many finding it a thrilling and memorable part of their visit. The well-maintained boardwalks and handrails ensure a safe, albeit adventurous, journey through these natural wonders.
The Boardwalks and Natural Scenery
+1 The gorge itself is a stunning display of New Hampshire's natural beauty, characterized by flowing water, impressive rock formations, and dense forestation. Beyond the caves, visitors can admire waterfalls, the disappearing river that flows underground, and the vibrant fall foliage during autumn.
+1 The area is rich with the scent of balsam fir trees, creating an immersive sensory experience. The suspension bridge offers elevated views, providing a different perspective of the gorge and its surroundings, and is a popular spot for photos. Travelers frequently praise the craftsmanship of the boardwalks and the overall serene atmosphere of the gorge. It's described as a place that offers both adventure and a peaceful connection with nature, making it a highlight for many visiting the White Mountains.
History and Educational Value
Beyond the geological aspects, the area has local legends and a history of being a unique tourist destination. The park's infrastructure, like the boardwalks, often incorporates local craftsmanship, adding another layer to its story.
Visitors often express surprise at the depth of history and the educational components available, which enhance the overall visit beyond just the physical exploration. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit