Mt. Flume Hike

We hiked Mt. Flume via Osseo trail. We took the Osseo Trail because Jon had never been on it.

We got to Lincoln Woods lot a little before 8:00am and on trail by 8:15. I expected this would take us about 8 hours if you include breaks plus the book time of 7 hrs. 10 mins. We headed out on the boring Lincoln Woods trail and pretty quickly reached Osseo Trail.

We stopped here long enough for a break then headed out. This is where the beauty started and didn't end until we got back to this spot. Osseo Trail follows and unnamed brook for about 3 miles. Because of the recent heavy rain, the brook became a running river. Along with the high winds much of the color from the trees was stripped and left everything covered in colorful, wet, slippery leaves. We carefully worked our way through the climb and managed to avoid the hazards that are hidden under the leaves – wet roots, wet rocks, and mud.

At first you're level with the brook then you slowly start to gain elevation, and rising above it. At the highest point I'd have to say you're a good 300 feet above it. It was very cool looking down into this steep valley to this beautiful brook.

The forest up to this point was predominantly Birch which is beautiful; however does not provide colorful fall foliage. The grades to this point are very easy and gradual. After about 3 miles the trail starts to get a little steeper but not too bad and very good footing.

At about 4 miles you come to a view which gives you great views of the Bonds. At this point a ladder system starts which gets you through a real steep section pretty easily. Without them it would be much more difficult.

The trail pretty much flattens out after the ladders and starts you on the ridge. We encountered some mud pockets in this area. Rick managed making a face plant into one and cutting up the side of his nose. But it was nothing bad at all. This flat section lulled us into thinking that the climbing was over only to find out there was one more section of steady climbing. At about 11:30 we hit the junction of Flume Slide.

From there it was up to the summit. The Franconia Ridge and western mountains were obscured by clouds however we did get southern and eastern mountain views. Flume has a very cool little summit. We were the only ones on the summit which is about all it can comfortably handle. 

We had an abbreviated lunch because temperatures were in the upper 40's with a 30 mph wind. We got cold quickly. We took a bunch of photos then headed down, loving Osseo Trail all over again. We finished at about 4:00. 

It was another great day in the White Mountains. 

11.2 miles; 3,150 elevation gain [strenuous] 

Mt. Flume is gorgeous with a very cool little summit! We'll be hiking at peak autumn foliage!

When driving thru Franconia Notch on Rt. 93, heading north look to your right and notice the pointed peak farthest south with the huge rock slide visible. That is Mt. Flume. We will hike it from the Kancamagus Highway, Lincoln Woods Visitors center, via the Lincoln Woods trail to the Osseo trail, to avoid the slide. Mount Flume ranks 25th on the list of 48 NH 4000' peaks.

Click Here For More Information: Summit Post Mt. Flume

Distance: A 5.6 mile hike [11.2 roundtrip] using the Osseo Trail is the other popular way to reach Mount Flume, starting from the southeast at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center on the Kancamangus Highway (NH SR-112). From the visitor center take the Lincoln Woods Trail 1.4 miles north before turning west on to the Osseo Trail heading northwest. In 4.1 miles you will reach the junction with the Flume Slide Trail and the Franconia Ridge Trail. Continue north 0.1 miles on the Franconia Ridge Trail to the summit.

Time: 9 hours

Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet

This is a dog-friendly hike.

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool, share the conversation and travel expenses. Contact us if you want to carpool with us from Exit 28.

Cell Phone #: Will be provided to participants in an email.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

After The Hike: We'll either have a BBQ or order out for pizza back at my house in Waterville Valley so bring a change of clothes. I have lots of towels and everyone can take showers to clean up.  

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for both Friday and Saturday nights at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 [each night]. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.