Lost River Reservation

Lost River Reservation is a protected area in the White Mountains covering roughly 157 acres. A mile-long boardwalk winds through a gorge with high granite walls and large boulder formations, offering access to eleven caves via stairs and wooden walkways that guide visitors safely through the landscape.

The area once supported nineteenth-century logging operations, with a mill site and water wheel still standing as traces of that industrial past. These structures show how the river's power was harnessed for early manufacturing activities in the region.

The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests manages this area to connect people with the natural world through hands-on experience. You can see how the organization's work keeps the space accessible while protecting the landscape from damage.

The boardwalk and stairs are designed for straightforward access to the caves and river views throughout the gorge. The pathways are well-maintained, but keep in mind the gorge can be damp and narrow in places, especially during or after rain.

The river loses its name because it vanishes underground through narrow cracks between enormous granite blocks before rejoining the Pemigewasset River. This disappearing and reappearing of water is a geological oddity that sets the place apart from typical river valleys.