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Check Back for 2013 Updates Soon...

2012 was a very special season as we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forest's (SPNHF) acquisition of Lost River Reservation. That's right - the Forest Society has now been involved in protecting this spectacular natural attraction for 100 years!

Lost River Gorge and 157 acres of surrounding forest are owned and maintained by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. In 1912, the property was acquired by the Society when its members learned the owner, Publishers Paper Company, planned to harvest the timber from the entire site. By that time the Gorge was being written about broadly, and had become a notable attraction since its discovery in 1852 by two young brothers who were out fishing along Lost River.

According to Forest Society spokesman Jack Savage, "An agreement was achieved in which the owner donated the land to the newly formed Forest Society, and volunteers raised $7,000 to purchase the standing timber". Lost River is the first and oldest of the Forest Society's 174 properties it maintains as forest reservation. Savage says "The setting is ideal for the Forest Society since it offers a place where visitors can see the work of the organization and learn about the natural world of the North Country."

"Over the years, the number of visitors who have come to appreciate the site as a special and unique place has grown into the thousands," Savage says. "It's a cool place, and so many people have been able to enjoy a wonderful outdoor experience." On this centennial anniversary year, visitors can explore a new trail that takes them above the gorge, passing an old-growth tree, a giant pothole, and a vernal pool. New signs that include cave maps, photos, and a timeline offer visitors a window into Lost River's geological history, from its formation to the present day.

We hope to see you up at Lost River again in 2013!


Recent Additions...

Trail Work
We debuted a new trail during the 2011 season! This 150 foot section of boardwalk is located just above Paradise Falls. The new out & back trail takes you high above the river and offers views into the gorge and beyond. As you venture upward, see what an old growth tree looks like and discover a granite pothole created long ago by the whirl pool action of the raging river. Check out the vernal pool at the base of the pothole; you’ll find a variety of flora surviving here including ferns and mosses. You’re not going to want to miss this opportunity to explore more of the natural beauty and ecology Lost River Gorge has to offer!

New Signs
We also revamped our signs! During the 2011 season, we replaced old signs with new signage throughout the gorge including cave maps, photos, and descriptions. In addition, during the 2012 season we expect to complete a timeline near the main entry area that will chronicle the formation of Lost River Gorge with more detailed displays posted around Paradise Falls. Lost River and The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests will also work together to unveil a series of 3-D hands on displays stationed along the Kinsman Notch Ecology Trail. The new signs will provide families and school groups alike an opportunity to learn the natural history and ecology of this unique area.

Lantern Tours
Lost River is astonishing during the day and is a whole new adventure at night!
The caves are lit by lanterns and boardwalks are lit by headlamps (feel free to
bring your own or we will provide one for your use during the tour. We also sell
headlamps in the gift shop). This guided lantern tour takes about 1.5 hours and
begins at approximately 8:00pm. When we are finished exploring, we hope you'll
join us around the campfire for s'mores.

The Lantern tour runs on Saturday nights from mid-June through early September. Please Note: Lantern tours are now over for the 2012 season. Advanced reservations with a valid credit card are required. If you do not show up for your reservation your credit card will be charged the full price of the reservation. A minimum of 5 people are needed to run the tour and the maximum capacity is 20 people. All reservations must be made by 5pm on Friday before the tour by calling 603-745-8031. All cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Rates: $27 per person (ages 4 and up)

* Lantern tours are NOT recommended for children under 5 years of age due to safety concerns.

 

Lost River Weather Tower
What is it?? In 2006 the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT) installed a Road Weather Information System (RWIS) to collect and display data from a network of pavement and atmospheric sensors. The data collected is part of a network that provides up-to-date site-specific weather and pavement conditions throughout the State. Lost River Gorge is very fortunate to host
one of these technological weather stations; you'll find the station located in our upper parking lot.
In 2007, the DOT installed an on site informational display to provide visitors with an opportunity
to learn about the information collected. The latest RWIS atmospheric data collected from Lost
River Gorge is available online at the NH DOT's website. Click here to find out the current weather conditions in Kinsman Notch.

 

Spunky's Photo Contest Details
Here's a chance for your family to win free passes to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves! Spunky is asking you to send your favorite pictures taken at Lost River Gorge- this includes you too kids! Spunky wants to see the interesting things our little Spelunkers capture!

Photos may be current or from a while back. Do you have a picture taken in the 1950's? And again in the 1980's? Perfect! Just send your pictures our way.

Email your photo to caving@lostrivergorge.com. Please tell Spunky a little bit about your visit, the year the picture was taken, who is in the picture, and your address. We'll decide on a winner at the end of the 2013 season. The winner will be posted on our Facebook page and will receive a family pass good for 2 adults and 2 children during the 2014 season. Check back soon for more details!

NOTE: Photos will not be returned. By emailing your photo, you grant Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves the nonexclusive right to store and display the photograph indefinitely on its website or other marketing materials at Lost River's discretion or when warranted.