Lost River Reservation facts for kids
The Lost River Reservation, also known as the Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, is a cool natural area in Woodstock, New Hampshire. It's famous for its amazing boulder caves and a deep gorge. You can find it about 5 miles (8 km) west of North Woodstock in a mountain pass called Kinsman Notch. This notch is a low point between Mount Moosilauke and Kinsman Ridge, sitting almost 2,000 feet (600 meters) above sea level.
Exploring Lost River Gorge
The river here is called the Lost River because it seems to disappear! A small stream that drains the southern part of Kinsman Notch flows into a narrow, steep-sided gorge. This gorge was carved out by glacial ice long ago. Inside, huge granite rocks fill the space. The river then flows *under* these giant rocks, creating a hidden, underground path. Eventually, the water comes back to the surface and joins the Pemigewasset River, which flows south from Franconia Notch.
What You Can See and Do
The Lost River Reservation protects 157 acres (64 hectares) of this unique area. It's owned by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, a group that helps keep New Hampshire's natural places safe. To explore the gorge, there is a small fee. Once inside, you'll find stairs leading down into the gorge. A 3/4-mile (1.2 km) boardwalk guides you along the river's path. Many of the boulder caves are open for you to walk or even crawl through! It's an exciting adventure to see where the river goes.
Besides the main gorge area, the Forest Society also takes care of two free trails on the reservation. These trails are separate from the main gorge and offer more ways to explore the beautiful nature of Kinsman Notch.
