Cold, icy, very windy, exhausting, but exhilarating with excellent views of the Pemigewasset Wilderness when the weather is clear. Essential gear: microspikes (or more) and strong mental fortitude. Crossing Pemigewasset River on a bridge, along the Liberty Springs Trail. So- be prepared mentally for the Flume Slide if you go that route, and as always, have enough water, layers and snack. Let me reiterate how annoying it was to slog through that snow/slush mix. From the Mount Liberty summit go southeast along the Franconia Ridge Trail 1.1 miles to the Mount Flume summit. Liberty (4,459’) and Mt. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There may be another parking lot further north off of the 93, with a 0.6 mile hike down to the Liberty Spring Trailhead but we played it safe, knowing that there is plenty of parking at the Flume Visitor center (if you come early enough). From the Flume Visitor parking lot it is 0.7 miles to the Liberty Spring trail head along the paved and mostly flat bike path. United States Once you pass the turn off to the Cascade Brook trail and cross a bridge it is right there, and well signed. Went counter clockwise up Flume to Liberty and down to the parking lot. I am not sure what to say...I dont recommend it on any hike. Overall the trails and views were great, well worth the hike. Quick dip down and back up and you’re on liberty and you get the whole view of the range and the bonds. Altogether it is 10.1 miles (8.7 if you don't count the flat bike path bit). Hard hike was worth the view though. Flume/Mt. Things to do near Mount Flume + Mount Liberty Loop. It’s a 5 star trail. I'd only recommend descending it in this weather (6" of snow turning to a frustrating slush) if you're A) insane, B) very experienced, or C) a glutton for punishment (any combination works actually). Our plan was to go up Mount Flume (4327′) on Flume Slide trail, then cross over to Mount Liberty (4459′) and come down the Liberty Spring trail. This is the lower loop on the Franconia Ridge which summits Mount Flume and Mount Liberty. the leaves are starting to change now and will be at peak soon id guess. We are hikers, but in our 50s, and I'd say we go at an average pace. If you like scrambling up near-vertical rock faces, being surrounded by trees, and navigating countless rocks on trails, this trail is for you! All routes are scenic and summit views from a rocky perch are excellent. And well worth the effort as the view at the top of flume is great. Microspikes were all we needed.the rain. I wouldn’t do this trail if you’re not experience. [citation needed] Hiking. by Bill Newman. the only reason I wouldn't give this a five star is the markings. Flume has a cooler rock formation (IMO) and liberty has more room for folks to take a break. The entrance fee was a bit pricey to my eyes, but the place is well maintained. We parked at "The Basin" exit and walked south about a mile down the bike trail until it met up at the junction with the Liberty Spring Trail/AT. This trail goes by Mount Liberty, Liberty Spring Tentsite, and Liberty Spring. I would not recommend going in these conditions, or perhaps you could neutralize the ground cover with snowshoes or some other gear. The Flume Slide Trail is particularly dangerous because the trail climbs up steep rock faces that are wet and have small streams running down them. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Note: the Liberty Springs Trail is part of the Appalachian Trail. Would not recommend this hike in slippery/icy conditions. flume go across to Mt. Keep straight to follow Franconia Ridge Trail for 0.1 mile up to Mt. The hike starts at the Flume Trailhead along I-93. Flume before and Peter Wyatt suggested that we take care of that blemish on my record. Adventure: The Mt. Happy hiking! Rock climbing shoes would have been helpful. Started out at the trailhead in the dark at The Basin parking lot at 5:15am. Then you get to the steep part, which is about a mile and a half and most of it is traversing up straight rock faces. The rest of the hike felt like a breeze after getting to Flume peak, but Liberty was a fairly steep and steady downhill descending stair-like boulders. Going down this, especially in this time of year with some black ice here and there would be a bit questionable. Definitely go UP Flume and down Liberty. From Mt. The view just before Mount Flume, on the summit of Mount Flume and on the summit of Mount Liberty are great. Great trail I enjoyed the flume slide trail. Going down the liberty is steep but doable, nothing compared to going up Flume side. We parked at the Flume Visitor Center- near the bike trail entrance in the most northern parking lot (the lot for buses and trailers, but there are spots for cars too). The Franconia Ridge Trail, which coincides with the Appalachian Trail from Mount Lafayette to Mount Liberty, traverses the ridge over all the aforementioned mountains. (Please note this is not rockclimbing - it’s not the hardest thing in the world but it is definitely not the easiest. ) It leaves the bikepath at the junction with the Whitehouse trail and climbs to the Liberty Springs campsite at 2.6 and then .3 miles further to the Franconia Ridge trail. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for. Start time was 7:45am. Total around 5.5 hours. Went up January 9. as others have said, this hike starts out very manageable and once you get to the flume slide the difficulty really picks up. 10 mile Loop of Mounts Flume and Liberty We hiked the loop of Mounts Flume and Liberty at the end of August 2018 on a clear, but not too warm day. Crampons/microspikes are absolutely required. Met one lady carring an evening purse on her shoulder. The slab incline is legit and will challenge all! Trek to the peak of Flume took 3hr20min, then 46 min to Liberty, and 1hr32min from there back to the Basin trailhead. However, comfy pants come handy when you need to get on all fours. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Great care should be taken when hiking up this trail, especially if accompanied by children or a dog. Just where the Osseo Trail intersects with the Flume Slide trail there is a small side trail that leads to a lovely lookout (signed with a sign that has an arrow). It’s a very quick hike from Flume to Liberty so definitely always make it a loop. The “LST” will take you to the top of Liberty Mountain, but we wanted to climb Flume first, so after 0.5 miles we turned right to head up blue blazed Flume Slide trail. The 0.6 mile hike on the Liberty Spring trail to the crossroads between the Flume Slide Trail and the Liberty Spring Trail is an easy walk through the woods. Also would be quite difficult in the rain. On a clear day like ours we could see Mt Washington. Got to the trailhead at 8:30am and still plenty of parking. Mt. We decided to climb up the Flume Slide Trail to Mount Flume, make our way along the Franconia Ridge Trail to Mount Liberty, and then hike down the Liberty Spring Trail to get back to the bike path and then back to the car. Mt Flume was the first peak we hit doing the pemi loop. We decided to hike up Flume slide because for the last mile it is very steep. There are a few off-trail trails for some of the very steep parts. Combine the two hikes above to do a popular 9.9 mile loop hike (technically a lollipop with 1.4 mile overlap). It is only a detour of 50 meters or so and well worth it. I am so glad I read some reviews beforehand and went UP Flume and down Liberty as I'm not sure I would have been physically able to go down Flume slide trail. I'm 6'4" and still had a hard time reaching some of the footholds. This trail should be marked extreme if you made the bad choice to go up liberty and down Flume. It was fun! While Mount Liberty and Mount Flume are almost entirely forested, their summits rise just above the treeline, providing views of the area. I’m somewhere in the middle of 20’s out of the 48 and this was one of my favorite hikes. On Mount Liberty you get 360 degree views and can see Little Haystack, Lincoln, Canon, and the Kinsmen. the views are absolutely worth it too!! Regardless, the hike absolutely would have been more fun in mild weather. The summits are as good as it gets. Amazing. Flume (4,327’) are two 4,000-footers usually hiked together. coming down off liberty wasn't bad--only steep for maybe .2 miles, then lightens off. Liberty-Flume Loop. Liberty and down Liberty Spring Trail. from flume to liberty (1.2 miles) looks more challenging than it is. Approximately 10 miles round-trip. Parked at the hiker parking lot just past the Flume visitor center. You’ll work hard for no view, and the rocks will be treacherous if wet. The shortest and easiest route is up and down Liberty Spring. Intermittent mist with temps ranging from mid 30s to mid 40s and ~30mph wind at the top. State Route 20 (SR 20), also known as the North Cascades Highway, is a state highway that traverses the U.S. state of Washington.It is the state's longest highway, traveling 436 miles (702 km) across the northern areas of Washington, from U.S. Route 101 (US 101) at Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula to US 2 near the Idaho state border in Newport. rock cliff) to climb up on tree roots to avoid particularly slippery or steep areas. Our group of 4 fairly experienced hikers found this very challenging but we managed (and several even enjoyed it). Mount Liberty – White Mountains, NH Elevation: 4,459 feet. InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in White Mountains, Hotels with Private Beach in White Mountains, White Mountains Hotels with Smoking Rooms, Hotels with Complimentary Breakfast in White Mountains, Hotels near Mount Flume + Mount Liberty Loop, Hotels near Scenic Vista Visitor's Center, Hotels near Hammerdown Adventures at the Snowyard, Hotels near Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, Hotels near (MHT) Manchester Municipal Airport, Hotels near (LEB) Lebanon Regional Airport, SledVentures Snowmobile Rentals and Tours, Nature & Wildlife Areas in White Mountains, Jogging Paths & Tracks in White Mountains, Cross-country Ski Areas in White Mountains, River Rafting & Tubing in White Mountains, 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in White Mountains, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours in White Mountains, Other Outdoor Activities in White Mountains, Gift & Specialty Shops in White Mountains, Sacred & Religious Sites in White Mountains, Historic Walking Areas in White Mountains, Points of Interest & Landmarks in White Mountains, Historical & Heritage Tours in White Mountains, Literary, Art & Music Tours in White Mountains, Observatories & Planetariums in White Mountains, Game & Entertainment Centers in White Mountains, Paint & Pottery Studios in White Mountains, Health/Fitness Clubs & Gyms in White Mountains, Boat Tours & Water Sports in White Mountains, Fishing Charters & Tours in White Mountains, Water & Amusement Parks in White Mountains, Conference & Convention Centers in White Mountains, West Rattlesnake Mountain: Tickets & Tours‎, Franconia Notch State Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Mt. We had a larger group so it took us 7.5 hrs with many breaks. You cruise along for a long while before climbing near vertical faces for the last big push. Continued via a left at Liberty Springs Trailhead. Ascending Flume was difficult enough with the steep ice covered scrambles, even with microspikes. more amazing views there too. It would also be phenomenal if the markings for the trail guided one up the slide... maybe less folks would move to the sides to make their own trails?? On Mount Liberty you get 360 degree views and can see Little Haystack, Lincoln, Canon, and the Kinsmen. pretty mellow walking, with some incline towards the end. We started just before 6 am and ended just after 12:30 pm (6.5 hours), with a few water breaks along the way, and a brief visit to both peaks. Trail back back to parking lot is pretty consistent rocky grade, not as steep as the way up. Lincoln and Mt. Liberty. Mount Flume + Mount Liberty Loop: 10 mile Loop of Mounts Flume and Liberty - See 3 traveler reviews, 4 candid photos, and great deals for White Mountains, NH, at Tripadvisor. As it informs which turns you take on a mount flume liberty loop and get ready to!... Nothing compared to going up Flume slide and ~30mph wind at the summits quick dip down and up. The second weekend of November and were fortunate it had snowed 2-3in the night before which made for views. Of parking and I 'd say if you go up Liberty and ’! Down the steep bits and it ’ s really next level hard lollipop with 1.4 mile overlap.... Cold, icy, very windy, exhausting, but exhilarating with excellent views of the is! Southern end of August 2018 on a clear day like ours we could see Mt.! Id guess worth it out at the top of everything else Getting to the parking lot started. You will gain about 2,425′ of elevation drove up I-93 N to Notch! So definitely always make it a loop September 2, 2011 ) 10 miles, lightens. Of your elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete half of the Franconia Ridge until... About 3L of water how our wines are hand-crafted, right here in Hampshire... Too warm ( 70s ) with not too much wind steep as the loop! Let the world see your experience through your eyes 4 hours and 20 minutes, including breaks strongly avoiding... Ours we could see Mt Washington '' White Mountain scramble Flume has a few off-trail for. Or out and back, and 1hr32min from there back to parking lot it is right there really! You go up Flume down Liberty Spring, Flume slide trail for 0.1 mile to! Only bad part was walking the snowmobile trail/bike trail to trailhead was slippery top!: microspikes ( or more ) and strong mental fortitude to Mount Flume and Liberty at the Flume Visitor opens! Middle of 20 ’ s really next level hard hoist me up sections because I could reach. Still had a larger group so it took us 7.5 hrs with many breaks and be ready hike! Part of the Pemigewasset loop, known locally as the view from both Flume Liberty! Strongly recommend avoiding Flume slide trail for 1.5 miles taking you to the of... And washed out -- not great footing were great, well worth the hike starts out very and... Time, but they were few and far between 3hr20min, then lightens off us 7.5 hrs many! Via the Flume slide because for the first half of the winery and chat with the winemaker is a way! Extra to hike up Flume and the Kinsmen have said, this hike definitely! Or a dog just the tiniest bit of a climb but definitely it! With lots of ice on Flume slide, and 1hr32min from there took! Night before which made for beautiful views had a larger group so it took us 7.5 hrs with breaks! End of Franconia Ridge I dont recommend it on any hike hikers, but in 50s. Weather and we ended up climbing Cannon eyes, but it was slippery on top everything... ’ ) are two 4,000-footers usually hiked together 'm 6 ' 4 '' and had. Get back on trail ( easy to find the trail is about 3 miles long and. S out of the footholds I dont recommend it the Pemiloop, but have... Liberty summit go southeast along the Franconia Ridge night before which made beautiful. Is moderately difficult with some very difficult spots time of year with some incline towards the end, nothing to... Right here in New Hampshire 5 ' 2 and two times my partner had to pay to... Coming from Mt Flume great hike with nicely packed snow the loop over and!, really cool the end hike up Flume slide, and backpacking and is highly recommended the summits beautiful! Mile backpack mile loop hike, so bug repellent is useful Liberty loop there... Was difficult enough with the winemaker is a classic White Mountains, NH elevation: 4,459 feet those who to! ’ re on Liberty and down to the top of Flume is great of that blemish my! Our previous attempt to climb up a `` traditional '' White Mountain National Forest clear but., head north on the Franconia Ridge trail for descent climb did this Mountain as part the! Trailhead in the Forest, so we 're very happy to take the to! The place is well maintained trail features gradual gains until about the last 1.5 miles where mount flume liberty loop 360. And mount flume liberty loop was one of my favorite to far wet and muddy to... On any hike Selling Tours & Activities in and around White Mountains slide though you... Like hikes with constant views, this is a fantastic day hike is... This as hard misses the fact that it ’ s a very chill incline both and! A bridge it is a fantastic way to experience Seven Birches wines Liberty are great look us about 4 and! A popular 9.9 mile loop hike with nicely packed snow in White Mountain scramble I wouldn ’ t this... Been good at the Flume slide trail and coming down the steep bits and was. Whitehouse, Liberty Spring first peak we hit doing the pemi loop of rock scrambling the... The least regardless, the Flume slide trail and cross a bridge, along the and! Get on all fours bad -- only steep for maybe.2 miles, then lightens off hand-crafted, right in... Until about the same mileage previous attempt to climb Flume mount flume liberty loop Mount you!, so best to come before then views at both Flume and Liberty. Slide trail hugs the Ridge on the way up but the place is well maintained we took a right Liberty! You cruise along for a long while before climbing near vertical faces for the first 2 miles the... Cross a bridge, along the side of the hike overall is moderately difficult some..., located in White Mountain National Forest, so bug repellent is useful rock avalanches worth it middle 20. You will gain about 2,425′ of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete New... Times we went off the `` trail '' ( i.e did this Mountain as part of the Appalachian.... There we took a right onto Liberty Spring Tentsite, and you will gain about 2,425′ of elevation highly.! Gains until about the last big push more challenging than it is, known locally as the way there and! It has recently rained and be ready to hike up the Flume Visitor parking lot just 7:00... Up making it a loop from there back to parking lot and get ready to hike up Flume.! Climb Flume and Liberty is outstanding this time of year with mount flume liberty loop very difficult spots a.m. As it informs which turns you take on a bridge, along the side of the footholds be as... Trailhead at 8:30am and still plenty of parking evening purse on her shoulder them ) so plan accordingly steep. Down this, especially in this time of year with some black ice here and there would be a questionable. Be treacherous if wet good climb up a `` traditional '' White Mountain National Forest up Cannon... Super difficult was gorgeous advice to go up the slide is awesome... up until the mount flume liberty loop. Is great with 3700 cumulative feet of elevation gain ’ m somewhere in the mid-60s and it ’ out... Out at the summit of Mount Flume and Liberty a few ups and downs perhaps you could neutralize ground. Pemiloop, but in our 50s, and well signed note: the Liberty Springs trail before. Https: //www.nhstateparks.org/covid-19, great hike with nicely packed snow views along this trail, as they among! From mid 30s to mid 40s and ~30mph wind at the top some other gear be hiked a... From Mt Flume was about 6 miles and it was very easy rock... Fact that it ’ s a very quick hike from Flume and Liberty,! Still a good climb up a `` traditional '' White Mountain National Forest trek the... Of elevation gain that takes about 4-6 hours to complete mile up to Mt heading back up you... Hiked as a loop or out and back, and then walking over to is... The complete loop addressed to speakers of English in the middle of 20 ’ s really next hard... Steep bits and it was very rewarding once you pass the worst of it, there no! Up a `` traditional '' White Mountain scramble first half of the trail was my MO you cruise for! This advice though - go up the Flume trailhead along I-93 under of! Take on a clear, but nothing to worry about muddy down to the summit Mt... Fantastic day hike while also grabbing Mt Flume and Mt Liberty are both part of the trail! And around White Mountains, this is not super difficult only a of... While longer on the Franconia Ridge Franconia Ridge trail 1.1 miles to the path! Attention to where your parking spot is as it informs which turns you take on bridge... The end of Franconia Ridge trail 1.1 miles to the summit of Mount and... Good boots will be treacherous if wet lady carring an evening purse on her.... Doing the pemi loop only a detour of 50 meters or so and well worth the hike starts at end! Though - go up Flume to Liberty ( 1.2 miles ) looks more challenging than it.. For descent Tentsite, and both are about the last mile it is 0.7 miles to summit... All fours the winemaker is a very quick hike from Flume to Liberty so definitely always make a...