Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
4.5
About
The Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves is an adventure that combines the beauty and mysteries of nature with the excitement of discovery! A ¾ mile boardwalk is your path through the gorge. Your journey can be as easy or as ambitious as you choose: you may remain on the boardwalk, or accept the challenge of exploring the boulder caves. Sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing are recommended and no strollers are allowed in the gorge. The journey begins with a short walk descending approximately 300 feet along the entrance trail. The first stop from the trail is a viewing platform with great views of the gorge. From there, you enter the gorge and meet your first cave, The Sun Altar.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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- Connector211607Abington, Massachusetts21 contributionsExcellentThis was an excellent adventure. All the kids loved it (age ranges 10-13). I was surprised how much fun it was. Took about 3 hours total. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty , some times you have to crawl/shimmy on your stomach to get through the caves. (They can all be bypassed if you don’t want to do one .) would definitely go backVisited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 29, 2023
- Harry LNew England34 contributionsSeems like a lot of money for a hikeTo be honest we didn't actually do the gorge and caves as $26 pp (on-site price) was more than we wanted to pay. The "30 minute" free walk in early June was nice as there were many flowering plants along the path. We expected to see interpretive explanations along the way. There were none but maybe we needed to pick up something in the office. If we needed to download, our cell service was useless, which isn't to blame them as it is in the mountains but just a fact.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 4, 2023
- Jacky GFoxborough, Massachusetts15 contributionsGood family outing!Fun times! All caves and tight spaces are optional. Great for kids. Great on a hot day because the forest and waterfalls create a sort of air conditioning. An active Papa made it no problem by bypassing the caves and my 8 year old thought the caves were awesome (as did I).Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 8, 2023
- ProfMikeSRaynham, Massachusetts61 contributionsAdventurous Walking TourThe self guided tour at Lost River is an absolute must see especially for nature lovers. I’m not a nature lover but I was in awe with how they set the entire path throughout all the breathtaking sights! The entire wooden rail (which is extraordinary craftsmanship in its own right) is sealed so you don’t have to worry about your little ones or anybody else getting splinters. There are 11 caves and I was able to weasel my way out most of them with my 7yo and 5yo boys but there was a cave that Houdini himself couldn’t find his way out if given the chance! If you can get through the “Lemon Squeezer” then mad props to you! I’m about 5’10/185 and was able to maneuver through the caves with some friction. Be sure to buy tickets online as you’ll save $3 per person. Also make sure you bring insect repellent as we had to shell out 10 bucks for some at the gift shop. Wear comfortable clothes especially the ones that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty if you plan to go through all the caves!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 13, 2023
- Rebecca C1 contributionWe’ll definitely be back!This place was great! I don’t know how we’ve never visited here. My two boys (10&8) loved it! We came after we had gotten lots of rain so the water was really rushing through the gorge, it was awesome! Because of the rain some of the caves were closed, but that’s ok, it gives us a reason to come back.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 17, 2023
- Marina D4 contributionsLove itNice place to go alone or with family. My kids loved the cave experience, especially the lemon squeezy one. One word of caution though, if there’s been heavy rains or rainy season in general, some caves will be blocked off due to flooding. Also, great place for taking photos and enjoying NH scenery.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 18, 2023
- jdean12345Hanson, Massachusetts75 contributionsGreat hike and sceneryThis place is amazing and so many spectacular views! The caves can be tricky but it is great that you have the option to bypass and use the walkways. Maintained beautifully and great exercise! Hadn’t been here for at least 10 years - still a lovely place to visitVisited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 25, 2023
- Diana B1 contributionCave exploring at its best! Great for kids.Great family day trip! We are from NH and love exploring our little state. We brought some family friends this time and had a fun day exploring the caves. The day was hot but the shade of the trees and the waterfalls and caves made it so much cooler. The kids loved it. Would totally recommend and will be back next year! Went to a late lunch at Woodstock Inn, only 8 minutes from the Lost River.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2023
- Jess I13 contributionsFun for familyThis place is beautiful and well maintained. This is ideal for children 4/5 years or older. My niece and nephew had a blast going through the caves. Warning: There are a lot of stairs and carrying little ones can get exhausting. I will definitely be going back once my children are old enough to do the caves too!Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 7, 2023
- JGM418Buffalo, New York107 contributionsA cool place to visit!Great place to visit! We are an older group but made it through at our own pace. Yes, lots of stairs and we did go on a cooler day which was helpful. Some did crawl through the caves and the photo opportunities were wonderful. People of all ages were visiting too. We did purchase tickets ahead of time since we were a group of ten but tickets were available on site that day. A must do if in the area!Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
734 reviews
Excellent
530
Very good
158
Average
27
Poor
11
Terrible
8
rayroy
Boardman, OH1,528 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This was a fun hike through the woods You're on a wooden walkway the entire time. It's very easy and you can't get lost. There are a lot of stairs they say there's over a thousand. It took us about an hour and a half to complete the walk but the views the scenery and just the nature was amazing. We would definitely do this again
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy F
14 contributions
Aug 2020
Hadn't been here for about 18 years, and it's just as enjoyable as we remembered. Last time we came our children were young and loved the caves...this time they are young adults and the caves were still their favorite part of the outing! We appreciated the hard work that is evident in the new treehouse section and the continued updates on the existing trail. It is obvious that great care is taken to keep the trail safe and fun for all. We would highly recommend a visit to Lost River for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Good sturdy walking shoes are a must, and plan for slightly wet steps/boardwalks and lots of stair climbing!
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LostinBohol
Concord, NH209 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
I have lived in NH for all of my 57 years and have seen many advertisements for Lost River in my life. I’m sorry to say that this was my first visit here, as we look for closer places to enjoy during the Covid Pandemic.
I wish we had brought our children here when they were young, having visited many of the other tourist spots in NH over the years.
This is a great hike for families and couples, with many, many spots for pictures. My wife and I spent 1/2 our time hiking and the other half talking tons of pictures. It was a weekday , so there wasn’t lots of people around lunch time when we went. The walkways are solid and very well maintained .
Reservations were required .
We will be back!
I wish we had brought our children here when they were young, having visited many of the other tourist spots in NH over the years.
This is a great hike for families and couples, with many, many spots for pictures. My wife and I spent 1/2 our time hiking and the other half talking tons of pictures. It was a weekday , so there wasn’t lots of people around lunch time when we went. The walkways are solid and very well maintained .
Reservations were required .
We will be back!
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben J
9 contributions
Aug 2021
This place is loads of fun. You start at the top of a ravine and then wander down on a very extensive network of boardwalks, stairs and caves. The kids loved crawling through all the tight spots. I even went through the lemon squeeze but wondered once in if I would make it through. The scenery is very interesting with a mix of falling water, and lush vegetation. Highly recommend.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika K
Westford, MA19 contributions
Sep 2021
This is both a beautiful area AND super fun if you enjoy climbing through small caves and boulders. I went with my adult son and we had a blast. We went in the middle of the week and even though it was a beautiful day we had the place practically to ourselves. I very much enjoyed the experience for the fun we had, for the beauty of the area, for the interesting placards, and for the care they've taken to maintain the infrastructure and paths. The entire route uses boardwalks so that our feet aren't hurting the land we're enjoying. All the caves can be skirted for those who only want to accompany the cave explorers, although I highly recommend doing the caves so long as you're somewhat limber, adventurous, and non-claustrophobic.
Also there are a couple of additional nature paths (also boardwalks) that are worth the extra time. We had a fantastic time and would go back.
Also there are a couple of additional nature paths (also boardwalks) that are worth the extra time. We had a fantastic time and would go back.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmbtravel
Halifax, MA37 contributions
Oct 2020
This one mile walk is full of exciting experiences, and spectacular views. We visited this past weekend with our grandchildren and they had a blast climbing through the caves and seeing all the water falls. This is a must do on your vacation.
Only $20 per person definitely worth it.
Only $20 per person definitely worth it.
Written October 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ProfMikeS
Raynham, MA61 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
The self guided tour at Lost River is an absolute must see especially for nature lovers. I’m not a nature lover but I was in awe with how they set the entire path throughout all the breathtaking sights! The entire wooden rail (which is extraordinary craftsmanship in its own right) is sealed so you don’t have to worry about your little ones or anybody else getting splinters.
There are 11 caves and I was able to weasel my way out most of them with my 7yo and 5yo boys but there was a cave that Houdini himself couldn’t find his way out if given the chance! If you can get through the “Lemon Squeezer” then mad props to you! I’m about 5’10/185 and was able to maneuver through the caves with some friction.
Be sure to buy tickets online as you’ll save $3 per person. Also make sure you bring insect repellent as we had to shell out 10 bucks for some at the gift shop. Wear comfortable clothes especially the ones that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty if you plan to go through all the caves!
There are 11 caves and I was able to weasel my way out most of them with my 7yo and 5yo boys but there was a cave that Houdini himself couldn’t find his way out if given the chance! If you can get through the “Lemon Squeezer” then mad props to you! I’m about 5’10/185 and was able to maneuver through the caves with some friction.
Be sure to buy tickets online as you’ll save $3 per person. Also make sure you bring insect repellent as we had to shell out 10 bucks for some at the gift shop. Wear comfortable clothes especially the ones that you don’t mind getting wet and dirty if you plan to go through all the caves!
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VoyagerZ5533OA
25 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We went as a small group (age ranging from 8 to 68 years old) and had a fantastic time! The place is beautiful and it is impossible to not marvel at what nature has done over the years.
In terms of difficulty, there are lots of stairs but there are also benches if you need a rest. We did all the caves, which were awesome, though some were a bit harder / impossible for the 60+ year olds. The lemon squeezer has a "sizer" outside its entrance (similar to those at the airport to know if your luggage is small enough to be a carry-on), which I think is brilliant. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether you should skip this one. There were also multiple first-aid kits along the way for crawlers who get scrapes. I would definitely wear pants for added protection, and hiking boots for better gripping.
Together, I think it took us about 2+ hours to see, do, and read everything, including the nature garden at the end. The older folks then left, then my partner, son, and I went one more time because kiddo wanted to do the caves again. Without stopping for views but doing all the caves, the journey took us 28 minutes.
In terms of difficulty, there are lots of stairs but there are also benches if you need a rest. We did all the caves, which were awesome, though some were a bit harder / impossible for the 60+ year olds. The lemon squeezer has a "sizer" outside its entrance (similar to those at the airport to know if your luggage is small enough to be a carry-on), which I think is brilliant. That way, you can make an informed decision about whether you should skip this one. There were also multiple first-aid kits along the way for crawlers who get scrapes. I would definitely wear pants for added protection, and hiking boots for better gripping.
Together, I think it took us about 2+ hours to see, do, and read everything, including the nature garden at the end. The older folks then left, then my partner, son, and I went one more time because kiddo wanted to do the caves again. Without stopping for views but doing all the caves, the journey took us 28 minutes.
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hawaiianskirt
Kenilworth, NJ327 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Went here with my 8 year old twins. It was fabulous!! The hike was great and the water beautiful. My kids loved the tons of caves to crawl in and out of. I recommend going later in the day. It was a little bit of a pain waiting for people in front to move through but we loved that there was hand sanitizer throughout the park. This was one of my favorite stops on my NH trip. I felt like this was suitable for all fitness levels.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JGM418
Buffalo, NY107 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Great place to visit! We are an older group but made it through at our own pace. Yes, lots of stairs and we did go on a cooler day which was helpful. Some did crawl through the caves and the photo opportunities were wonderful. People of all ages were visiting too. We did purchase tickets ahead of time since we were a group of ten but tickets were available on site that day. A must do if in the area!
Written August 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
americanpatriot73
54 contributions
I was wondering, even though all these NH areas have people visiting frequently, if I need to be concerned with bears? I am curious about each of them, such as Diana's Baths, the Gorge, etc, etc. Ty for a reply
Patricia B
Cicero, NY90 contributions
This is in Woodstock, VT, not NH. We passed it on our way to NH. It was pouring or we would have stopped
Sabine W
Shawnee, KS241 contributions
It is in NH. I live about an hour away from there.
TAN
7 contributions
What is the difficulty level of the stairs? Are they steep? How many at a time_?
bobaloo000
Jackson, NJ231 contributions
My wife and I are in mid and late 50's and I have bone spurs that makes walking painful, but we were both easily able to handle these stairs.
Aracelis E
Springfield, MA1 contribution
Is it now a good season to visit?
Michelle O
Raymond, NH115 contributions
Unfortunately it is seasonal so they are closed.
Linda G
Portsmouth, NH
Can you bring your own lunch and is there tables to use
Dizneylvr1971_10
Butler, PA240 contributions
Yes and yes. There are tables right outside the visitor center.
Dave P
4 contributions
Do you have to go through the caves to stay on
the trail?How long is the trail?
sherrylyn5
109 contributions
No you do not have to explore the caves. There is a wooden platform that follows the trail. The loop is approximately 0.6 miles long. We spent about 2 hours exploring the trail. Wear comfortable shoes/sneakers.
fmcgrathjr
Ocala, FL
What is the cost?
Balkin25
Seabrook, NH183 contributions
I went in as a solo adult and it cost me $21.00, i do not recall what the prices for children where.
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Claim your listingLost River Gorge and Boulder Caves - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
- Hotels near Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves:
- (0.93 mi) Lost River Valley Campground
- (3.39 mi) Woodstock Inn Brewery
- (4.34 mi) Profile Motel & Cottages
- (3.43 mi) The Wilderness Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (4.37 mi) Mt. Coolidge Motel
- Restaurants near Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves:
- (4.99 mi) Black Mtn Burger Co.
- (4.47 mi) Flapjack's Pancake House
- (4.35 mi) Gypsy Cafe
- (4.42 mi) La Vista Italian Restaurant
- (3.68 mi) Arnolds Wayside Diner
- Attractions near Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves:
- (4.06 mi) Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation
- (4.39 mi) Seven Birches Winery
- (4.30 mi) Out Back Kayak
- (3.74 mi) Clark's Bears
- (4.80 mi) SledVentures Snowmobile Rentals and Tours
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves Information
Excellent Reviews | 530 |
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Very Good Reviews | 158 |
Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves Photos | 661 |