Trailspotting Hiking California, New Hampshire and More

Mts. Flume & Liberty, Lincoln NH

• 5-star hikes
• 7 to 10 mile options
• Moderate & Hard | Gain 3,160 to 4,140 feet
• Lincoln, NH | White Mountains
. NH4K T25

A lone hiker stands triumphantly atop a jagged rocky outcrop, silhouetted against a vast mountainous panorama. Below, a sweeping valley unfurls in layers of densely forested hills, ablaze with autumn colors—fiery oranges, golden yellows, and deep greens. The crisp blue sky overhead is streaked with wispy clouds, suggesting a brisk, clear day. The elevated vantage point emphasizes the dramatic scale of the landscape and evokes a sense of solitude, accomplishment, and seasonal transition.

Hiker summits Mount Liberty's 4,459 foot peak.

The 4,000-foot New Hampshire White Mountain peaks of Mount Liberty and Mount Flume form part of Franconia Notch's eastern flanks, and offer some of the best hiking and most spectacular views in the state. Adjacent to the wildly popular Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Loop, here you'll also find quieter trails and a much better chance of securing trailhead parking.

We recommend the counterclockwise loop that climbs the notorious Flume Slide Trail. Though the Flume Slide involves a section of terrain that is more difficult to hike than the Liberty Spring Trail, it is more enjoyable, shortens the hike to Mount Flume slightly, and reduces total elevation gain by approximately 500 feet.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Flume Slide & Liberty Spring 9.1 mi loop, hard, gain 3,650ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions* GPX?

⬤ 4★ Liberty Spring, Mts Liberty & Flume 9.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 4,140 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions*

⬤ Osseo Trail (Y) 10.1 mi out & back, gain 3,160 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions**

P *Free parking $ **Paid WMNF parking Y Yet to review

Hiking Liberty Spring Trail or Flume Slide Trail begins at the moderately sized Liberty Springs Trailhead parking lot. Don't worry if the lot is full, as you can also park at the nearby Flume Gorge Visitor Center. Follow a section of the Pemi Trail northward, crossing a trail bridge over the Pemigewasset River before beginning the Liberty Spring Trail. The junction that marks the start of Flume Slide Trail is around half a mile along the Liberty Spring Trail.

⬤ Flume Slide & Liberty Spring Loop
Fun, challenging trail. Excellent views.
Flume Slide Trail begins with a long, gentle woodland trek with only a marginal incline. Only once you are about 4 miles from the parking lot does the trail begin to get steeper and rockier. The final steep section of trail leading to the summit requires clambering over some large boulders and granite slabs, with plenty of hand and foot-holds to help you on your way. Flume Slide may be a workout but it is far from a technical challenge in dry conditions. Almost anyone who can tackle the Liberty Spring Trail can conquer this route. The Flume Slide will by more difficult in wet conditions, but still passable with considerable care.

A shallow, rocky stream winds through a dense forest of mixed deciduous and evergreen trees. The trees display early autumn colors—greens, yellows, and light oranges—while sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light on the water and forest floor. Smooth stones and larger boulders line the stream’s edge and scatter throughout the watercourse. A large, leaning tree with arching branches extends over the stream from the left, partially shading the clear water below. The background shows the stream narrowing into the distance, surrounded by tall, slender trunks and layers of foliage under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

View from Pemigewasset River bridge, leading to Liberty Spring Trail.

The entire Flume Slide Trail is under tree cover, but once you reach the Franconia Ridge Trail, you can marvel at the stunning mountain scenery. Follow the Franconia Ridge Trail north to the taller Mount Liberty, remembering to look back and appreciate the steepness of the climb you just conquered.

Returning down the Liberty Spring Trail is an unremarkable journey, but the trail maintains a moderate incline with no difficult descents. The Flume Slide and Liberty Spring Loop should be tackled in a counterclockwise direction, to avoid descending the Flume Slide which is a much more difficult experience.

A steep, rugged mountain trail climbs upward through a dense forest of evergreen and birch trees. The ground is dominated by large, angular boulders and uneven slabs of rock, forming a natural staircase that looks challenging to navigate. Loose stones and scattered autumn leaves fill the gaps between rocks. The trees on either side lean slightly inward, their trunks thin and tall, with branches forming a canopy that filters the light. Patches of sunlight illuminate parts of the rocky slope, highlighting the rough texture of the stones and the faint traces of moss and lichen. The trail disappears into the forest above, giving a sense of incline and effort required to ascend.

Large angular boulders and slabs on the steep Flume Slide.

⬤ Liberty Spring, Mts Liberty & Flume
Both peaks without a difficult section.
An out-and-back approach to the two peaks via Liberty Spring Trail provides a steadier, more traditional ascent without the scrambling of Flume Slide. There's also a designated tent camping area along the trail for those interested in an overnight option.

The out-and-back trail to just Mount Liberty is 7.3 miles long with 3,190 feet of elevation gain, but you'll be missing out on the best part - the views from the Franconia Ridge Trail between Liberty and Flume summits. The main advantage to this route over the Flume Slide loop - aside from avoiding the more difficult terrain - is that on this out-and-back route you get to enjoy the superlative views twice.

A panoramic mountain vista shows a rugged ridgeline covered with dense evergreen forest leading to a rocky summit. In the center, a hiker stands on exposed granite near the peak, surrounded by low alpine trees shaped by wind. The ridge drops sharply to the right, revealing steep cliffs and a vast valley below filled with autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and green. Layers of rolling mountains stretch into the distance beneath a bright blue sky streaked with thin, wispy clouds. The lighting is clear and crisp, suggesting a cool, calm day with excellent visibility across the expansive mountain range.

Superlative views reward Flume Slide hikers.

⬤ Osseo Trail
Yet to hike this Terrifying 25 trail.
For those seeking only Mount Flume, the Osseo Trail offers an alternative starting from Lincoln Woods Visitor Center on the Kancamagus Highway. You'll hike along the Pemigewasset River on Lincoln Woods Trail before turning onto Osseo Trail. The Osseo ascent is steep but avoids the exposed scrambling of Flume Slide Trail. This route approaches from the southeast and provides access to the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The out-and-back nature means what goes up must come down the same way.

NH 4,000ft New Hampshire 4,000 Footers See all the peaks combined onto a single map. We also show the shortest hiking routes to each summit, with links to our trail reviews and route navigation.

Terrifying 25 New Hampshire Terrifying 25 The most challenging trails in New Hampshire's White Mountains, providing heart-pumping experiences and superlative views.